History
Komodo company grew out of an epic travel adventure done by the founder's sister, Mark Bloom also known as Joe Komodo, back in 1988. Inspired by a box of clothes that she sent him from her travels in Bali, Mark set up the label in north London. The music festival scene of the late 80s and early 90s was also key to Komodo's inception. Mark Bloom says : 'It was the early days of acid house, and I had a market shop in Islington and a big circle of mates. Komodo really flew in on the back of the magic carpet that was the house music scene. Back in the 80s we had no world wide web - just the fax machine! The consumers we met back then came to see us at Glastonbury or Womad, or at The Clothes Show Live, or London Fashion Weekend. They were amazing events and people loved to come along and engage with us and try out new styles. Now the focus has swung to online, but I think that over time consumers will miss the contact with brands - we certainly miss them.' From its inception Komodo used organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, tencel and other natural fibres in their garments.
Today, the brand is considered an important example of the UK's ethical fashion scene. In comparison with the small-scale businesses that comprise much of the sustainable clothing industry, Komodo is a major player with a multinational supply chain, trading with factories in Nepal, Indonesia, China and Turkey.
Developments for 2019 include plans to introduce waterproof Tencel and expand Komodo's vegan knitwear line. Komodo also plans to open their first European flagship store in Hamburg, Germany at the end of the month (31st October 2019).
Sustainability
Komodo uses premium quality organic, natural and eco fibres and is also researching innovative fabrics such as green PU coating and recycled PET, from plastic bottles. Most of their products are vegan and all are cruelty free. They are committed to reducing single use plastic in their supply chain to zero. Komodo is GOTS certified and a member of the soil association.
The brand works closely with their factories to ensure the clothes are produced in a safe working environment where all workers are guaranteed a fair wage. They mostly operate with partners in Kathmandu and Java in family run factories, and a solar-powered knitwear factory in Nepal. The brand is involved with local communities and supports local important social projects. It also donates to charities like the Orangutan Sumatran Society, the Tibet Relief Fund, the Sunrise Orphanage in Kathmandu and is part of the 1% for the Planet initiative.
Animals
Komodo's environment rating is 'good'. It uses a medium proportion of eco-friendly materials including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton. It uses renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact. Its use of eco-friendly materials limits the amount of chemicals, water and wastewater used in production.
Its labour rating is 'it's a start'. It has a Code of Conduct that covers all of the ILO Four Fundamental Freedoms principles. It sources its final stage of production from countries with extreme risk of labour abuse. It traces most of its supply chain. It ensures payment of a living wage in some of its supply chain but does not specify what percentage. It audits some of its suppliers including all of the final stage of production.
Its animal rating is 'good'. It does not use fur, leather, down, exotic animal skin or angora. It states that it sources wool from non-mulesed sheep. It uses exotic animal hair. Komodo is rated 'Good' overall.