Responsiblility

Miyako is committed to taking steps with every collection towards more considered, sustainable design. 

Currently, we have three key areas of focus:

1. Using organic and recycled materials where possible.
2. Reducing plastic in our supply chain.
3. Providing transparency of our manufacturing process. 

 

 

ORGANIC COTTON

Our cotton lingerie and loungewear is crafted from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. 

Currently, only 1% of the world’s cotton is produced organically. We are very proud to be using cotton with a lower environmental impact.

There are many benefits to working with organic cotton. 

These include supporting more sustainable farming practices, reducing water consumption and improving transparency and traceability of production.

No harmful chemicals

Regular cotton uses up to 46 different chemicals in the growing process, with five of those chemicals considered ‘extremely hazardous’. 

Additional chemicals are also required for the production process of regular cotton.

GOTS certified organic cotton is grown using natural seeds in chemical-free, rich soil, rather than seeds that are genetically modified.

GOTS certified organic cotton is then processed using advanced methods that utilise natural enzymes.

Growing organic cotton has an overall lower impact on the environment and produces 46% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This is achieved by not using nitrous dioxide-releasing fertilisers and pesticides, and using fewer mechanised farming practices. By being fertiliser-free and pesticide-free, the soil acts as a ‘carbon sink’, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Less water

Organic cotton requires 91% less water and 62% less energy than regular cotton for its production. 

Organic cotton also reduces levels of water pollution by 98%. Any wastewater that is produced is treated in a functional wastewater treatment plant. 

Transparency

From processing, to manufacturing - every step of GOTS certified organic cotton production is closely monitored to ensure requirements are met for all chemical inputs. 

GOTS also regulates ethical social standards in production. Workers are paid a proper wage and enjoy fair working conditions. There is zero tolerance of child labour.

 

RECYCLED POLYESTER

Our new ready-to-wear dress, the Catalina Mini is sustainably made from GOTS certified organic cotton (the same organic cotton used for our lingerie and loungewear) and recycled polyester. 

The yarn composition is 72% organic cotton and 28% recycled polyester, which is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Recycled polyester is made by melting down existing plastic and re-spinning it into new fibres. 

There are many benefits to working with recycled polyester.

These include reducing the volume of plastics which end up in landfill and the ocean, and reducing the amount of energy, crude oil and gas required to produce garments.

A second life for plastic

Recycled polyester gives a second life to plastic that would otherwise end up in landfill or the ocean. 

As plastic is not a biodegradable material, it causes substantial harm to the natural environment if not repurposed.

Recycling plastic to make polyester reduces the amount of plastic which ends up in landfill, and reduces the likelihood of plastic incineration which releases toxic gases into the atmosphere. 

Less energy, crude oil and gas

Recycled polyester takes 59% less energy to produce than virgin polyester.

It is estimated this reduces carbon emissions by 32%. Using recycled polyester also lessens dependance on petroleum as a source of raw materials for virgin polyester.

We continue to educate ourselves, and adapt our designs as sustainable textiles and practices improve. 

 

PLASTIC REDUCTION

We work closely with our suppliers and manufacturers to limit plastic in our supply chain.

So far, we have achieved the following:

1. Replaced single-use plastic garment bags with biodegradable compostable bags, which contain no petrochemicals. 
2. Sourced compostable hygiene stickers, made from commercially compostable adhesive & wood pulp.
3. Sourced 100% compostable, zero waste shipping satchels. 
4. Produced cotton garment bags for all garments to be delivered to customers.
5. Improved our production and dispatch processes to be able to pass zero soft plastics onto our customers.

 

MANUFACTURING

Our garments are made by trusted manufacturers in Indonesia and Hong Kong, with the majority of styles manufactured in Bali.

Partnering with a Balinese manufacturer close to home in Australia allows us greater visibility and involvement in the production process.

The manufacturing business is family owned and has been in operation for more than 10 years. We enjoy close working relationships with the team, from concept development and sampling, through to final delivery.

With our stock managed from Perth, we are able to reduce the distance our bulk deliveries must travel to arrive in Australia.

Our manufacturers in Hong Kong are a highly reputable operation with over 20 years experience, specialising in knitwear crafted from sustainable and recyclable materials.

Our manufacturers support our sustainability ethos, permitting smaller order volumes to reduce wastage from overproduction. They also practice diligent quality control prior to shipping, to ensure all garments are finished to a high standard, reducing wastage resulting from faulty garments.

We are currently working with our manufacturers to determine how best to upcycle our fabric off-cuts to further minimise wastage.