Kowtow

Values

Founding Story

Kowtow was founded in 2006 by Gosia Piatek, who came to New Zealand as a young girl after her family left Poland as political asylum refugees. Watching her parents chase their dreams and overcome adversity inspired Gosia to create a brand that aligned with her values.

From the start, Gosia threaded her values in the business, using certified Fairtrade organic cotton, choosing ethical production partners, and working toward a circular design process.

For Gosia, sustainability and ethical production are lifelong pursuits that require constant growth and improvement. Through her work at Kowtow, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their values and make a positive impact on the world.

“We are here to disrupt the industry! Not only the clothing industry, but how businesses in general can be run differently.” - Gosia Piatek

Fair Labour Commitments

Since their inception in 2006, Kowtow has been Fairtrade-certified, working with Fairtrade-certified partners throughout their supply chain. 

From Fairtrade-certified cotton farmers to mills and manufacturers, they trace every part of their process from seed to garment. They have also maintained close partnerships with the same manufacturers in India over the years and visit them regularly.

Their supply chain is audited and certified by the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation International (FLO).

All their organic cotton collections are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, which considers working conditions in supply chain production, based on international labour organisation standards such as the right to fair wages, unions and safe working conditions.

Environmental Commitments

Kowtow have made massive strides in their environmental impact. Most recently, they have eliminated all plastic from their clothing, even if that meant stopping production on their swimwear made from recycled fishing nets and elastane leggings.

They have also swapped plastic materials in waistbands and inside shirt collars with certified organic cotton instead. Kowtow is committed to using natural components for every single part of a garment, from the agoya shell buttons to nickel-free metal tacks. 

All their organic cotton uses Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) approved inks and dyes and their textiles and trims meet the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. 

Kowtow offers a free Repair Programme to extend the life of their garments. They want their customers to think beyond simply purchasing a product and realise their garments are made by people and can last if cared for. 

They also offer a Take-Back programme. These garments will become part of their research and development phase to close the circular design loop. Kowtow are investigating the most innovative recycling techniques to keep Kowtow garments out of landfill.

Community Commitments

In May 2022, Kowtow became a certified B Corporation, joining a global movement which aims to change our economic system to balance profit with purpose. B Lab, a not-for-profit organisation, runs a robust assessment every three years, measuring impact across five areas it believes are the basis for good business: governance, workers, environment, customers and community.

Kowtow has worked closely with Koha Apparel, a registered charity that seeks to uplift marginalised Kiwis with clean, quality clothing. 

Kowtow have been committed to paying our people Living Wage for some time. Becoming formally accredited was a key goal in their Sustainability Strategy, and were pleased to achieve this in 2023.

Dive Deeper

Transparent Manufacturing
Plastic-free
Sustainability Strategy
Impact Report