NIKIN
“Tree by Tree", one tree after the other. NIKIN´s slogan symbolizes their goal and philosophy: “A single tree doesn't change the world overnight, but by planting tree by tree we can make the world a greener place.” So, for each product sold, NIKIN gives a certain amount to reforestation projects around the world, which are regularly organized by partner OneTreePlanted (OTP). The trees are planted in places where they previously disappeared for various reasons, such as agriculture, the timber industry, habitat or natural events (forest fire, drought, ...).
In winter 2016 the Swiss fashion and lifestyle brand was founded in Lenzburg, Switzerland by Nicholas Hänny and Robin Gnehm, two business and industrial design students who know each other since their early childhood. The two former scouts and skaters had wanted to start a joint project for a long time, which came to fruition with the launch of NIKIN.
Their vision was a fashion label with an ecological impact. Robin, who had just returned to Switzerland from a trip through the vast forests of Canada, designed a logo that, as it turned out shortly afterwards, was a hit with the public. After the start, when the orders piled up shortly before Christmas, the two quickly realized that they could no longer handle this alone. With Lester and Jeffrey, Robin's two brothers, reinforcements in the areas of logistics and communication were brought on board. The NIKIN team has always remained this family feeling, which is certainly one of the reasons for its success. The entire NIKIN family is always there to help and support wherever they can. Every new member of the team is carefully assessed beforehand to determine whether they will fit into the team - and the character plays just as important a role as their skills. Now the team counts with around 20 people who have roots in Europe, South America and Asia.
NIKIN not only stands for sustainability in fashion, but also tries to implement the most sustainable practices internally. Almost everything is separated and recycled - plastic, paper, glass and aluminum are carefully separated and disposed of appropriately. There is a compost system, in which biodegradable residues are broken down into soil. As they do in nature, earthworms break down the organic residues and create wonderful natural fertilizers. Water from the tap is used so there is no need for water filled PET bottles. Each new team member receives their own reusable TreeBottle on the first day of work.
If a customer would like to exchange a product they have ordered from NIKIN, they are welcome to do so - but the returns do not just end up in the trash, as with other providers. Returned goods go to the outlet, with regular outlet sales, where products are offered at discounted prices.
For NIKIN, sustainability doesn't end with the trees. NIKIN wants to be a role model for many other companies, so they are committed to the longest possible durability of their products. At the same time, it is important to use recycled and environmentally friendly materials:
Organic cotton. Organic cotton is produced according to the guidelines of organic farming. In contrast to conventional cotton cultivation, the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers is prohibited. Organic cotton is grown alternately with other types of plants. These different crop rotations help to maintain the natural soil fertility. This also reduces the susceptibility to plant diseases and pests. Sowing other plants at the same time also avoids the unnecessary use of splashes. In East Africa, for example, sunflowers are planted around the cotton fields, which attract one of the main pests of cotton. Instead of artificial fertilizers, farmers use manure and compost. This increases the humus content of the soil, which can store more water and CO2. In addition, the susceptibility to erosion is reduced. NIKIN´s organic cotton is grown as close as possible to the textile industry - only Turkish organic cotton is used for their Turkish textiles. In addition, the production is certified by GOTS.
Bamboo. The material bamboo is one of the most stable materials that grows naturally. In addition, it is particularly sustainable as the plant grows extremely quickly. Currently bamboo materials are bought from Asia because the bamboo grows locally and wild.
Recycled polyester. Polyester isn't exactly known for its sustainability. However, polyester is still one of the most durable materials in the textile industry. However, the durability / longevity of a cotton-polyester mixture is sustainable again if you consider its life cycle assessment over 5-10 years. By using recycled polyester, we can ensure that our products retain our quality for longer.
Piñatex. Piñatex is a leather alternative made from the remains of pineapple. The raw material is a by-product of the pineapple harvest. The use of pineapple leaf fiber, an agricultural waste product, offers the opportunity to build a scalable commercial industry for developing agricultural communities with minimal environmental impact.
Stainless steel. Only stainless steel is used for NIKIN´s drinking bottles. Stainless steel is sustainable because it is very stable and can be used over and over again over a longer period of time.
Tree-free paper. It would make little sense if a tree is planted but at the same time one is felled for the tree certificate. NIKIN´s certificates are a by-product of the sugar cane industry. Now one can ask why sending a certificate at all. On the one hand, with the certificate NIKIN wants to give their customers a personal understanding of the importance of planting trees. On the other hand, NIKIN wants to inspire them that there are also more sustainable types of paper. All other operations are as paper-free as possible: invoices and other messages are sent exclusively by email and can therefore largely do without paper.
Also when it comes to packaging, NIKIN strives to minimize the waste of resources in daily operations. Therefore, if possible, old used boxes from returns are reused as a packaging alternative. In addition, whenever possible, no additional filling material is added to the packaging. The products are not delivered packaged in plastic and there is no advertising in the packages. In addition, the shipping packaging is made of FSC-certified and recycled paper and adhesive paper tape is used. The FSC logo shows the consumer that the paper is made from wood from sustainable forestry.
Almost all NIKIN products are now made fairly in Europe. A close relationship with the manufacturers is important to NIKIN. That is why there is always direct contact with them and there are no intermediaries. When time permits, the NIKIN team tries to visit the manufacturers personally. These manufacturers need to be of the same high quality as NIKIN requirements. So, the textile production in Istanbul (Turkey) was expressly certified by "GOTS" at our request.
NIKIN´s reforestation efforts are done in close collaboration with OneTreePlanted (OTP). This renowned American environmental organization plans and carries out tree-planting campaigns several times a year. In addition, NIKIN works with the Swiss non-profit organization “Borneo Orangutan Survival Switzerland”, which is actively committed to protecting the endangered orangutan population in Borneo and plants a tree in Indonesia for every “Treeanie Coal” sold.
Based: Lenzburg, Switzerland.
Ships to: Worldwide.
Products: Clothing, swimwear, accessories (headwear, bags, bottles, belts, gloves etc.).
Mission: To make the world a greener place – tree by tree, step by step – by planting a tree for every product sold.
Vision: Our vision is to not only inspire individuals but also other companies to be more sustainable and to give back to nature.
