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Kokolu

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Overall Rating: 

Top Choice

Location:

USA

about the brand

Kokolu, a certified B Corporation founded in 2018, is dedicated to creating eco-friendly footwear and lifestyle products using recycled and plant-based materials.

certifications

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Kokolu

Brand Rating & Evaluation

Overall Rating: 

Top Choice

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Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate

The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. These are a few factors influencing this brand's score:

sustainability practices

Kokolu utilizes a variety of innovative materials and technologies to enhance sustainability. Their products are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastics, such as PET from bottles, which are used in sneaker uppers and laces, as well as GreenKSole®, a blend of recycled and natural rubber for durability and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, Kokolu employs 3D knitting technology, which minimizes waste by precisely crafting the shoe’s structure without excessive offcuts. This production method also reduces energy consumption compared to traditional manufacturing, aligning with Kokolu’s goals of resource efficiency.


Dyeing processes are another area where Kokolu reduces environmental strain. They use dope dyeing technology, which incorporates color during the fiber manufacturing process, reducing water and chemical usage by up to 80% compared to conventional dyeing methods. This process also results in vibrant, durable colors with minimal ecological footprint. Their materials also include plant-based, biodegradable elements, like corn starch in insoles and bamboo in other components, which reflect their commitment to creating fully recyclable and compostable products​.

Despite these efforts, there is limited information on Kokolu's approach to broader carbon management or specific goals for emissions reductions. While the use of recycled materials reduces their reliance on virgin plastics, more transparency about total emissions, lifecycle impact, and renewable energy adoption would strengthen their sustainability profile.

ingredients & materials

Kokolu prioritizes the use of safe, non-toxic materials in its products. By relying on post-consumer recycled plastics and plant-based components, they avoid conventional synthetic additives that can be harmful. The brand’s commitment to avoiding toxic chemicals is reflected in their choice of waterless dyeing techniques, which use fewer harmful substances and mitigate wastewater pollution. However, certifications like OEKO-TEX or additional chemical safety verifications would add credibility to Kokolu's non-toxicity claims, especially for customers concerned about potential allergens or chemical residues in recycled plastic fibers.

social responsibility

Kokolu upholds fair labor practices and ensures a safe, clean working environment for its production teams. As a B Corporation, the brand meets high standards for social responsibility, which includes fair wages and ethical treatment of workers. Kokolu also actively participates in global reforestation efforts through One Tree Planted and donates a portion of its sales through 1% for the Planet, supporting environmental and social causes worldwide. These initiatives highlight Kokolu’s commitment to not only ethical production but also to broader social impact.


Though their certification as a B Corp lends credibility to their labor practices, additional transparency about wages, working conditions, and labor standards across their supply chain could enhance their standing in social responsibility.

certifications
  • Certified B Corporation

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