Sustainability

OUR COMMITMENT

We like to offer security at uncertain times.

This is not only reflected in our designs and solutions, which are based on (own) experiences with babies and children, but we also try to do business more sustainably every day. But what is sustainable, entrepreneurship and what do we mean by a circular economy? The circular economy is an economic system that uses raw materials, products and services as economically and smartly as possible. In a circular economy, the reuse of raw materials and products is maximized. You call this sustainable entrepreneurship.

What do we do now?

• KipKep has a strong history in the field of sustainability. Ever since KipKep was founded in 2008, we have been working daily to minimize the burden on the globe in the development and production of our products.
• Long lifespan; to make the life cycle of our products as long as possible by design, but also by using high-quality materials and appropriate production methods.
• Continuous improvement. We continue to improve our products, processes and materials and look at where we can improve or optimize not only the main features, but also the details.
• Responsible material choices. We continue to look at what material is the best choice for the product. Is this still valid or are there new developments that we can use?
• For example, our products and packaging never contain PVC.
• Recyclable packaging. Almost all our packaging is as minimal as possible and made from (recycled) cardboard with as little printing and printing colors as possible.
• Single use plastic: we only pack in plastic bags if necessary.
• We take a critical look at the use, lifespan, properties, recyclability and residual waste of each material. We do this in close consultation with our factories to be together on this process.
• We naturally adhere to standards, especially in the field of harmful substances and dyes.
• We buy fabrics from manufacturers with an Oekotex quality mark. All our cotton fabrics, as well as the filling of the changing mats, are produced according to Oeko-Tex guidelines.
• We have been investing in the good relationship with our various production partners for years. In our contracts we look for the guarantee of good working conditions for their employees. Of course child labor free!
• We will continue to inform each other and enter into discussions about imminent developments in the field of sustainability and see where we can implement something.
• Webshop: the shipping bags for which we ship our web orders are made from recycled LDPE.
• B2B: we reuse all our cardboard packaging boxes.

Woller:

• Packaging from recycled cardboard. To be recycled with the old paper.
• Filling: organic flax seed. No harmful pesticides are used in the production. The flax seed is tested for harmful substances and purity at every batch / delivery.
• Separate waste: the fabric of the cushion and the fabric of the cover can be recycled in a clothing container. The filling of flax seed in the GFT container.
• When used correctly (read the manual carefully), the Woller will last for years! If this is passed on to another person, there are separate covers for sale on our site in order to extend the life of this product.
• The filling is a natural product and sensitive to moisture. That is why there is always a plastic bag around the Woller. In early 2020 we switched from a PE polybag to a biodegradable polybag (LDPE)
• Country of production: Thailand and Poland.

Napper changing mat and diaper wallet:

• Packaging: no packaging, only paper labels with cotton string. So no plastic packaging with this product!
• During the development of the changing mat and diaper wallet in 2011, we conducted extensive research into material. A PVC-free coating, durable and washable was the starting point. A PVC-free coating is very harmful to the environment in production, it also contains (harmful) plasticizers. The baby skin is very delicate and porous and could absorb a harmful substance. Our first batch of changing mats and diaper cases in 2011 was immediately PVC-free (changing mats, raincoats almost all had a PVC coating in 2011), durable and hand washable. Further development of the coating has ensured that it has been machine washable since 2014, as well as being hand washable.
• The changing mat has 3 layers. An inner layer of 100% cotton (oekotex), a filling of polyester blanket (oekotex) and an outer layer of coated polyester (oekotex). Polyester has the advantage in this product that it is a strong textile that benefits its lifespan. Furthermore, no land is needed during production and little water.
• The diaper pouches are made of the same coated polyester as the outside of the changing mats. The diaper pouch is therefore very durable and can last for years. Parents use the pouch after the diaper phase as a pouch for lotion wipes and some tissues. Definitely indispensable on holiday or a day out.
• Washable! So if your mat is dirty, you do not have to replace it, but you can easily wash it in the washing machine.
• Coating: here we use either an EVA coating or a TPU coating; depending on the color of the product.
• Our goal is to further develop the changing mat and diaper pouches in the field of environmental friendliness. Both the filling and the coated polyester are made from recycled materials (RPES !! We want to achieve this goal in 2020. We are of course very happy with this.
• Country of production: Thailand

Blenker hydrophilic cloths

• The Blenkers are made of 100% cotton.
• Packaging: cotton ribbon with recycled cotton label.
• The plastic protective bags are made from a recycled PP.
• Cardboard with the Ponchos and Badcapes: recycled FSC cardboard.
• The Blenker towels (size L, size XL, Ponchos and most bath capes) have a thickness of 170GSM. They are woven on a jacquard loom. Due to the weaving method used, these towels fall under peshtemal cloths, also known from saunas and bathhouses. These cloths are not only known for their good moisture absorption, but also that they are gentler on the skin than terry cloth. Our top in quality towels.
• We also have the Blenker Badcapes in a slightly thinner version: 150GSM. This thickness is woven in a traditional waffle weave such as the (old-fashioned) hydrophilic diapers. These cloths also absorb moisture well and are gentle on the skin.
• Savings: because the Blenker towels are thinner than terry, they take up less space. This way, a lot more towels can fit in 1 washing machine, so you save water!
• Our towels feel soft. KipKep does not choose extremely soft to guarantee durability. Why not? The extra soft hydrophilic cloths in the market (such as a wrap cloth, towel, tut cloth, swaddle cloth) are not so super soft by themselves. Often these have had a chemical aftertreatment by a silicone or a silicone and enzyme wash. This silicone wash has a negative effect on the amount of moisture absorption.
• Separate waste: textile in clothing container, ribbon and cotton label in clothing container, cardboard with paper.
• Country of production peshtemal Blenkers 170gsm: Turkey.
• Country of production hydrophilic 150gsm (collection White Memphis and Little Bees): India.

Stay-on-Socks

• Our Stay-on-Socks have cotton as the main ingredient. But only cotton cannot function as a sock, for that we need elastic material.
• The socks have the following composition: 74% cotton, 23% polyamide, 2% elastane.
• Packaging: recycled cardboard, with loose plastic hook.
• High-quality socks; are passed on within families, neighborhoods, exchange exchanges.
• Wide dimensions for longer use.
• Separate waste: Socks in clothing container, packaging paper with waste paper and plastic hook with plastic waste.
• Country of production: Portugal.

THE FUTURE

KipKep is critical of the materials it uses. We continuously monitor this together with our suppliers and factories and are always looking for improvements in this area. By setting a good example as a company, we not only want to contribute to a better environment today, but also want to contribute even more to a cleaner environment in the future for all our children.

Why do we avoid certain materials?

1: PVC or poly-vinyl chloride

PVC contains plasticizers, often harmful plasticizers, phthalates.

Chlorine is used to make PVC. Highly toxic dioxin is produced during the production of PVC and during the incineration of PVC (in the waste phase). Dioxin has a negative effect on the development of children in later life. That is why KipKep never uses PVC! Apart from the health effects on children, there are of course the environmental effects of PVC, such as the annual release of 100,000 kilos of mercury and 20,000 kilos of lead in our living environment. In addition, PVC is absolutely not biodegradable.

⁃ Our advice? Do not buy products with PVC incorporated, such as many (cheaper) changing mats, pouches, waterproof bibs, rain clothing and / or cover, etc. There are plenty of alternatives to PVC. Fortunately, more and more products are now PVC-free!

2: Glitters

Glitter fabric, glitter thread, silver / gold print: are made of or a combination of aluminum, of different plastics such as PVC, PET and polyester. Mostly plastic and very difficult to break down. That is why KipKep never uses glitter!

3: BPA

Fortunately, already banned in the EU.

4: We adhere to the REACH and Restricted Substances List. The name says it all: a list with a lot of substances that are or will be banned. For example, the ban on AZO dyes in textiles

As a consumer, you can opt for more eco-designed products: with recycled materials, without useless over-packaging, or products with a long lifespan and, if necessary, can be partly replaced.