TRANSPARENCY
REPORT 2022

From our founders

We are a growing business, not only in size but in knowledge, experience, and intention. The collective motivation of our ELK leaders and teams who continue to build on what we have, to improve and propel us all forward has resulted in this advancement, even through difficult times.

Around us we see and feel the effects of the worsening climate crisis and it is frightening. As business founders we continually question whether what we are doing is just. How much are we contributing to this escalating disaster? Can we run and grow a business whilst limiting our effect on the environment at the same time? The answer is that as a traditional fashion business, no we cannot.

It is undeniable that we have an impact. So, with our goals driving us, we continue our mission to address ways in which we can limit it. With the guidance and efforts of Erika Martin our Head of Ethics and Sustainability and her team, we have continued to make some great progress and commitments.

The most vital thing is for Adam and I to keep our eyes open, to see opportunities for improvement and to see where we can invest time, finance and energy into change and innovation. To be the responsible business we claim to be and to cement our position as a purpose led brand we have to live and lead by example.

There is so much opportunity for us to drive positive change and we relish the idea of a year where we can work, live and progress without interruption. Our resolve to make ELK and our products more responsible is steadfast.

Marnie Goding and Adam Koniaras, ELK Co-founders

From our Head of Ethics
and Sustainability

The climate alarm bells are getting louder, and we are already experiencing the effects of global warming. However with rapid cuts to global emissions we can still avoid the worst impacts, and every incremental reduction will make a difference. Businesses are stepping up and we are proud to be part of that movement.

At the time of writing this letter, unprecedented floods are devastating large areas of Australia. Our hearts go out to the families and communities impacted, and we are actively looking for meaningful ways to contribute to the relief efforts.

Through 2021 we have reduced our emissions by increasing our investment in renewable energy and set science–based emissions reduction targets. We also continue to reduce our environmental impacts through more considered materials choices.

Joining 1% for the Planet was a key milestone for ELK in 2021 and a reflection of our strong commitment to protecting the environment. Other highlights include the launch of our profit–sharing employee incentive scheme, our first t–shirt made with Australian grown cotton, and our continued partnership with TreeProject.

The impacts of COVID–19 on our business and supply chain continued to be felt, from more lockdowns and retail store closures here in Melbourne, to significant delays with production and freight. This has delayed our progress in some areas, and we are hopeful for a COVID–free year ahead.

We are excited about the innovations and collaborations that are starting to transform the fashion industry, however much more needs to be done. The industry urgently needs to address the issue of waste and overproduction, and to increase transparency along the value chain to reduce worker exploitation and environmental abuses.

It is great to look back on the year and see the progress we have made. We firmly believe that being a responsible, purpose led business is more relevant than ever, and our commitment to transparency, setting ambitious targets and transforming our business remains strong.

Erika Martin
Head of Ethics and Sustainability