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OUR 6TH ANNUAL TRANSPARENCY REPORT HAS LAUNCHED

Our Transparency Reports provide an in-depth look at our conscious fashion journey, holding us accountable for our goals and the decisions we make along the way.


We believe it’s your right to know this information, and it’s our responsibility to share it with you.


As a key part of what makes ELK unique, these reports demonstrate; our team’s dedication, a data-driven approach, and our commitment to building a transparent, responsible business respecting people and planet.


Marnie Goding

ELK Co Founder & Brand Director

SHOP THE CONSCIOUS EDIT

Allem Organic Cotton Mushroom Print Long Sleeve Shirt Model angled front | MUSHROOM PRINT

Allem Shirt

Organic Cotton

Allem Shirt

$199.00 AUD
$199.00 AUD $199.00 AUD
Organic Cotton

DOWNLOAD OUR FULL TRANSPARENCY REPORTS

2024 Transparency Report V6

Furthering our commitment to circularity

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2023 Transparency Report V5

Mapping our emissions beyond scope 1.

DOWNLOAD HERE

2022 Transparency Report V4

Expanding our commitment to a transparent supply chain.

DOWNLOAD HERE

2021 Transparency Report V3

Transitioning to plastic-free garment bags.

DOWNLOAD HERE

2020 Transparency Report V2

Introducing our Environmentally Preferred Materials Guide.

DOWNLOAD HERE

2019 Transparency Report V1

Our inaugural Transparency Report.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Two individuals seated against a black backdrop, showcasing minimalist style with modern attire and neutral expressions

The saying "time flies when you’re having fun" rings true as we celebrate our 20th year in a business we’re proud to have created. While we have taken a moment to look back and wonder how we reached our 20th birthday so quickly (see earlier comment about having fun), we are not typically backward-looking, and much of this year has been focused on what’s ahead.

We launched ELK in a very different time as a team of two, handcrafting jewellery in a small studio. As demand grew we stayed committed to working with ethical makers with shared values. We expanded to include leather goods, knitwear, and apparel that is sold through our retail stores, online and globally through our wholesale partners.

The past two decades have painted a picture of a small business in constant evolution. We cherish the success we have achieved and the position we have earned in our industry, yet recognise that despite significant changes, "sustainability" and "fashion" are still not comfortable bedfellows.

Our journey reflects this ongoing evolution as we strive to bridge sustainability and fashion. Looking forward, we aim to lead ELK responsibly into the next twenty years, building a transparent business that respects people and the planet.

Marnie Goding & Adam Koniaras,
ELK Co-Founders

Woman folding patterned fabric beside an ELK Renew box, with Planet Highlights 2024: Reducing Our Impact text on a translucent banner

BBC FEATURE
We were proud to be the only Australian fashion label featured in the BBC Storywork’s Fashion Redressed docu-series, highlighting responsible fashion brands around the world.


(RE)NEW PROGRAM
As part of our ongoing commitment to circularity, we believe in giving our garments a second life. We accept pre-loved ELK garments back at all of our stores. Where possible, returned garments are mended or adjusted, and cleaned, ready to be resold. Last year, we resold almost 200 pre-loved ELK items through our retail stores.

MATERIAL EMISSIONS
Our carbon emissions from materials were 30% lower than last year, thanks to our ongoing commitment toward more ELK Environmentally Preferred Materials, and careful production planning to avoid over-production.

A young tree planted in a grassy field, protected by a white covering, symbolising sustainable giving back initiatives for 2024

1% FOR THE PLANET
This year, we donated $182,000 in cash, products, and volunteer hours to our non-profit environmental charity partners, fulfilling our commitment to 1% for the Planet.

MATCHED GIVING
In collaboration with you, our customers, we raised over $15.5k for the Karrkad Kanjdji Trust, an organisation owned and led by First Nations people.

TREES IN THE GROUND
Through our ongoing partnership with TreeProject, we’ve supported the planting of more than 58,000 native seedlings this year. Since 2020, we’ve planted a total of 190,000.

TEAM VOLUNTEERING
Our team contributed 459 hours of paid volunteering to various causes, a 38% increase from last year, showing just how committed we are to giving back to our communities.

Brown leather bag with ELK branding and swatches, overlaid with Product Highlights 2024: Better Design on a translucent banner

SUPPLY CHAIN MAPPING
We have mapped 100% of our Tier 1 suppliers, 97% of Tier 2, and 50% of Tier 3 suppliers, up from 86% and 34% last year. Transparency in the supply chain is a priority.

SUPPLIER ACTION PLANS
Our largest supplier installed on-site solar panels based on recommendations from ELK's Supplier Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) program. We are proud that eight of our core suppliers are part of this initiative.

PREFERRED MATERIALS
This year, 75% of our collections by weight were made with ELK Environmentally Preferred Fibres and Materials, an increase from 64% last year.

REGENERATIVE COTTON: SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF FARMING
We introduced regeneratively-farmed cotton, which now makes up 10% of our cotton use. This agricultural method supports biodiversity, responsible water use, healthy waterways and soil health.

A rack of colorful pre-loved clothing with a Renew: Pre-Loved + Repurposed tag and text overlay: Looking Forward Toward Circularity

TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OUR WASTE
Through our (RE)NEW program, we take responsibility for the full life cycle of our garments—extending their lifespan, reducing textile waste, and minimising their environmental impact.

GROUNDBREAKING PARTNERSHIP WITH BLOCKTEXX®
We are excited to announce our Australian-first partnership with BlockTexx® to responsibly treat end-of-life garments that can’t be resold through our (RE)NEW program. These garments will be repurposed for manufacturing and agriculture, diverting waste from landfills.

SCALING UP CIRCULARITY WITH SEAMLESS
As members of Seamless, Australia’s first product stewardship scheme for textiles, we’re actively working on solutions for circularity within the fashion industry, addressing the growing issue of clothing waste.

B-CORP JOURNEY TO CERTIFICATION
We’re working toward B-Corp certification, with our application currently under assessment. The rigorous process has only strengthened our commitment to transparency and responsibility, and we are excited to achieve this milestone in early 2025.

Professional man in a navy plaid blazer and white shirt, smiling against a white background

As we celebrate 20 years since our inception, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of ELK’s journey and am proud to say that our commitment to redefining the future of fashion remains as strong as ever, focusing on transparency, environmental stewardship, and social impact.

Last year was probably one of the most remarkable in ELK’s sustainability journey as we took several bold steps forward, despite challenging market conditions. We recognise that sustainability is not a solitary effort, and our success relies on collaboration and partnerships. Many of our achievements have come from our focus on community, a value of ours that illustrates the impact of working collaboration to drive environmental and social progress.

We have been consciously working to ensure that the steps we have taken in the past few years will enable us to navigate the upcoming changes in the regulatory and reporting landscape with confidence. As we look ahead, our focus will remain on bold, transformative change.

We look forward to sharing updates and an exciting announcement regarding the progress of our B-Corp certification journey, SBTi Net Zero Target Setting, innovative end-of-life garment recycling partnerships, and our plans to set and meet ambitious sustainability metrics. The next phase of ELK’s story will continue to challenge norms, redefine expectations, and inspire action within and beyond the industry. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Here’s to another year of meaningful progress.

Dr. Vaibhav Gaikwad, ELK Head of Sustainability

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