THE ELK VISION
With passion and creativity we are building a transparent, responsible business
with respect for people and planet.

THE ELK MISSION
To responsibly create product with enduring value through a thoughtful,
intelligent design philosophy, crafted with an artisanal aesthetic.

To lead a conscious business supporting traditional trades
and a circular economy that operates ethically and transparently, in safe, fair
and inclusive workplaces.

To minimise our environmental footprint and create a
positive impact on our local and global communities.

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.

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.

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 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—making a real difference for the planet.

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.

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