Sustainability

We're not here to pretend we're perfect. Sustainability is a journey, and we're at the beginning of ours. But we believe every small choice matters — from the fibres we select to the box that arrives at your door.

Here's where we are, and where we're headed.

Hosiery is, by nature, a delicate product with a limited lifespan. That's why we're intentional about what goes into every pair.

We work with mills that use recycled nylon where possible — repurposing post-industrial waste into new yarn without compromising on the softness and stretch you expect. Our 80D velvet range uses fibres blended with recycled content, and we're actively working to expand this across all collections.

We avoid unnecessary chemical treatments. Our dyeing processes use low-impact methods that reduce water consumption compared to conventional hosiery manufacturing.

Every aki order arrives in our signature dusty rose gift box — designed to feel like a present, even when you're buying for yourself. Finished with a satin ribbon and branded tags, it's packaging worth keeping.

Our boxes are made from FSC-certified recycled cardboard with soy-based inks and are fully recyclable. No plastic windows, no cellophane, no polybags — we've eliminated single-use plastic from our entire packaging chain.

We believe packaging should protect the product, elevate the experience, and respect the planet. Nothing more, nothing less.

The most sustainable product is one that lasts. That's why every aki piece is tested for stretch recovery, colour fastness, and durability before it reaches you.

We'd rather you buy one pair that lasts than three that don't. Our reinforced toes are designed to resist runs. Our waistbands are built to hold their shape wash after wash. Every design decision starts with longevity in mind.

We release small, intentional collections — not seasonal drops that end up in landfill. Fewer styles, made better.

We partner with select mills in China that meet international standards for fair labour practices and environmental compliance. These are the same facilities that manufacture for established European hosiery brands.

We visit our production partners regularly and maintain long-term relationships rather than chasing the lowest price. We believe paying fairly for skilled work is not optional — it's foundational.

All our manufacturing partners comply with local labour laws including fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions.

We ship all Australian orders via Australia Post, which has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and already offsets emissions on all domestic parcel deliveries.

By shipping from Sydney, we keep domestic transit distances short for the majority of our Australian customers. We consolidate shipments from our manufacturing partners to reduce the frequency and footprint of international freight.

We're honest about the fact that hosiery — as a product category — has environmental challenges. Nylon is a synthetic fibre. Delicate knits have a shorter life than denim. We don't shy away from that.

Here's what we're working on:

2025–2026: Transition all core styles to recycled nylon blends. Introduce a take-back programme for worn-out hosiery to be recycled into new materials. Achieve 100% plastic-free packaging across all product lines.

Longer term: Explore biodegradable fibre alternatives. Partner with textile recycling innovators in Australia. Publish an annual transparency report on our supply chain and environmental impact.

We don't have all the answers yet. But we're committed to asking the right questions — and sharing our progress openly.