Sustainable apparel brand Paka has set a goal of sourcing more than 90 percent of its fibers from natural or plant-based materials by 2035. The company announced the target as it marks its 10th anniversary, with CEO and founder Kris Cody outlining the ambition in a post on Paka’s website.
Paka plans to reduce its use of synthetic materials while increasing its use of natural and plant-derived options, including regenerative pima cotton and hemp, according to a company statement. Its current portfolio is a little over 70 percent natural and plant-based, Cody said.
The transition will also affect the brand’s best-known product, The Hoodie, which is not made entirely from natural fibers. Cody said the original version contains 35 percent recycled nylon, adding that replacing materials without compromising performance will be a challenge.
Paka’s identity is closely tied to alpaca wool sourced from farmers in Peru’s Andes. The brand has since expanded into products including underwear, bras and accessories, requiring it to work with additional materials.
The company says future products will be guided by four principles: sourcing fibers at their origin, selecting partners such as farmers and craftspeople, ensuring traceability and supporting the communities behind handmade products. Paka launched a traceability program in 2024, and hangtags on its products include QR codes linking to the coordinates where the alpaca fiber was sourced.
Sources: WWD.