Kipling is a Belgian brand that has been around since 1987 and it was the most popular brand in the 90s known for its crinkle nylon fabric. It is also famous for its adorable monkey key chains.

However, is the brand completely vegan and cruelty-free? let’s find out.

Is Kipling a Vegan-Friendly Brand or not?

Kipling has a wide range of vegan products but it is not completely vegan.

The Kipling is known for using crinkled nylon fabric to make bags since it was launched. Ever since then Kipling has produced a big collection of vegan bags. The Kipling’s tote bags are one of the best vegan-friendly beach bags out there.

Despite this, Kipling still has a small collection of bags where they used leather. Because of this, we can not say Kipling is a completely vegan-friendly brand.

Is Kipling an Ethical Brand?

Kipling claims that its brand recognizes its responsibility and is making decisions that are better for not only Kipling but also for our Earth.

Kipling explains on its official website that its brand is working hard to leave a good impact and is committed to making a positive contribution to Earth. In order to achieve this,Kipling is taking considerable action.

It is using less than 20% water when printing on its new polyester fabric that is 38% recycled. Kipling also claims that 36% of its products are being produced in 100% solar energy-run facilities.

What’s more, 2/3 of its employees travel by either train, electric scooter or bikes.Kipling also uses recycled content from plastic bottles to make bag lining.

All these things make sense but is Kipling really an ethical brand? Let dive a little deeper to find out whether it is eco-friendly and ethical or not.

Kipling uses eco-friendly materials in its products but its overall environmental rating is still not good enough. There are still many factors where Kipling is lacking.

It is not proven yet that the brand is making minimal textile waste or if it minimalized the packaging.

Kipling did not take any considerable steps to provide its workers with an average living wage. It is not being good enough for its laborers.

Kipling’s supply chain has no certification of any kind to ensure its labor rights including workers’ health and safety.

Some time ago Kipling also made an outstanding public commitment. It was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But by far there is no concrete proof that it successfully fulfilled its promise.

Greenhouse gasses come from burning fuels like oils, coil, and other natural gases to produce heat and electricity. Greenhouse gasses are extremely harmful to our ecosystem.

Considering the fact that we are already facing wildfires and extreme weather, it has now become the responsibility of the brands like Kipling to reduce greenhouse gasses to save the planet.

Are Kipling’s Products Cruelty-Free?

Kipling has a formal animal welfare policy aligned with the five freedoms but if we take a look at the initial stages of its production, things are not so perfect.

Some animal products like exotic animal hair and leather can be found in the early stages of production. We can say that its overall rating is “it’s a start”. It might get worse in the future. However, we can only hope for the better.

How Kipling Evolved with Time.

Although Kipling’s popularity was soaring in the 90s, the brand lost its vigor over time. Kipling had a hard time trying to keep up with the ever-changing world and maintain its reputation.

Kipling revived again when 90s fashion came into trend again. Now it has more than four hundred and thirty stores in eighty countries of the world. It is selling at least 1 or 2 bags every two seconds.

Is Kipling Making Bags in China?

Kipling was founded in Antwerp, Belgium. Kipling’s headquarters are located in Belgium but Kipling’s bags and other products are being made in China too. It is of course because of cheap labor in China.

Appealing Aspects of Kipling.

As we know, Kipling is not a perfect brand. So, why is it so popular and what makes it so appealing to its customers?

Here are a few things that we think are quite appealing about this brand.

1.       The bags are fashionable but at the same time comfortable and convenient. They are spacious and have many pockets.

2.    It is easy to clean the bags as you only need to wipe them with a damp cloth and we are good to go.

3.       They are durable.

4.       Kipling uses recycled material in its products.

5.       Kipling has a wide variety of stylish vegan bags.

6.       Kipling bags are functional and above all they are lightweight.

7.       Kipling uses recycled content from plastic bottles to make bag lining.

8.       Kipling bags are made of coated polyester so they are water-resistant.

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