Materials and Practices

SUKU is rooted in authenticity, sustainability and connecting our global community through ethical practices and shared experiences. Every design and decision is made with this philosophy in mind. We strive to work transparently and consciously, creating products you can feel good about.

Our fabrics are carefully chosen for your comfort, as well as their impact on the environment and our global community. Our fabrics are certified by OEKO-TEX® and woven specifically for us using the wash formula that we have perfected for years. In selecting our materials, we place deep importance on how they are made.

Each piece is produced in small batches, including our fabric production at the factory level, to prevent overproduction and reduce waste. We support local economies and cottage industries in Indonesia. 

 

Bamboo 
Our bamboo is organically grown and considered one of the world’s most sustainable resources—fast growing, requiring no replanting or fertilising, and using minimal water. The fibre is spun into yarn using a closed-loop system. Each SUKU piece is made from our custom-developed 100% bamboo fabric, designed with a unique weave for a soft, durable feel that gets better with every wash.  

Organic Cotton and Cotton Poplin
Organic cotton is 80% rain-fed, reducing pressure on local water sources, while the absence of harmful chemicals helps keep water cleaner and safer. Farmers and their families are not exposed to toxic substances through the soil, food, or water. Compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton uses 88% less water and 62% less energy, has a lower impact on the air, and helps maintain healthy soil. Our organic cotton and cotton poplin are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, ensuring strict environmental and social criteria are met throughout the entire production process. We source these materials from China, as there are no local producers in Indonesia, and believe that sourcing closer to our production base helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of our supply chain.

Our Dyeing Process
Indonesia has strict regulations around waste disposal, and we are committed to meeting these standards at every stage of our production. Our fabrics are dyed using a closed-loop system, where 100% of the water used is treated and recycled, minimising waste and environmental impact. We use plant-safe dyes that are carefully selected to ensure both safety and consistency in our fabrics.

We started our brand using natural dyes, but as our production grew, we realised that scaling this process required significantly more water and made it difficult to achieve consistent, long-lasting colour. In some cases, this also led to increased material waste. As a result, we transitioned to a dyeing method that allows us to better control quality, reduce resource use, and create pieces that are made to last.

We also avoid the use of harsh chemical bleaches in all SUKU pieces.

Waste Management
No fabric off-cuts go to waste, as all products are made in small batches with a focus on made-to-order pieces. Any leftover fabric is repurposed into the bags our clothes are sold and dispatched in.

We also give a second life to faulty or excess fabrics by donating them to artists for creative collaboration, such as working with local artist Maddison McSweeney, to transform them into unique art pieces rather than sending them to landfill.

For more information on our Studio and our team of artisans who produce all our SUKU pieces, head here