PRODUCTION LOCATION
- Austria (fibres from Lenzing)
- Indonesia, Asia
WORKING CONDITIONS & WAGE
The TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres come from Lenzing in Austria, a company known for its high environmental and social standards. Further processing takes place in Indonesia, where cutting, sewing and finishing are carried out. According to the brand, these tasks are handled by a local partner company that has been vetted and shares similar values.
These facilities are regularly visited by KOALA HUG and are also audited and approved by Lenzing. This ensures that more ethical working conditions and environmentally conscious production methods are upheld during final manufacturing.
The brand collaborates with a small number of carefully selected suppliers and deliberately opts for a supply chain that remains manageable and transparent. Through close partnerships with certified producers – including TENCEL™, FSC® and OEKO-TEX® – KOALA HUG ensures a high level of product safety and traceability.
MATERIALS
- TENCEL™ Lyocell (from FSC certified eucalyptus wood)
- Bioserica (based on corn)
KOALA HUG uses exclusively plant-based, vegan materials and entirely avoids both synthetic and animal-derived components.
TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from FSC-certified eucalyptus wood sourced from sustainably managed European forests. The fibre is produced by Lenzing in Austria using a closed-loop process that recycles 99% of the solvents and water used. This significantly reduces resource consumption compared to conventional viscose or cotton. In addition, TENCEL™ is OEKO-TEX® certified and potentially biodegradable. The fabric is exceptionally soft, breathable, antibacterial and hypoallergenic – ideal for sensitive skin.
Bioserica is derived from corn starch and is used in the towel collection. According to the brand, it has natural antibacterial properties, is skin-friendly, odour-resistant and potentially biodegradable. It also stays fresher for longer and dries quickly – a practical benefit from a hygiene perspective.
PACKAGING
The brand states that its e‑commerce packaging is plastic-free. Products are shipped in TENCEL™ fabric bags and FSC-certified cardboard boxes, sealed with paper-based labels and tape. According to KOALA HUG, plastic-free packaging is also used throughout the entire supply chain.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
KOALA HUG places great emphasis on environmentally conscious and health-safe production, particularly with regard to water use, chemical management, and microplastic prevention. Its primary fibre, TENCEL™ Lyocell, is produced by Austrian company Lenzing using a closed-loop system that recovers and reuses 99% of the water and solvents involved. As a result, water consumption is significantly lower than that of conventional cotton or viscose.
The products are certified to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, confirming that no harmful substances are present in the finished items. The company states that all textiles are free from harmful chemicals. The plant-based fibres do not require aggressive treatment, suggesting a generally gentle production process.
Due to the absence of synthetic fibres, all products are free from microplastics and do not release harmful particles during washing. Additionally, the use of FSC-certified wood as the raw material for cellulose fibres and the partnership with Lenzing help ensure that raw materials are sourced more responsibly.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
KOALA HUG relies exclusively on monomaterials of plant origin, which significantly improves the recyclability of its products. The bedding is made from 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell, while the towels are produced using Bioserica. Both materials are potentially biodegradable and free from synthetic fibres. The brand avoids material blends, especially combinations of plant-based and synthetic components. As a result, the products are theoretically easier to recycle and do not contribute to microplastic pollution.
A formal take-back system is not currently in place. However, the brand encourages reuse and states that returned items, where suitable, are donated to charitable organisations.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELL
KOALA HUG does not currently offer its own repair service. The brand encourages customers to make use of local repair options to extend the lifespan of their products.
A formal take-back system for used or worn-out items is also not in place at this time. However, the brand states that it is exploring options for circular solutions in the future.
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF SUPPLY CHAIN
- Austria
- Asia
- KOALA HUG’s headquarters are located in the Netherlands.
TRANSPORT
- After processing in Indonesia, the products are shipped to Europe via sea freight. From the port of Hamburg, they are transported onwards to Rotterdam by train.
- For e‑commerce deliveries within Europe, KOALA HUG collaborates with logistics partners that, according to the brand, prioritise more environmentally friendly delivery options.
KOALA HUG does not use any animal-derived materials.
PRODUCT DESIGN
The brand offers a broad product range of bedding and bath textiles in various colours.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
KOALA HUG offers a permanent core collection consisting of fixed designs and colour variants. Rather than following rapidly changing seasonal trends, the brand maintains a consistent product range, occasionally introducing new colours or items.
TRANSPARENCY OF PRODUCTS
On its product pages, KOALA HUG provides information on materials, certifications, fabric weave, and practical details. Care instructions are also included.
However, the production countries or details on further processing are not listed for individual items. As a result, customers cannot trace exactly where their product was made. Item-specific traceability is currently not available.
TRANSPARENCY OF PROCESSES
KOALA HUG shares basic information on materials, certifications, and production principles on its website.
However, there are no specific details about the names, locations, or number of suppliers listed on the product pages. The available information is limited to general sections about the brand, materials, or the benefits of TENCEL™.
At this stage, product-level traceability is not provided.
The brand does not publish an annual sustainability or impact report that outlines social or environmental goals, progress, or measurable data.
Conclusion
KOALA HUG offers vegan, plastic-free bed and bath textiles that are especially skin-friendly and hypoallergenic. Looking for more sustainable bedding or towels? Then discover KOALA HUG on the COSH! map below.