KLABU is an initiative by the KLABU Foundation that operates on a non-profit basis. Its main activity is building and operating sports clubhouses in refugee camps, settlements and cities. It funds these activities primarily through donations from institutions, companies and private individuals, and proceeds from the sale of KLABU sportswear. The KLABU Foundation is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (ANBI) in the Netherlands.
KLABU works with producers in Italy and Bulgaria. EU‑based production guarantees stringent regulations regarding labour standards and environmental practices, ensuring ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes.
The brand also hopes to collaborate with talented newcomers in the Netherlands and refugee camps. “Producing sportswear in refugee camps would close the circle and help residents to earn an income. That’s the future,” says Van Hövell.
Some of their production also takes place in Turkey and China. This could offer economic opportunities in these locations, but these countries have different labour laws and standards compared to the EU. This brings challenges in terms of transparency, accountability, and adherence to social and ethical norms.