We are thrilled to announce that Ekster, the renowned wallet company known for its innovative designs, has officially received its B-Corp certification. This certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to operating as an ethical and sustainable business, and we are excited to share with you the reasons why we pursued this certification.
About Us: Pioneers of Modern Wallets
Ekster was founded in 2016 by Olivier and Rick, two forward-thinking students who were dissatisfied with traditional bifold wallets. They enlisted the expertise of Richard, a longtime friend with experience in running multinational companies, to help bring their vision to life. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Ekster has rapidly grown to become the second largest wallet company in the US.
Company Goals: Growing Sustainably, Together
At Ekster, we believe in setting ambitious yet attainable goals. Each department within our company works tirelessly to meet our quarterly objectives, all aligned towards our annual target of sustainable growth. We understand that it is crucial for us to thrive as a business while minimizing our impact on the environment and society.
Our Mission and Vision: Impactful Mobility with Minimal Environmental Footprint
Our mission is simple: we create better gear for life on the go. We strive to design and produce products that enhance your daily experiences, making life more convenient and efficient. However, our vision extends beyond innovation and functionality. We aspire to leave a significant positive impact on how you navigate the world while ensuring the smallest possible ecological footprint.
Ekster's Business Model: Fusing Design, Quality, and Sustainability
Our commitment to quality and sustainability begins with our in-house designer, who meticulously crafts all of our products. We work closely with our trusted suppliers, forging strong partnerships to execute our vision without compromising on quality or sustainability. To ensure our commitment is cemented, we updated our Deed of Amendment with the Dutch Government in 2022, incorporating a mission lock that underscores our pursuit of social and ethical goals alongside profitability. This shared understanding ensures our investors and shareholders are aligned with our values from the outset.
Our Suppliers: Ethical Collaborations for Positive Change
Since our inception, Ekster has maintained long standing relationships with three primary suppliers. We hold our suppliers to high standards, and each one annually signs a code of conduct and completes a self-assessment questionnaire. This process enables us to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes over the course of the year. Furthermore, our suppliers hold certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a testament to their adherence to international standards of excellence.
Product Impact Assessment: A Pledge to the Environment
We recognize the responsibility we have in minimizing the environmental impact of our products. To that end, we conduct thorough product impact assessments to ensure they meet stringent environmental standards. Our commitment is backed by our Eurofins certification, confirming that our products are free from any substances or materials that could harm the environment.
Key Product Assessments: Sustainable Innovations
At Ekster, we take pride in our commitment to innovation. Here are three examples of how our products embody our dedication to sustainability:
Solar Panelled Tracker Cards: Our revolutionary solar-powered tracker cards boast rechargeable batteries, effectively reducing waste associated with disposable batteries. With just three hours of sunlight, these trackers can provide two months of charge. Moreover, the lost-and-found BLE technology allows you to locate your wallet even when it's out of range from your paired device. Should another person on the BLE network be near your tracker, their app will anonymously update you on its location.
Water Conservation ECCO Leather: We are proud to offer a range of wallets crafted from ECCO leather, a material that significantly reduces water usage during production. ECCO's tanneries are gold and silver rated by the Leather Working Group (LWG), an organization that upholds ethical and environmental practices in the leather industry. Additionally, ECCO has developed Dritan, a groundbreaking tanning process that harnesses the moisture already present within the hide, reducing the need for additional water.
Classic and Recycled Leather: Our classic leather wallets are sourced from LWG-certified tanneries in India, ensuring adherence to the highest social and environmental standards. In parallel, our recycled leather comes from a supplier in China dedicated to creating sustainable vegan leather.
Donations: Supporting Sustainable Causes
We firmly believe in giving back to the community and supporting organizations dedicated to sustainability. In 2022, we made a generous donation to Trees for All, an esteemed organization based in the Netherlands. Furthermore, as part of our commitment to Earth Day 2023, we will be donating 10% of all sales from our latest Product Drop to the Sierra Club in the US, a renowned environmental organization. We also do our best to directly improve Amsterdam, the beating heart of Ekster’s headquarters, by volunteering at food shelters and spending time plastic fishing in the canals to help contribute to a cleaner environment.
Join Us on Our Ethical and Sustainable Journey
As a B-Corp certified company, Ekster is delighted to lead the charge in ethical and sustainable business practices. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating better gear for life on the go while minimizing our ecological footprint. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we work towards a more sustainable future.
Keep an eye on our blog and social media channels for the latest updates on our products, sustainability initiatives, and partnerships. Together, let's shape a world where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.
For press inquiries or further information, please contact pr@ekster.com.
