Protecting what matters.

We’re part of a connected ecosystem that extends far beyond our beautiful coastline. We are all guardians for this planet we live on and at Core.Life we strive to make conscious choices that prioritise our resources and work with labels that have a similar ethos and sustainable practices.

We’re also an active member of local communities by supporting charities and initiatives that look to improve health and wellness, provide equal opportunity and strengthen social development.

On every level we look to care for our planet so our customers can feel proud to shop at Core.Life and the product they take home.

Some of the initiatives that our brands support for sustainability or responsible and ethical production are detailed below....

 

JUJU & CO

 

At Juju & Co they are committed to reducing their environmental footprint and only work with people that share these same values. 

This starts with their hand selected leather from premium tanneries in New Zealand and Italy. Their factories in India are part of a global, independently audited initiative to reduce water consumption, hazardous waste and carbon emissions in the leather industry. 

Juju & Co believe in ethical manufacturing. This means treating the factory workers with humanity and respect, and paying workers a fair wage. They visit their manufacturers regularly and have close working relationships with the family owned factories.

Juju & Co plant a tree through Tree-Nation with every order! Tree-Nations’s mission is to reforest the world. Planting trees has been proven to be one of the most efficient solutions to fight climate change.

 

SZADE

At Szade, they care more about relationships than they do about revenue and more about genuine sustainability than they do about greenwashing. Everyone knows that all long-lasting relationships are built on honesty, openness, and a willingness to share and learn. Szade’s goal is to bring the freshest frames in the best colourways to our community in the most sustainable, resourceful, and accessible way they can and they would like to share a little more about why and how they do what they do…

 

“We practice what we preach ; learn more about our sustainable operations. At Szade, we take a holistic approach to sustainability. What we do is important, but we wanted to focus on how we do it too. Our design studio and entire team operate within a repurposed chocolate factory in Melbourne, Australia. Our brand ethos and philosophy of using existing resources to innovate and create led us to this unique space.”

 

“Our design, digital, logistics and operations teams at our Melbourne HQ have been committed to the city-switch energy efficiency program since 2017, and Szade has supported this continued partnership with initiatives to strive for better, cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy to power our business.

“Our office takes a holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring that even the most mundane aspects of the business are conducted ethically for the preservation of the planet's resources. These include ;

- minimising paper and cardboard use via practices such as printing controls and an active policy of the total reuse of cardboard boxes in our warehouses.

- reusing materials where possible ; this is very much in line with our unique recycling process and brand philosophy to minimise material consumption and waste.

- recycling 90% of waste to minimise landfill disposal ; including composting organic matter for our friends in our on-site worm farm!

- continued work on increased energy efficiency including introducing various automated lighting, heating and cooling systems in our premises along with efficient light fittings.

- responsibly sourced recycled paper used in all offices.”

“In 2020 we partnered with our neighbours who share this amazing space to install a 265kWp solar panel array on the roof, which powers our business with renewable energy.”

“We want to talk about something that’s often overlooked in the fashion industry ; accessibility. brands, designers and corporations are now aware of the importance of inclusivity, diversity and sustainability when marketing their products, but few address accessibility, which is one of the most important, core values of our world here at Szade. Accessibility means making sacrifices like have a smaller profit margin so that our sustainable products can be accessed by the greatest number of people.”

“How can a sustainable solution possibly have a positive real-world effect if it comes with a premium and costs more than non-sustainable alternatives? By working hard to keep our product as sustainable as possible while delivering them at the most accessible price, we can give more people the power to choose to buy better for the planet.”

“We do this so that when you’re at the checkout deciding which frames will look the most fire with your fit, you’re able to also decide between a recycled and non-recycled alternative. If you’re reading this right now, it’s because you’ve either made that choice or thinking about it. Whatever you choose, the fact that we’re having this open dialogue about conscious consumption and that we’re able to provide a sustainable option for you without compromising aesthetic value is what’s important to us.”

“Whether it's our cardboard shipper, the tag and card inside the case, our catalogues or brand cards, every piece of printed material is made from certified recycled paper and cardboard. We don't use single use plastics for stuffing and wrapping, and each frame is presented in recycled tissue to protect them during the packing process.”

 

“Our signature Szade sunglass cases are made to last. We decided quality and longevity were the most important attributes of our protective cases. They're designed to last and be reused again and again... no matter what you decide to put in there! To minimise material use, we encourage you to reuse your case for your next pair of Szades... and the one after that too!”

 

PAPAYA

 

“For us, it's all about the people. We are a small and cohesive team, each contributing some special attribute to Papaya, from creativity and flair to administration and logistical skills. Papaya is a demanding but happy workplace, filled with energy, commitment and enthusiasm.  We take pride in the relationships established with our customers and suppliers alike, ensuring that we maintain the highest levels of ethical and professional standards in all our endeavours. “

“We manufacture products to our own unique designs, in partnership with artisans and producers across the globe. Papaya does not knowingly support child labour, and much care is taken during the negotiation stages and product development to ensure that all workers involved in the production of Papaya products are paid a fair living wage in line with universal ethical values.”

 

SOL SANA

SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICS

At Sol Sana, we are committed to upholding the fundamental business values of sustainable sourcing and ethical production practices.

A large part of our brand journey has seen Sol Sana invest heavily in building lasting relationships with key suppliers and producers who truly understand how to build sustainability into the foundations of their business.

The result has been a complete re-working of the way Sol Sana operates and has placed the conversation around the key points of ethical practices at the heart of our brand.

OUR ENVIRONMENT

Diversity is key to our work. It is the blend of individuals from various cultures, backgrounds, expertise, skill, age, education and gender. With our contrasts, we accept that individuals with alternate points of view can add to our company culture.

We strive to have an open and positive environment of acceptance. By reflecting, respecting, and relating to our employees, customers, and communities, people can thrive, and our team can optimise its performance. These diversity inclusions are boosted through our recruitment process. 

SUPPLY CHAIN

Sol Sana is designed in Sydney, Australia, made and produced in ateliers in China and India. The factories are small, with up to 20 employees, and we work closely with our teams based in Guangzhou and Chennai. We are committed to holding long-standing relationships with our factories and our design teams, which means open and caring relationships with each member of the Sol Sana team, no matter the role.

Our design team visits our factories each year, sampling and collaborating with the people who bring our designs to life. We consider every person in our factories not just a supplier but an extension of our Australian team and apart of the Sol Sana family.

OUR MATERIALS

All leather used in the production of Sol Sana items is a by-product of the food industry. No animal should ever be slaughtered solely for fashion. This process is continually evolving as our environment does. 

OUR PACKAGING

All Sol Sana shoe boxes are recycled, recyclable, and reusable, made from paper. The tissue paper is recycled and recyclable, as well as the stuffing we use inside the shoes to help keep the shoe's shape. 

Our online satchels are also recycled and recyclable.

 

WODEN

The name WODEN stands for Works of Denmark. Staying true to our Scandinavian heritage has allowed us to focus on what really matters: creating durable quality sneakers with a simplistic design and a sustainable approach. It’s not just about creating another sneaker. We care to meet and match the demands of women and kids on the go. We do that by focusing on craftsmanship, functionality and that perfect fit. WODEN is designed to last and crafted to be worn all day long.

CARBON-NEUTRAL FISH LEATHER

The fish leather that we use in all WODEN sneakers is a waste product from the Icelandic fishing and food industry. An industry in which only 1% of the skin is actually used, and the rest is destroyed. The fish leather, which comes primarily from salmon skins, is both hard-wearing and sustainable. This is due to the unique cross-fibre structure of the fish leather which makes it up to 9 times stronger than calf leather. The fish leather is treated and tanned in Iceland using gentle and eco-friendly methods aided by Iceland’s natural hot springs. This tanning process produces 0% carbon emissions.

RECYCLED POLYESTER

WODEN sneakers’ backing consists of 50% recycled polyester from PET bottles. By using everyday waste to create new textiles for our sneakers, we minimize the use of crude oil in the production of new fibres. It also means that our textile production is less energy-consuming.

CORK

All our insoles are covered with the characteristic WODEN cork. The cork that we use is harvested in Argentina and Portugal. The bark of a cork tree can be harvested gently every ten years. Since the cork trees are not felled, the bark can be harvested over several hundred years. When the cork trees begin to form new bark, they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. This contributes to a positive reduction in the planet’s CO2 levels. 

ALGAE

Pollution causes excessive growth of harmful algae in fresh water. When the algae die and sink to the bottom, the decomposition process uses the oxygen from the water. At worst, this results in oxygen depletion, causing fish, benthos and plants todie. By collecting algae and using them in our EVA soles, we reduce our need for crude oil and support UN Sustainable Development Goal number 14: Life below water.

RECYCLED RUBBER

WODEN’s soles are made of 65% natural rubber, 10% recycled rubber and 25% conventionally produced rubber. The composition ensures elasticity and durability without compromising on support. We work continuously to increase the proportion of recycled rubber even more, but it must never compromise the quality of our sneakers.

 

ALIAS MAE

I=CHANGE X ALIAS MAE

At Alias Mae we believe we all have the power to create change. We are committed to making a difference to our planet and local communities, so we’ve partnered with i=Change to help you help us create positive change in our world every time you shop.

For every purchase you make with us, we will donate $1 to a cause – and you get to choose which one. It’s easy - simply make a purchase, select your charity at checkout, and we'll do the rest. It's 100% transparent, so you can track here how much we have raised for each cause and even see your donation coming through in real-time. 

As we know, even the smallest actions can have impact. So this platform is for you, our conscious customers, to support our planet and give purpose to your purchase.

 

ROLLIE

At Rollie Nation, we create products of wonder by working as a fun, colourful, focused and innovative team with our core purpose to connect and create lasting memories with people.

Our designer and founder, Vince Lebon harnesses his vast industry knowledge and relationships to work with the best factories around the world. Our factories are thus more than a just a part of our manufacturing process, we see them as long-term partnerships.

We create our shoes with love and respect and engage with people that love and respect what they do. We work with two main factories in China, both small to medium sized with approximately 100 workers. Our production and development team have developed a close working relationship and even a personal friendship with the owners that ensures our process is running smoothly and more importantly, that everyone is happy.

Vince also has a great relationship with our suppliers which he has nurtured over 10 years (even prior to Rollie)! With regular visits each year helping us and our factories work efficiently together every season, your shoes are treated with TLC at every step. We have the best craftsmen manufacturing Rollies and in turn we ensure they are paid a fair wage under good working conditions

 

WHO IS ELIJAH

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM

our fragrances are locally made here in Sydney. we strive to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible, sourcing locally as much as possible. we personally pick up the fragrance when we’re due for a top-up.

SMALL BATCH PRODUCTION

all of our fragrances are hand-filled & packaged in our south Sydney warehouse. they are created thoughtfully and in small batches, avoiding mass-production and waste.

BESPOKE BOTTLES

we source our bottles from Spain to achieve the highest quality mitigating broken bottles in transit therefore minimising waste.

NO MAGNET IN LIDS

the novelty of a magnetic perfume lid has the touch of opulence yet ends up being problematic. most do not know that the magnet has to be removed in order for the lid to be recyclable. we consciously decided that we would remove this step, so our lids are naturally lighter on the environment.

BAGS AND ENVELOPES RECYCLED PAPER & CARBON NEUTRAL

all of our packaging & paper is created from FCS certified & recycled cardboard. we don’t compromise the planet while ensuring the quality of our products is of the highest standard. we are a signatory to the NoIssue eco-alliance, combating deforestation by committing to plant trees with every order of our custom tissue paper.

CRUELTY FREE & VEGAN

we believe that luxury beauty products should not have cruel histories, our perfumer is certified as cruelty-free & vegan. we do not test on animals & will not sell in any country that requires this, we will never use animal derived products either, which is rare.

A MIX OF NATURAL & SYNTHETIC MOLECULES

the word synthetic has a bleak connotation, despite many of lab-made molecules consisting of the same structures as their natural counterpart. We choose to use synthetics to avoid animal derived products & as a more sustainable option without compromising quality. The question of synthetic vs natural is ubiquitous, we choose to use a hybrid blend of both.

RECYCLING PROGRAM

australian residents, we run a recycle program where you can return your 50ml & 100ml eau lids and boxes in the post to our sydney warehouse with a recycle request form & we will recycle accordingly. you will receive a twenty-dollar voucher for your next fragrance purchase.