FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jonathan Lockwood (jonathan@lookinla.com) Mon., Oct. 18, 2021
Uta Preston sounds alarm on greenwashing in children’s apparel
Children’s brand Little Fishkopp founder raises awareness of sustainability and ‘organic’ labeling in apparel industry
LOS ANGELES—Uta Preston, founder of children’s brand Little Fishkopp is sounding the alarm on what she calls “greenwashing” in children’s apparel.
“Sustainability must be more than a buzzword or mere aspiration. Calling your company sustainable requires it to be sustainable in environmental, social and economic terms,” added Preston. “Little Fishkopp is a sustainable brand and we adhere to these standards because nothing is more important than quality and ethical business practices.”
Little Fishkopp is certified under the strictest industry standards because of Preston’s dedication to building a conscious, forward-thinking brand. The children’s apparel features sleep bags, blankets and other clothing, and is inspired by Preston’s love of Nordic style and German quality.
“Not everything labeled ‘organic’ lives up to what consumers expect from ‘organic products,” said Preston. “Misleading labels are not only unethical, but they can be dangerous for our children.”
For example, companies will claim to use organic cotton for their fabric, but will then use harmful dyes and inks for their prints, which doesn’t add up to an organic end-product. Another example, Little Fishkopp’s signature products are sleep bags, which are truly organic including the use of organic cotton filling where other companies use polyester despite claiming to be organic or all-natural.
All of Little Fishkopp products carry the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. GOTS is recognized as the world's leading standard for organic textiles. Products that are GOTS certified adhere to rigorous environmental criteria along the entire textile supply chain. This means that in addition to being made from 100% organic cotton with eco-friendly dyes and inks, Little Fishkopp’s products are free of harmful substances such as lead, nickel and phthalates.
“Products can be sprayed with pesticides and packaged in harmful ways to humans and our planet,” Preston added. “You can’t just throw something in the wash to get rid of these harmful chemicals. Little Fishkopp’s products are safe and ethical.”
Furthermore, GOTS certification requires compliance with social criteria regarding employment and working conditions, so Little Fishkopp’s products promote sustainability for people, as well as the planet. Last but not least, Little Fishkopp tries to be a green company in all regards including its use of sustainable packaging such as compostable mailers.
“I came to the United States as an immigrant and I have traveled to different parts of the world. Our people and our planet are precious, brands can have a powerful impact on our future,” said Preston. “We have to hold ourselves and our companies to the highest standards.”
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About LittleFishkopp
Little Fishkopp was born of its founder Uta Preston’s love for Nordic style and German quality. Preston founded the children’s wear company after leaving corporate life to start a family. The company started with the traditional sleep bags for young ones, and has expanded into a wider-range apparel company. The Los Angeles-based apparel company adheres to the most stringent organic and quality standards.
