At the recent Poland expo, KIDS TIME, we met Lukas Kot of EKO Kids, a family-run business founded in 1992, with a growing reputation for premium knitwear made from superior fabrics sourced from Egypt and Turkey. 

Originally focusing on the production of high-quality knitwear, the brand transitioned into childrenswear, where it discovered its niche. EKO Kids now boasts an extensive product line including bedding, pillows, towels, blankets, and clothing, all characterised by their exceptional craftsmanship.

Lukas, a key figure at EKO Kids, told us more about the brand’s latest venture – using hemp fibres in their textiles.

EKO Kids: Pioneering Sustainability in Children’s Textiles.

Hemp has a history stretching back to 4,000BC in China and Turkestan, and has since resurfaced as a sustainable, versatile material for baby goods. Not only is hemp biodegradable, compostable and recyclable, the fabric’s thermodynamic nature also ensures optimal comfort, offering warmth in cool conditions and a cooling effect when it’s hot. In addition, hemp exhibits antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-allergenic properties, making it an ideal choice for products catering to sensitive baby skin, with the hollow shafts in hemp contributing to its breathability and insulating capabilities.

Lukas stressed the superiority of hemp over traditional materials, explaining, “Hemp fibres are highly durable, more robust in fact than bamboo or cotton. The antibacterial, antifungal and insect-repellent properties of hemp are also superior to cotton.”

Polish companies do not impose minimum order quantities, providing retailers with a more adaptable approach.

We asked Lukas why retailers should consider sourcing products from Poland and he explained that, unlike other markets, Polish companies do not impose minimum order quantities, providing retailers with a more adaptable approach.

While acknowledging potential challenges, such as those arising from Brexit, Kot assured us that these are typically resolved after the initial orders, paving the way for smooth and efficient transactions. Shorter shipping times also promote Poland as an attractive sourcing destination.

Having participated at Harrogate International Nursery Fair in 2022 and 2023, EKO Kids is optimistic about expanding its footprint across Europe and Australasia and the brand is eager to collaborate with sales agents in the UK.

EKO Kids is poised to make a lasting impact on the baby industry, combining tradition with innovation to deliver sustainable and superior-quality products.

Find out more at https://ekokids.eu/ and contact Lukas Kot at lukaszkot@ekokids.eu