KAYU & CO.
why we exist
Welcome to Kayu & Co.!
At Kayu & Co., our passion is turning houses into homes with beautifully crafted, sustainable homeware. Our commitment to the environment is deeply intertwined with our dedication to superior craftsmanship and quality. Browse our range and easily purchase eco-friendly homeware online with confidence.
Our story
Founded in Sydney in September 2021, Kayu & Co. is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering Indonesian artisans. 'Kayu' means wood in Indonesian, and 'Co.' stands for community. We stand for both community impact and social change. Our unique approach involves sourcing directly from artisans, eliminating middlemen and ensuring transparency and fairness in our supply chain.
Challenges
Nearly 30% of Indonesian artisans have lost their jobs due to industrialisation and globalisation. Displaced, many find themselves in tough living conditions in cities like Jakarta. As mass-produced goods and plastics dominate, the rich tradition of handcrafting is being sidelined.
Our Mission
Kayu & Co. steps up to preserve these artisanal traditions and promote sustainable practices. We champion the artistry of remote Indonesian communities, bringing their unique, handcrafted products to a global audience.
Sustainability and Ethics
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our operations—from product design in Australia to our partnerships with artisan communities. We prioritise a circular economy, using recycled materials and ensuring our products are compostable, contributing positively to the environment.
Circular economy
Our product selection process focuses on minimising waste. We utilise discarded wood and coconut fibre, turning what would otherwise be waste into beautiful, durable products.
100% Natural
Our products are designed to be completely compostable, crafted with food-grade oils —truly a gift to the earth.
Long Lifespan
We choose materials like high-quality wood and naturally antibacterial coconut fibre, ensuring our products are durable and do not harbor odors like plastic.
Ethical Practices
Handcrafted Excellence: Each product is handcrafted in villages, not factories, encapsulating the time, effort, and skill of artisans.
Fair Trade: We ensure all artisans earn a living wage, supporting their families and communities sustainably.
Transparent Supply Chain: We are proud of our transparent supply chain, showcasing the real environments where our artisans work. This direct relationship supports not just the artisans but also their communities.
Meet our partners
Biansa Home Fair Trade: Founded in 2016 in Yogyakarta, Central Java, this enterprise supports economic independence for the marginalized through fair trade based on local wisdom.
Mitra Mandiri Coco Fibre: Established in 2017 in Cilacap, Central Java, this group specializes in creating eco-friendly household items from local waste materials.
Mitra Bali Fair Trade: Since 1993, Mitra Bali has been helping craft producers in Bali to thrive against the challenges posed by middlemen in the tourism industry.
Handep Haruei: In Borneo, Handep Haruei connects indigenous Dayak people with sustainable economic opportunities that respect their cultural heritage and the rainforest.
Founder's note
Ira, our founder, moved to Sydney in 2018 and launched Kayu & Co. with a vision inspired by her Master's in Social Entrepreneurship. She believes in lifting artisans out of poverty through empowerment and sustainable business practices, not charity. Her journey started when she recognised the challenges faced by artisans, from lack of education to the disappearance of traditional arts due to modernisation pressures. Her goal is to foster growth and prevent exploitation by maintaining cultural integrity and ensuring economic sustainability.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Every purchase not only adds beauty and functionality to your home but also supports ethical practices and sustainable living. Let's make a positive impact together.
Let's reconnect and remember how much our relationships matter.
#communityoverfactories #upcyclingbuildslives
