ESG in Every Thread: KOFISI Launches a Sustainable Uniform Programme Powered by HEN

Sustainability at KOFISI Africa is not a side note. From designing workspaces that prioritise efficiency and wellbeing to reimagining how Africa’s businesses can work smarter, it is woven into the very fabric of how we operate. 

Our latest initiative takes this philosophy beyond the desk and into the daily rhythm of our teams. 

KOFISI has launched a comprehensive sustainable uniform programme for our Hospitality Teams, in partnership with HEN —a pioneering design studio at the forefront of sustainable clothing. 

HEN is helping KOFISI rethink how these uniforms are designed, sourced, produced and cared for.

This programme is about more than uniforms. We are setting a new standard for how clothing in the workplace can support people, protect the planet and power inclusive economies.

Sustainable by Design

The uniform programme begins with the fabric itself. Materials are chosen for their environmental and human impact. These choices mean our uniforms not only meet the high-performance needs of our teams but also deliver on KOFISI’s strong environmental and social mandate.

HEN has worked on innovative solutions in this direction::

• Biodegradable fabrics enhanced with additive technology that accelerates the breakdown of microplastics.
  
• PFAS-free textiles, removing harmful “forever chemicals” and  toxic pollutants from the supply chain that persist in the environment for centuries.
  
• Natural and sustainable trims, reducing synthetic waste.
  
• Durable construction, with reinforced stitching extending the product lifecycle while maintaining the high performance needed by our hospitality teams.
  

End of Life Circularity

Sustainability does not end with design. KOFISI and HEN have also reimagined laundry and maintenance, introducing a circular care system that integrates smart water tracking, water-conscious technologies and greywater reuse.

At the end of their life cycle, uniforms will be collected through take-back programmes, recycled, or downcycled, ensuring they do not end up in landfills. With biodegradable and non-toxic finishes, each piece is designed to return safely to the environment.

This closed-loop approach is critical in Africa, where countries like Kenya imported nearly 198,000 tonnes of second-hand clothing in 2023—with up to half arriving unsellable and ultimately discarded as waste.

By contrast, the KOFISI x HEN programme provides a local, sustainable alternative that keeps value within African economies.

Powering People and Local Economies

Sustainability is not just about materials — it is also about people. Our programme is 100% constructed in Africa, with over 50% of raw materials sourced within the continent. 

Through investing in local supply chains, regional makers and innovative technology, we are unleashing Africa’s manufacturing potential while creating inclusive, ESG-certified economies.

For KOFISI, this is sustainability as both environmental stewardship and economic empowerment. Every stitch supports livelihoods, strengthens industries and helps scale African innovation.

A Statement of Intent

KOFISI believes business has a responsibility to set new standards for how the future of work in Africa is built. Our sustainable uniform programme embodies that belief—aligning planet, people and performance in every thread.

Together with HEN, we are proud to set this benchmark. 

“This is not just a uniform. It is a blueprint to a better future, stitched into every seam.” HEN

“KOFISI believe Africa’s future will be defined by bold collaboration, relentless innovation and unwavering commitment to sustainability. By partnering with local artisans and suppliers, we are transforming traditional sourcing into a dynamic engine for ethical growth.” Michael Aldridge, Founder and CEO of KOFISI.

It is a statement of intent: What our teams wear each day is more than clothing.