Packaging
Midori Bikinis has largely eliminated single-use plastics from its packaging. Customer orders ship in compostable paper mailers rather than poly mailer bags. There is no evidence of any remaining conventional plastic in its packaging.
Material Sustainability
The entire Midori swim line is made from a specialized polyamide (nylon) fabric blended with elastane. Midori’s choice of a biodegradable nylon yarn is notable. Traditional nylon is petroleum-based and can persist for hundreds of years in landfills, but Midori’s fabric is engineered to break down in anaerobic landfill conditions within a few years (through an additive that enables CO₂-reactive biodegradation). This innovation significantly reduces long-term waste from discarded swimsuits. Moreover, all fabrics are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning their production avoids harmful substances like heavy-metal dyes or toxic residues. The nylon is not stated to be recycled, so it likely originates from virgin feedstock, which has a higher initial environmental footprint than recycled fibers. However, by opting for a longer-lasting Lycra XTRA LIFE™ blend, the suits are extremely durable.
In effect, the brand tackles sustainability through product longevity and end-of-life biodegradability rather than through recycled material input. Sourcing information for the nylon is not fully transparent (e.g. no mention of renewable energy or closed-loop processes at the mill, and no certifications like GRS for recycled content). On balance, Midori’s material strategy is more sustainable than standard swimwear (which often uses non-degradable synthetics) but falls short of best-in-class since it doesn’t use recycled or bio-based feedstock.
Energy Use and Footprint
Midori Bikinis does not publish any data on its energy use or carbon emissions, suggesting this is an area of relatively low transparency. The brand’s production is small-scale and was historically done in Brazil (in a family-owned factory). That said, no information is provided on factory energy sources (e.g. whether renewable energy is used) or efforts to measure or offset carbon emissions. Midori ships worldwide and encourages online sales, but there is no mention of carbon-neutral shipping or offset programs for transportation.
Waste Management
Waste reduction is a clear focus of Midori’s operations. The brand employs a “Small-Batch, Low-Waste” production model, meaning swimsuits are made in limited quantities based on anticipated demand, greatly reducing overproduction and unsold stock waste. During manufacturing, fabric off-cuts and scraps are not discarded; they are repurposed into dog beds which are then donated to animal shelters. This creative upcycling initiative diverts textile waste from landfills and gives it a second life serving the community.
One area where Midori could improve is end-of-life circularity for its products. There is no take-back or recycling program in place for old swimsuits, nor partnership with textile recycling initiatives.
Business Model
Midori Bikinis’ business model leans toward slow fashion principles. Since its founding in 2011, the brand has grown through community engagement and timeless designs rather than rapid trend turnover. New product launches are infrequent and in small batches – the brand explicitly states that limited drops “keep styles special and sustainable” and that production is driven by real customer feedback instead of seasonal fads. Many of Midori’s styles (cuts and prints) are evergreen or re-released, implying that a bikini from a few years ago is still relevant and sold today, rather than being “out of style” immediately. This approach encourages customers to buy less and use items longer.
