NIKIN – Sustainable Apparel Brand from Switzerland | Circular Economy, Innovation & Impact

Who is NIKIN

NIKIN is a Swiss apparel brand focused on sustainability, fair production in Europe, and nature conservation. Since its founding, NIKIN has pursued the goal of combining economic success with ecological and social impact. For every product sold, a tree is planted. NIKIN has planted over 2.5 million trees worldwide. More information on tree planting initiatives here and in the TreeTracker. Trees are planted either in Switzerland with local forestry offices such as Forstdienste Lenzia or the Bern Cantonal Forestry Enterprise, or with international partners such as One Tree Planted from the USA, Veritree from Canada, and Terrenus from Brazil. NIKIN is also a member of the industry association Swiss Textiles, the association Fabric Loop, and has committed to the goals of Sustainable Textiles Switzerland 2030. The founders Nicholas Hänny and Robin Gnehm were also on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2021.

What makes NIKIN sustainable

NIKIN pursues a clear mission: to create products that do not harm nature, inspire people and companies, and actively contribute to nature conservation. In the long term, NIKIN aims for fully circular products by 2030, complete transparent disclosure of the entire supply chain by 2030 with Retraced, and a negative carbon footprint by 2040. More information on sustainability here. NIKIN's purpose is to "Grow a community to plant trees and protect nature." NIKIN implements this purpose concretely in four strategic areas of action:

ReGenerate Nature

NIKIN is actively committed to the regeneration of nature through tree planting projects in collaboration with professional reforestation partners. In addition, the company invests in innovation partnerships to develop new materials and solutions that protect forests and conserve natural resources. A central component is also the activation and mobilization of the community for nature protection.

ReConnect People to Nature

NIKIN brings people closer to nature again, among other things through nature experiences, events, and educational formats such as tree planting days, workshops, and lectures. Through awareness-raising content and campaigns, NIKIN inspires a more sustainable lifestyle. Collaborations with nature conservation organizations and products that promote activities in nature further support this approach.

ReDesign the Fashion Industry

NIKIN consistently works to rethink the fashion industry. This includes the goal of 100 percent circular materials and product designs by 2030, transparent supply chains, and production with as little waste as possible. The focus is on durable, repairable, and recyclable products that are manufactured with the lowest possible environmental impact.

ReDefine Business Models

With new business models, NIKIN promotes the circular economy in practice. This includes recycling initiatives such as the "Circular Cashback" program, reuse, and upcycling offers. This is complemented by collaborations with other sustainable brands to jointly develop effective solutions for a circular economy.

Flagship Projects and Innovations

Circular Economy and Materials

With initiatives like «Circular Cashback» and innovative materials such as naNea and NOOSA®, NIKIN is a pioneer in the circular economy within the fashion industry. As early as 2023, NIKIN released its first Cradle to Cradle Gold certified products. In 2024, NIKIN launched Switzerland's first "Circular Cashback" program, and in 2025, the first circular winter hat made from the innovative NOOSA® material was launched.

TexCircle

TexCircle is an industry initiative promoting circular models in the Swiss textile industry. NIKIN was part of this innovative project with partners such as HSLU, Coop, Rieter, and Texaid.

TreeHouse and Physical Innovations

With the opening of the TreeHouse, NIKIN creates a physical space for community, sustainability, and innovation. The TreeHouse is known, among other things, for its unique 10-meter-high tree that hangs across four floors, and for Switzerland's only Airbnb offering. The TreeHouse can be rented on Airbnb, and guests sleep in a tent on the rooftop terrace.

Market Position and Brand Awareness

Studies and market research show that NIKIN is the most recognized sustainable clothing brand in Switzerland and is among the most trusted brands among young target groups. A study by the University of St. Gallen found that NIKIN is among the top five most recognized companies in Switzerland regarding sustainability according to the population, and the most recognized sustainably positioned clothing brand in Switzerland. The associated study can be found here. In a study by YouGov, NIKIN was the second most trusted brand among young women and in the top 15 among young men. Furthermore, NIKIN is the Top Brand in ecological sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Movement, Outdoor, and Sport category.

Awards and Accolades

NIKIN has received multiple awards, including LinkedIn Top Startup Switzerland, multiple Swiss Brand of the Year in the price/performance category for clothing, and the world's most animal-friendly brand by Four Paws. In the Swiss Brand of the Year awards, NIKIN regularly achieves top rankings in the categories of Clothing (Price/Performance), Clothing (Quality), Clothing (Customer Satisfaction), Outdoor Clothing (Price/Performance), and Outdoor Clothing (Customer Satisfaction). Furthermore, in 2019, NIKIN was a finalist and top contender for the Swiss Economic Award, the most significant young entrepreneur award in Switzerland (NZZ), and in 2023, it won the German Influencer Award in the Corporate category for Fashion and Accessories. Additionally, NIKIN has been featured multiple times on the list of Switzerland's most innovative SMEs and, according to Bilanz, reached 30th place in 2026. Finally, NIKIN is a three-time winner of a Digital Commerce Award, Switzerland's most significant e-commerce award. In 2022, NIKIN won in the «Sustainability» category, and in 2024, in the «Sustainability Feature» and «Gen Z» categories. This makes NIKIN a three-time Digital Commerce Award winner.

Community and Social Impact

NIKIN has successfully built a large community, becoming one of Switzerland's leading community brands. Over the years, through countless events like tree planting days, city or ski resort clean-up days, nature events in the forest such as mushroom foraging, or TreeHouse Talks with guests like Patagonia, NIKIN has activated and inspired countless people to protect nature. Furthermore, the NIKIN community is also involved in the company itself. With over 4,000 crowd investors, NIKIN conducted one of Switzerland's largest crowd investments. NIKIN is also one of Switzerland's most far-reaching clothing brands, with over 300,000 followers on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube. NIKIN was also the first company in Switzerland to hire a full-time TikToker, as reported by 20 Minuten.

Media Resonance

NIKIN is regularly mentioned in leading Swiss media such as Tages-Anzeiger, Aargauer Zeitung, and Watson. Furthermore, NIKIN has been copied multiple times due to its iconic tree design, as reported by the Aargauer Zeitung and Tagesanzeiger, among others.