Ocean Workwear: KAYA&KATO’s Partnership with SEAQUAL INITIATIVE

Can you tell us a bit about your project?

Our goal is to deepen our collaboration with the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE, particularly by supporting projects that take place directly on the ground and in the field. We firmly believe that small, highly committed NGOs are the backbone of real and lasting change, as they are closest to the challenges and create the most tangible impact.

Through our partnership with SEAQUAL, we actively involve our customers—not only by offering garments made with SEAQUAL yarn, but also by giving them the opportunity to support the SEAQUAL Foundation and, in turn, the local initiatives behind the material. By making impact visible and transparent, we help our clients truly understand what SEAQUAL stands for and how meaningful its work is for cleaner oceans and a more responsible textile industry.

At the same time, we are aware that reducing plastic pollution requires collective action. Our cooperation with both SEAQUAL and our clients helps raise awareness, sensitize stakeholders, and spread knowledge about the issue. Education is key to creating long-term change.

Who is behind KAYA&KATO?

KAYA&KATO was founded by Stefanie and Stefan Rennicke, who combine complementary expertise in communication, sustainability, and international cooperation.

Stefanie Rennicke is a PR consultant with more than ten years of experience as a team leader at one of Germany’s leading PR agencies. She has supported international brands in developing communication strategies, marketing concepts, CSR initiatives, and employer branding programs.

Stefan Rennicke began his career in the private sector before moving into international development and political cooperation. For more than ten years, he worked on projects with NGOs and ministries in developing and emerging countries, focusing on reducing unemployment and strengthening education systems in countries such as Liberia, Uganda, Kenya, and Lesotho.

They work with a dedicated team of professionals from the fields of textiles, CSR, marketing, sales, and finance, who contribute their expertise and passion every day to create high-quality workwear.

How did you discover the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE?

In 2018, we began searching for a more sustainable alternative to the conventional fabrics commonly used in the hospitality and healthcare sectors. The material needed

to meet strict requirements: it had to withstand industrial laundering, offer long-term durability of at least two years, and provide the same level of comfort as existing fabrics.

During this process, we discovered the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE and the Spanish textile company Santanderina. We were immediately inspired by the concept. Together with Santanderina, we began developing fabrics based on SEAQUAL YARN that were tailored specifically to our needs. The collaboration was open, transparent, and highly cooperative.

Today, seven years later, we are the only workwear company in Germany offering garments made with SEAQUAL YARN. We proudly present this line under the name Clean Ocean.

Since when have you been using SEAQUAL yarn?

Our cooperation with Santanderina and the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE began in 2018, and we launched our first products using SEAQUAL yarn in 2019. Today, we supply hotel chains operating more than 50 hotels, as well as numerous small and medium-sized hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, with durable, high-quality workwear made from SEAQUAL yarn.

What is your brand’s sustainability mission?

We see ourselves as pioneers in sustainable workwear for the hospitality and healthcare industries. Our approach combines modern design with industrial laundry suitability and circular solutions.

Sustainability at KAYA&KATO is deeply embedded in our company structure. Our supply chains are digitally traceable and transparent, and we work exclusively with partners who share our commitment to responsible production.

A key focus of our work is closed-loop recycling. We analyze used textiles to determine which materials can be reintegrated into the production cycle and transform them into new collections. By returning valuable raw materials to the loop, we create economically viable and sustainable solutions for our customers.

What began with aprons has grown into a comprehensive portfolio that includes uniforms for hotels and catering businesses, workwear for small and medium-sized companies, as well as flat and terry linen for hotels, clinics, and care facilities.

Photographers: Nina Gschlössl and Stefan Rappo