FAQ's

äktiiv FAQs

Sustainability Standards & Product Transparency
Learn more about how we build our products, what goes into them, and the certifications behind our materials and claims

1. What is Proterra™ Fabric?

Proterra™ fabric is our proprietary high-performance fabric built from three globally certified yarns. It’s designed for sustainability, compression, and long-term durability. Every yarn in Proterra™ is backed by third-party testing and meets international safety and environmental standards.

What is it made of?
Proterra™ fabric is knit from a blend of three certified yarns:

A. (42%) Plant-Based Nylon: 100% bio-based yarn made from castor beans.

Fully renewable
Petroleum-free
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)
Certified non-toxic at end-of-life via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

B. (40%) Biodegradable Bio-Accelerated Nylon: An eco-friendly yarn that decomposes in approximately 5 years.

Engineered to biodegrade under specific conditions while performing like standard nylon in use
ASTM D5511: Biodegradation under anaerobic landfill conditions
ASTM D6691: Biodegradation under marine conditions
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)

C. (18%) Roica™ V550 Degradable Elastane: A pioneer in eco-circular stretch, and the world's first sustainable degradable yarn.

Cradle to Cradle™ GOLD Certified for circular material health
ISO 14855-1: Aerobic compostability testing
ASTM D5511 / ASTM D6691: Biodegradation under landfill and marine conditions
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)
Verified via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to have lower carbon footprint and toxicity vs. petroleum-based synthetics

Important Note on ecodegradable™
While each Proterra™ yarn is certified for biodegradability or end-of-life safety under controlled conditions, äktiiv does not claim that the full fabric or finished garment is biodegradable. The ecodegradable™ designation applies only to the certified yarns listed above.

ecodegradable™ Trademark and Positioning
ecodegradable™ is a trademark of Aktiiv LLC and is currently pending registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The term refers to certified yarns used in our Proterra™ and Element™ fabrics that either degrade under controlled, lab-tested conditions (such as ASTM D5511, ASTM D6691, and ISO 14855-1) or leave behind zero toxic residues at end-of-life, as verified through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, Annex 6, Product Class I. The term applies only at the yarn level and does not extend to full fabrics or finished garments. While these yarns are engineered for environmental safety and advanced degradation, äktiiv makes no claims that the full garment will biodegrade in uncontrolled environments such as landfills, oceans, or backyard compost systems. Biodegradation timelines depend on environmental factors beyond our control. All language used by the brand complies with FTC Green Guide standards to ensure accuracy and prevent greenwashing.

2. What is Element™ Fabric?
Element™ fabric is our lifestyle-intended performance fabric, designed for softness, breathability, and second-layer comfort. It’s engineered for relaxed movement and sustainability — using certified yarns that meet the highest global standards for safety and environmental responsibility.

What is it made of?
Element™ is composed of two certified yarns:

A. (94%) Eucalyptus Lyocell: Made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees.

Produced in a closed-loop process with over 99% water and solvent recovery
Certified biodegradable and compostable under EN 13432, ASTM D6400, and OK Compost HOME/INDUSTRIAL
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)
Verified through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to have low water usage, low toxicity, and reduced environmental impact

B. (6%) Roica™ V550 Degradable Elastane: A pioneer in eco-circular stretch, and the world's first sustainable degradable yarn

Cradle to Cradle™ GOLD Certified for circular material health
ISO 14855-1: Aerobic compostability testing
ASTM D5511 / ASTM D6691: Biodegradation under landfill and marine conditions
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)
Verified through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to have a low environmental footprint

Important Note on ecodegradable™
While each Element™ yarn is certified for biodegradability or end-of-life safety under controlled conditions, äktiiv does not claim that the full fabric or finished garment is biodegradable. The ecodegradable™ designation applies only to the certified yarns listed above.

3. What are Proterra™ Bras made of?
Proterra™ Bras are the only äktiiv styles that contain both Proterra™ fabric and a defined percentage of supporting materials. Designed for elevated performance, these bras offer sculpting support while maintaining the sustainability, safety, and transparency standards of the Proterra™ platform. Both bras use certified yarns knit into the Proterra™ fabric, with added mesh and elastic for structure, ventilation, and durability. Percentages are broken out clearly below as well as on the product pages to distinguish between Proterra™ yarn content and all supporting materials.

Proterra™ Sports Bra
Style Number: AKT100

Fabric Composition:
Proterra™ Fabric (88% of entire bra)

A. (42%) Plant-Based Nylon: 100% bio-based yarn made from castor beans.

Fully renewable
Petroleum-free
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)
Certified non-toxic at end-of-life via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

B. (40%) Biodegradable Bio-Accelerated Nylon: An eco-friendly yarn that decomposes in approximately 5 years.

Engineered to biodegrade under specific conditions while performing like standard nylon in use
ASTM D5511: Biodegradation under anaerobic landfill conditions
ASTM D6691: Biodegradation under marine conditions
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)

C. (18%) Roica™ V550 Degradable Elastane: A pioneer in eco-circular stretch, and the world's first sustainable degradable yarn.

Cradle to Cradle™ GOLD Certified for circular material health
ISO 14855-1: Aerobic compostability testing
ASTM D5511 / ASTM D6691: Biodegradation under landfill and marine conditions
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)
Verified via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to have lower carbon footprint and toxicity vs. petroleum-based synthetics

D. Supporting Materials - (12%) of entire bra

Elastic Band: 63% Recycled Polyester, 17% Polyester, 20% Elastane
Power Mesh Inserts: 83% Nylon, 17% Spandex

Proterra™ Square Neck Bra
Style Number: AKT102

Fabric Composition:
Proterra™ Fabric (90% of entire bra)

A. (42%) Plant-Based Nylon: 100% bio-based, derived from castor beans

Fully renewable
Petroleum-free
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)
Certified non-toxic at end-of-life via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

B. (40%) Biodegradable Bio-Accelerated Nylon: An eco-friendly yarn that decomposes in approximately 5 years.

Engineered to biodegrade under specific conditions while performing like standard nylon in use
ASTM D5511: Biodegradation under anaerobic landfill conditions
ASTM D6691: Biodegradation under marine conditions
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)

C. (18%) Roica™ V550 Degradable Elastane: A pioneer in eco-circular stretch, and the world's first sustainable degradable yarn.

Cradle to Cradle™ GOLD Certified for circular material health
ISO 14855-1: Aerobic compostability testing
ASTM D5511 / ASTM D6691: Biodegradation under landfill and marine conditions
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified (Annex 6, Product Class I)
Verified via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to have lower carbon footprint and toxicity vs. petroleum-based synthetics

D. Supporting Materials - (10% of entire bra)

Elastic Band: 63% Recycled Polyester, 17% Polyester, 20% Elastane
Power Mesh Inserts: 83% Nylon, 17% Spandex

Proterra™ Bras are a hybrid of sustainable innovation and functional design. The use of certified ecodegradable™ and non-toxic yarns delivers on äktiiv’s sustainability mission, while the inclusion of transparent supporting materials ensures optimal fit and support. These bras are engineered for performance and backed by legal integrity and full material disclosure.

4. What type of packaging does äktiiv use for its apparel?

äktiiv apparel is packaged inside a certified water-soluble, compostable, and non-toxic polymer film. This packaging is engineered to meet the highest global biodegradability and compostability standards without contributing to microplastic pollution.

Apparel Packaging is:

Made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a water-soluble, non-toxic polymer
Dissolves completely in boiling water with no residue
Certified compostable under industrial and landfill conditions
Free from microplastics, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Must be composted or dissolved

Certifications & Testing Standards

ASTM D6400 (industrial compostability – U.S.)
EN 13432 (compostability – EU standard)
ASTM D5511 (anaerobic biodegradation in landfill)
FTIR Analysis (non-plastic chemical structure verification)
EEQ (Estrogen Equivalent Quantification – endocrine safety)
OECD 208 (soil toxicity testing – safe for plant growth)

All compostability claims refer to conditions validated by ASTM and EN certifications; äktiiv makes no claims that the packaging will decompose in uncontrolled environments or standard household trash.

This apparel packaging reflects äktiiv’s commitment to end-to-end sustainability — from yarn to post-purchase disposal. By choosing materials that are both water-soluble and compostable under verified standards, äktiiv eliminates the hidden footprint of poly packaging and avoids greenwashing while leading the category in zero-residue, certified packaging practices.

5. What type of mailer do you ship in?
äktiiv uses certified compostable shipping mailers for all outgoing orders. These mailers are made from a plant-based film designed to degrade safely and completely under both industrial and home composting conditions. They serve as the outermost layer during shipment and are fully distinct from the inner apparel packaging. All claims made about the shipping mailers are backed by third-party certifications and global compostability standards.

Shipping Mailer is:

Made from a blend of PLA (plant starch) and PBAT (biodegradable thermoplastic)
Flexible, durable, and compostable in both home and commercial compost settings
Breaks down into water, carbon dioxide, and organic biomass
Leaves no microplastics or toxic residues

Compostable in 90–180 days, depending on composting conditions
Free from heavy metals, plasticizers, and synthetic toxins

Certifications & Testing Standards

OK Compost INDUSTRIAL (EN 13432)
OK Compost HOME (AS 5810 / ABAP 20201)
BPI Certified (ASTM D6400 – U.S.)
DIN CERTCO / TÜV Rheinland (complete degradation, non-toxicity, and plant growth safety)

All compostability claims are based strictly on results from the above-certified test standards. The mailers are not recyclable through municipal recycling programs and should never be disposed of in plastic waste streams. Proper disposal is required via composting or as directed by local compost guidelines. All external claims made about the mailers are FTC Green Guide-aligned.

äktiiv’s shipping mailers eliminate the need for traditional poly mailers and align with its broader commitment to circular product ecosystems. By ensuring that the final step in the unboxing experience meets the same environmental criteria as the product and packaging inside, äktiiv closes the loop on transparency, accountability, and material integrity from shipment to disposal.

6. Where are äktiiv garments made, and under what conditions?
äktiiv garments are manufactured in ethically operated, women-led facilities that uphold strict standards for social responsibility, safety, and environmental care. Our production partners are based in Taiwan and Cambodia, where we maintain direct visibility and oversight across every stage of the manufacturing process. All external language centers on verifiable conditions and practices — not supplier names — in compliance with global labor law and fair marketing standards.

Operational Standards

100% sweatshop-free and fully compliant with international labor expectations
Staffed and managed by women at multiple levels of the organization
Located in regions with active labor protections and stable working conditions
Workers are paid fair wages and operate in safe, well-lit, and ventilated environments
No forced labor, child labor, or exploitative practices at any production stage
Facilities capture and reuse rainwater — up to 56% of annual usage during seasonal months
Water filtered using onsite reverse osmosis systems to reduce municipal dependency
Solar energy integrated to reduce carbon impact and lower indoor temperatures by up to 3°C during peak output (up to 3,200 kWh/day)

Oversight & Transparency

All processes — from fabric cutting to final quality control — are fully documented and traceable
Regular communication ensures ongoing alignment on lead times, ethics, and safety
Direct relationships with facility leadership support visibility and accountability
Continuous feedback systems monitor leadership performance through employee surveys
Weekly development content is delivered to employees (training, surveys, updates)
Internal communications help bridge the gap between factory teams and leadership

Ethical Commitments

Every äktiiv product is made in facilities that meet or exceed our social and environmental benchmarks
We do not use mass-production or anonymous factories that lack transparency
Our team retains full control of fabric sourcing, construction, and quality — from design to delivery

Compliance and Disclosure

äktiiv does not claim third-party certifications it has not earned (e.g., “Fair Trade Certified”)
All statements about factory conditions are based on firsthand engagement and documented oversight
Facility names and locations are not disclosed unless legally required
All communications are in compliance with FTC guidance on fair labor and manufacturing claims

Why This Matters
Manufacturing is one of äktiiv’s core differentiators. While many brands operate at a distance from their supply chains, we remain directly involved — from fabric development to finished garment. This hands-on approach ensures that sustainability isn’t just about materials, but also about the people who bring the product to life. Our factory partnerships reflect a long-term commitment to transparency, care, and accountability — building systems rooted in ethical responsibility and product integrity.

7. What product standards, disclaimers, and policies apply to äktiiv purchases?
All äktiiv products and marketing materials are governed by our official Terms and Conditions. These include legal disclaimers around product use, safety, and performance, and apply to every sale made through our website, integrated sales channels (including social media storefronts), and any Shopify-powered point of sale.

Compliance Disclaimers & Material Boundaries

Products are provided “as is” and “as available,” with no performance guarantees
We make no medical, dermatological, or therapeutic claims
Proterra™ and Element™ fabrics are proprietary blends we call ecodegradable™ — composed of select yarns that meet one or more of the following criteria: certified biodegradable under controlled conditions (e.g., ASTM D5511, D6691, TÜV AUSTRIA), engineered for advanced degradation (e.g., ISO 14855-1, Cradle to Cradle™ GOLD), or verified non-toxic at end-of-life through OEKO-TEX® and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
All packaging materials must be composted or dissolved as directed. äktiiv makes no claims that these materials will degrade in uncontrolled environments such as landfills, oceans, or municipal recycling streams
For all legal disclaimers, certification boundaries, and product use terms, please refer to our full Terms and Conditions.

äktiiv llc | 4804 NW Bethany Blvd, Suite I-2 #144, Portland Oregon 97229, United States