New Zealand’s Untouched World has achieved the distinction of being one of the world’s top sustainable businesses announced by international fashion industry network Common Objective at this year’s CO10 Awards held to recognise just ten businesses across the globe demonstrating excellence in sustainable fashion.

Judges identified Untouched World as a pioneer in best practice citing the company’s intrinsic commitment to sustainability as stand-out.

Founder and CEO Peri Drysdale says while the award is humbling for the company she is most proud of the way the industry itself is changing.

“Having a positive impact on our planet is at the heart of Untouched World, it always has been. When we look at the other winners and finalists we can see that sustainability in the fashion industry is finally shifting from tactics to table stakes which is fantastic news for both people and the planet.”

She says the Common Objective has around 50,000 members and the international competition takes place on an immense playing field. 

Untouched World’s top ten rating puts it alongside celebrated, international brands including Eileen Fisher and Komodo at the same time beating shortlisted industry stalwarts like Ted Baker and Gucci’s parent company, Kering. 

“The competition is judged first by an internal awards team, then the shortlist is reviewed by an external judging panel comprised of some of fashion’s biggest names including British GQ Editor Dylan Jones, British Fashion Council chief executive Caroline Rush and Vivienne Westwood’s head of couture Brigitte Stepputtis.”

Untouched World has been a leader in sustainable fashion practice since 1998 when Peri founded the business based on her own belief in producing clothing from natural fibres and fabrics that are easy on the earth. 

The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its flagship stores in both Christchurch and Wanaka and the company’s leading business model has gained international notoriety with celebrities such as US Presidents Barak Obama and Bill Clinton making the New Zealand label their clothing of choice.