Haiku Invests Exclusively in cyclePET Eco-Friendly Fabric

OAKLAND, Calif., (Jan. 18, 2010) – Haiku by Sharon Eisenhauer, Inc., creator of poetically functional accessories for women, is a small business committed to creating awareness and positive change. Effective immediately, Haiku has made a commitment to stop further production of its virgin petroleum-based primary fabric (the Original Haiku pebbled fabric) and will use eco-friendly cyclePET going forward. Haiku feels strongly that it is a big first step to creating a more environmentally friendly product.

“Committing to using cyclePET was a huge decision for us, but it’s a pivotal decision that is more in alignment with our values,” said Sharon Eisenhauer, owner and design director of Haiku. “As a small, independent company, Haiku is able to be nimble and continually consider its impact on the environment.”

Eisenhauer continues, “Walking away from the fabric we have become known for was a difficult decision, and the Haiku team has had to work very hard with sourcing and supply to make it happen. We are thrilled to bring a more environmentally-friendly product to our dealers and customers. “

CyclePET is a fabric created from 100-percent post-consumer PET beverage bottles. On average, each bag that Haiku creates is keeping 22 bottles out of the landfill.



FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT HAIKU’S NEW FABRICATION:

• Haiku will bring the classic Original Haiku silhouettes forward in the new cyclePET fabrication.

• As part of this important launch, Haiku will offer a streamlined To-Go bag, the Jaunt, the City Satchel, the Pouch and a brand new iPad sleeve all in the cyclePET fabric.

• Concurrently, Haiku will update its Haiku collection with more modern silhouettes: Grab Bag, Hobo, Pouch in a tonal, new, textural cyclePET fabrication. The new collection also features new recycled aluminum hardware.

• When existing fabric inventory runs out, there will be no new production of Haiku product in the Original primary fabric.

The cyclePET decision is only the beginning of Haiku’s journey toward creating a less-impactful product. The Haiku product collection will still have some components made of virgin petroleum – webbing, buckles and some interfacing.

• Haiku will work hard to create sourcing solutions around these components for the near future, and the company will communicate with its dealers and customers on the company’s progress.

• Haiku’s brand-new website will launch in Fall 2011, which will highlight the story of this important change to cyclePET fabric and will offer more insight into the company’s commitment to create a product that is more environmentally sustainable.

• Haiku also will unveil its new Haiku leaf logo (pictured: above) to signify this important change.

• Haiku hopes that the investment in cyclePET will inspire change in other businesses in the outdoor industry and among Haiku’s valued end-consumers.

Living Haiku is a reminder to connect back to nature, feelings and experiences and to appreciate the abundance of the mind and the soul.

According to Sharon Eisenhauer, “We at Haiku do our best to be thoughtful of our environment, to be good partners in all of our relationships and to make decisions that are socially and environmentally informed. We take the time to connect to others, to contribute and to be of service where we can. We feel that even the smallest contribution can help further positive change in the world.”

About Haiku by Sharon Eisenhauer:

Haiku by Sharon Eisenhauer, Inc. designs and makes high quality, casual accessories for women. Like a haiku poem, a Haiku bag has everything you need and nothing you don’t. It is essential that every item produced by Haiku be poetically functional – a perfect union of style and substance.

The company’s vision is to build a brand respected for its quality, style and function; to be socially responsible in all practices, and to make all choices consciously and with integrity. For additional information, please visit www.haikubags.com, and join Haiku on Facebook and Twitter @haikubags.