KAOS

KAOS: Innovative, functional and creative products for children

Gineline Kalleberg and Mette Bordal Hansen are mothers and sisters-in-law themselves and live in Oslo with their four children. Originally from design and marketing departments, the two founders have more than 12 years experience in the industry in Norway's largest design and advertising agencies.

As parents they have learned how many things need to be bought when the first child comes. The list is long and expensive. But what bothered them most was that most products have a short life span because children grow so fast. This "use and dispose mentality" felt completely ridiculous to them. The products were also not very stylish when it came to the taste of the two mothers. They felt the need to change something about it. So they started to design things that they needed themselves. All with a very functional approach to product development, because the products should make everyday life with children a little easier. At the same time, they have always been fascinated by the timeless and clear expression for which Norwegian design is known. The combination of functionality and aesthetics is what makes KAOS stand out.

It quickly became clear that KAOS products are very popular. The articles were quickly distributed to mothers' groups and were well received. Gineline and Mette ran their KAOS brand alongside their main jobs for a year before deciding to be fully committed to the brand. Since2015, the two founders developed a growing collection with the motto: "Functionality is never neglected because of design and vice versa". They dedicate a lot of time to the development until the product is perfect. There are no half measures at KAOS. Their determination has already resulted in award-winning designs and patents of which they are very proud.

Durable furniture and accessories for the entire childhood

KAOS products are designed to last through several phases in life, so parents have fewer things to buy. At KAOS you will find great diaper bags that can be used as backpacks after changing, and also great children's furniture such as the Endeløs modular systems with endless uses or smart folding high chairs that grow with your child. The colours are attractive, rich, but also very close to nature. These are real design products with incredibly great functionality and aesthetics.

In their search for manufacturers, the founders of KAOS have learned how incredibly important it is to have certifications. KAOS therefore only works with certified manufacturers who can prove where their raw materials come from.

 

Sustainability and recycling are a big issue at KAOS

All KAOS products are manufactured with the smallest possible ecological footprint to ensure the safest possible future for our children. The world is changing fast and it is up to all of us to adapt. KAOS wants to set new standards for the industry, especially in the sourcing and production of fabrics. In addition to developing products, the label wants to be innovative in terms of new materials and methods.

When KAOS was introduced, only cotton was used. Since 2019, all bags have been made from recycled bottles that come from consumer waste. This is recycled PET, a synthetic fibre based on plastic and polyester, which comes from plastic bottles. The surface of the finished fabric is brushed so that it resembles a cotton cloth, but the properties are many times better. It is a synthetic fabric, so PET is much more durable and weather resistant, i.e. more water repellent than cotton. It does not fade due to UV radiation and weighs less than cotton. One of the things KAOS loves about recycled PET is its value to the environment. To produce one batch of backpacks, nearly 150,000 plastic bottles are recycled, which would otherwise have to be.

The cotton used is REACH certified cotton, which is produced in modern and relatively environmentally friendly machines. The cotton is produced in India.

KAOS also uses fair products with environmentally friendly production for its wooden furniture. The furniture is produced in Europe from oak, beech and ash. The best quality and craftsmanship simply exists in Europe. The chairs are produced in Latvia by a manufacturer from Denmark, who also works for other well-known furniture manufacturers. The Endeløs organizers are made in Lithuania from local wood in a small production facility.

KAOS only works with local manufacturers so that distances are as short as possible. The manufacturers are members of the EU Eco-label as well as ISO 9001 certified and source their wood from FSC certified suppliers. The quality of KAOS furniture is hand-picked to meet the desired standards and is manufactured by hand.