About Us
Founded in 2002 in Shawinigan by Mario H, Abaka is one of the first eco-friendly clothing companies in Quebec. In 2010, Karine B, also from Shawinigan, joined the adventure, bringing not only her scissors but her unique style blending comfort and originality, now a signature of the brand.
Our #eco-comfortable commitment:
A greener future is possible through all of our choices. Here’s how we commit to sustainability every day...
- Fabric scraps we don’t use are donated to local artisans and organizations who upcycle them ecologically.
- The ink used in our printed patterns and on our shipping boxes is recycled water-based ink.
- For our tags, boxes, and packaging in general, we use as little material as possible and avoid plastic.
- The ink used in our printed patterns and on our shipping boxes is recycled water-based ink.
Our origin:
Abaka comes from the indigenous word "abaca," meaning Manila hemp in Tagalog, a language spoken in the Philippines. In the early 2000s in Asia, Mario discovered hemp clothing. With limited options available, he decided to create the Kaméléon pants upon returning to Quebec—a product still available today.
Almost entirely made in Quebec, if not Canada! All our designs and cutting are done at our workshop-boutique in Shawinigan, and the clothing is sewn by local home-based and factory seamstresses and tailors. Some items are made in Ontario (mostly corporate products).
Our team:
Mario – Chief Colleague.
Karine – Creator and Chief Colleague.
Sabrina – Customer Happiness Officer and Production Assistant.
Andréanne – Silkscreen Artist.
Josette – Customer Happiness Officer and English Service Contact.
Marie-Anne – Skilled Seamstress and Assistant in Cutting and Production.
Léonie – Assistant in Cutting and Production.
