CONSCIOUS DESIGNS

Focusing on materials

We are committed to select material with less strain on planet and people (page 12-16 in the report). These were our achievements in 2018.

• Chrome-free tanned leather, selected for all components close to bare skin to prevent allergies.
  
  
• Organic GOTS-certified cotton replaces conventional cotton for linings and insocks for less environmental impact.
  
  
• Recycled polyester replaces new polyester to save natural resources.
  
  

SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION

A cooperation and dialogue with the end consumer with the aim to create more circular fashion

In 2018 we have been focusing on further actions to close the loop within production – distribution – consumption (page 3, 8, 12 & 24).

• During 2018, our remaining stores joined the Shoe Bring Back program. This means that you can leave shoes for systematic reuse and circular recycling in all our concept stores.
  
  
• We made continuous trials with post-consumer rubber, directly deriving from our Shoe Bring Back volumes, to take further steps towards closing the loop.

PRODUCTION & SOCIAL

Continuous improvements of the working environment

Safety in the working environment is improved by close cooperation with our suppliers (page 10, 22-23 & 32-33). These are the main achievements for 2018:

• Further commitment to share know-how widely, by education both to management and to our co-workers in the production.
  
  
• During 2018 we have been proceeding with our innovative "glue project" aiming to replace harmful chemicals in production. First tests conducted during the year with promising results.

PRODUCTION & ENVIRONMENT

Minimizing emission & use of natural resources

The use of fossil energy must be reduced. And so must the use of processed water from our industry (page 18-20). This longterm commitment and for 2018 we report: 

• In 2018 we stated that we aim to reduce our CO2 emissions deriving from goods transport by 50% until 2030.
  
  
• The learnings from the STWI cooperation was used both in hands-on factory projects, and in the education about energy and water usage.

STAFF & ENGAGEMENT

A conscious integration of sustainable business throughout our operations

We continue aiming to enable each person and function within our business to make conscious and sustainable everyday choices (page 8-9, 12 & 27).

• Circular design framework was applied to strengthen sustainable material choices within our product development.
  
  
• Our international sales representatives were trained in sustainability from a global perspective, including Agenda 2030.