Sustainability

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Sustainability

With our mission to be a global fashion brand comes a great responsibility to think and act sustainable on all levels. On this journey it is all about awareness in choices of material, production, transportation and consumption, while at the same time striving for innovations and solutions that can really be a game changer. These are our everyday commitments.

For the full story, read our sustainability report 2018. The most important highlights and commitments from the report are listed below:

Sustainability

For the full story, read our sustainability report 2018. The most important highlights and commitments from the report are listed below:

Sustainability

With being a global fashion brand comes a great responsibility to think and act sustainable. It is all about awareness in choices of material, production, transportation and consumption, while at the same time striving for innovations and solutions. These are our everyday commitments.

For the full story, read our sustainability report 2018. The most important highlights and commitments from the report are listed below:

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.

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 componenets 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.

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 enivonment

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 is a 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.

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 is a 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 applied from the early product development.

International sales representatives training: the global perspective, including Agenda 2030, is educted to our sales force.

Read the full Sustainability report 2018 >

Read the Sustainability report 2018 >

VAGABOND NEWS

PM: VAGABOND SHOEMAKERS ENGAGES IN THE LEATHER WORKING GROUP Important parts in shoe production have to do with looks, feel, durability and quality. Hence, Vagabond Shoemakers emphasizes a lot on careful development and selection of materials. The Swedish fashion shoe brand has been in the industry for more than thirty years. Ever since the start, the idea has been about offering designer shoes for a global audience, by knowing all there is to know about and shoemaking. Obviously, a big part of this is about materials. “No doubt leather has unique properties for shoes; it shapes, breathes and stands wear and tear like no other materials yet available on the market”, says Anna Fahle Björcke, Head of Communications at Vagabond. The leathers used in our shoe production are bi-products of the meat industry and as such a solution for sustainable use of the whole animal. Nevertheless, the preparation of the raw hides to finished quality leather, is a quite resource intense process with several environmental aspects to keep in mind. To tackle these challenges, industry cooperation is needed. Therefore, Vagabond now engages in the Leather Working Group (LWG), both by becoming a member of the group and by selecting leather only from tanneries rated by the Leather Working Group. “Even if we have the material knowledge and inhouse capability to select quality leather suppliers, we have been looking for a forum where we can cooperate broadly with other brands on the environmental agenda and work together with the challenges that the tannery industry is facing as a whole.” As for today most of our current leather suppliers are already rated by the LWG and a couple remains in process. “It is our intention to encourage and support the ones that are not yet certified to become members by the LWG within the next 2-3 years”, says Anna Fahle Björcke.

	NEW MATERIAL FOR THE FUTURE Everybody talks about Tencel™, the cellulose material with cotton-like properties which can help to ease the strain on our planet. Starting 2019, we introduce Tencel™ in our collections as an alternative to the GOTS cotton and as one of the actions to reduce our water footprint. The Tencel™ Lyocell fibers originate from wood derived from responsible forestry. Tencel production is a closed loop process that significantly reduces the need of water, energy and chemicals in the manufacturing of the material. “We introduce Tencel™ as an alternative to the organic GOTS-certified cotton. Not only is this good for the planet, but the material also has the gentle feel against the skin and is moist-absorbing which makes it a suitable material for the inside of our shoes. We are happy with how it has turned out” says Ulrika Simonsson, Sustainability Manager at Vagabond.

THE BETTER-GLUE-PROJECT For the best durability of a shoe, high-quality glue needs to be used when mounting crucial parts, like the outsole. Inevitably, these glues contain substances which could be harmful to man or planet if not handled correctly. In our continuous strive to reduce risks of harm to people or planet, we decided to join forces with SWEREA, a Swedish test and research laboratory, in a project aiming to improve the glues that are currently used and find more healthy alternatives. “Current glues have been modified and the first tests with alternative methods have been conducted in our own workshop in Varberg and even if there are more to do before we can launch in the producing units, the results are promising” says Maria Olander, Head of Design at Vagabond Shoemakers.

	SHOE BRING BACK WORLDWIDE Now all Vagabond concept stores in selected cities in Europe are able to offer Shoe Bring Back, a combined reuse and recycle service which is revolutionary for the shoe business. Last out were the stores in Moscow and St Petersburg and the response has been very positive from day one. “We are so pleased that we can now offer this project in all stores” says Anna Fahle Björcke, Head of Communications at Vagabond. “With Shoe Bring Back we want to set light on the importance of reuse and recycling. Most of our shoes are not sold through our concept stores, but by developing this service in our own channels we want to encourage and invite to talk about, and act to close the loop”.

VAGABOND NEWS

PM: VAGABOND SHOEMAKERS ENGAGES IN THE LEATHER WORKING GROUP Important parts in shoe production have to do with looks, feel, durability and quality. Hence, Vagabond Shoemakers emphasizes a lot on careful development and selection of materials. The Swedish fashion shoe brand has been in the industry for more than thirty years. Ever since the start, the idea has been about offering designer shoes for a global audience, by knowing all there is to know about and shoemaking. Obviously, a big part of this is about materials. “No doubt leather has unique properties for shoes; it shapes, breathes and stands wear and tear like no other materials yet available on the market”, says Anna Fahle Björcke, Head of Communications at Vagabond. The leathers used in our shoe production are bi-products of the meat industry and as such a solution for sustainable use of the whole animal. Nevertheless, the preparation of the raw hides to finished quality leather, is a quite resource intense process with several environmental aspects to keep in mind. To tackle these challenges, industry cooperation is needed. Therefore, Vagabond now engages in the Leather Working Group (LWG), both by becoming a member of the group and by selecting leather only from tanneries rated by the Leather Working Group. “Even if we have the material knowledge and inhouse capability to select quality leather suppliers, we have been looking for a forum where we can cooperate broadly with other brands on the environmental agenda and work together with the challenges that the tannery industry is facing as a whole.” As for today most of our current leather suppliers are already rated by the LWG and a couple remains in process. “It is our intention to encourage and support the ones that are not yet certified to become members by the LWG within the next 2-3 years”, says Anna Fahle Björcke.

	NEW MATERIAL FOR THE FUTURE Everybody talks about Tencel™, the cellulose material with cotton-like properties which can help to ease the strain on our planet. Starting 2019, we introduce Tencel™ in our collections as an alternative to the GOTS cotton and as one of the actions to reduce our water footprint. The Tencel™ Lyocell fibers originate from wood derived from responsible forestry. Tencel production is a closed loop process that significantly reduces the need of water, energy and chemicals in the manufacturing of the material. “We introduce Tencel™ as an alternative to the organic GOTS-certified cotton. Not only is this good for the planet, but the material also has the gentle feel against the skin and is moist-absorbing which makes it a suitable material for the inside of our shoes. We are happy with how it has turned out” says Ulrika Simonsson, Sustainability Manager at Vagabond.

THE BETTER-GLUE-PROJECT For the best durability of a shoe, high-quality glue needs to be used when mounting crucial parts, like the outsole. Inevitably, these glues contain substances which could be harmful to man or planet if not handled correctly. In our continuous strive to reduce risks of harm to people or planet, we decided to join forces with SWEREA, a Swedish test and research laboratory, in a project aiming to improve the glues that are currently used and find more healthy alternatives. “Current glues have been modified and the first tests with alternative methods have been conducted in our own workshop in Varberg and even if there are more to do before we can launch in the producing units, the results are promising” says Maria Olander, Head of Design at Vagabond Shoemakers.

	SHOE BRING BACK WORLDWIDE Now all Vagabond concept stores in selected cities in Europe are able to offer Shoe Bring Back, a combined reuse and recycle service which is revolutionary for the shoe business. Last out were the stores in Moscow and St Petersburg and the response has been very positive from day one. “We are so pleased that we can now offer this project in all stores” says Anna Fahle Björcke, Head of Communications at Vagabond. “With Shoe Bring Back we want to set light on the importance of reuse and recycling. Most of our shoes are not sold through our concept stores, but by developing this service in our own channels we want to encourage and invite to talk about, and act to close the loop”.

VAGABOND NEWS

PM: VAGABOND SHOEMAKERS ENGAGES IN THE LEATHER WORKING GROUP

Important parts in shoe production have to do with looks, feel, durability and quality. Hence, Vagabond Shoemakers emphasizes a lot on careful development and selection of materials.

The Swedish fashion shoe brand has been in the industry for more than thirty years. Ever since the start, the idea has been about offering designer shoes for a global audience, by knowing all there is to know about and shoemaking. Obviously, a big part of this is about materials. “No doubt leather has unique properties for shoes; it shapes, breathes and stands wear and tear like no other materials yet available on the market”, says Anna Fahle Björcke, Head of Communications at Vagabond.

The leathers used in our shoe production are bi-products of the meat industry and as such a solution for sustainable use of the whole animal. Nevertheless, the preparation of the raw hides to finished quality leather, is a quite resource intense process with several environmental aspects to keep in mind. To tackle these challenges, industry cooperation is needed. Therefore, Vagabond now engages in the Leather Working Group (LWG), both by becoming a member of the group and by selecting leather only from tanneries rated by the Leather Working Group. “Even if we have the material knowledge and inhouse capability to select quality leather suppliers, we have been looking for a forum where we can cooperate broadly with other brands on the environmental agenda and work together with the challenges that the tannery industry is facing as a whole.”

As for today most of our current leather suppliers are already rated by the LWG and a couple remains in process. “It is our intention to encourage and support the ones that are not yet certified to become members by the LWG within the next 2-3 years”, says Anna Fahle Björcke.

NEW MATERIAL FOR THE FUTURE

Everybody talks about Tencel™, the cellulose material with cotton-like properties which can help to ease the strain on our planet.

Starting 2019, we introduce Tencel™ in our collections as an alternative to the GOTS cotton and as one of the actions to reduce our water footprint. The Tencel™ Lyocell fibers originate from wood derived from responsible forestry. Tencel production is a closed loop process that significantly reduces the need of water, energy and chemicals in the manufacturing of the material. “We introduce Tencel™ as an alternative to the organic GOTS-certified cotton. Not only is this good for the planet, but the material also has the gentle feel against the skin and is moist-absorbing which makes it a suitable material for the inside of our shoes. We are happy with how it has turned out” says Ulrika Simonsson, Sustainability Manager at Vagabond.

THE BETTER-GLUE-PROJECT

For the best durability of a shoe, high-quality glue needs to be used when mounting crucial parts, like the outsole. Inevitably, these glues contain substances which could be harmful to man or planet if not handled correctly.

In our continuous strive to reduce risks of harm to people or planet, we decided to join forces with SWEREA, a Swedish test and research laboratory, in a project aiming to improve the glues that are currently used and find more healthy alternatives. “Current glues have been modified and the first tests with alternative methods have been conducted in our own workshop in Varberg and even if there are more to do before we can launch in the producing units, the results are promising” says Maria Olander, Head of Design at Vagabond Shoemakers.

SHOE BRING BACK WORLDWIDE

Now all Vagabond concept stores in selected cities in Europe are able to offer Shoe Bring Back, a combined reuse and recycle service which is revolutionary for the shoe business.

Last out were the stores in Moscow and St Petersburg and the response has been very positive from day one. “We are so pleased that we can now offer this project in all stores” says Anna Fahle Björcke, Head of Communications at Vagabond. “With Shoe Bring Back we want to set light on the importance of reuse and recycling. Most of our shoes are not sold through our concept stores, but by developing this service in our own channels we want to encourage and invite to talk about, and act to close the loop”.