NWG // SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Policies and guidelines related to pollution New Wave Group ' s CSR and environmental policy establishes the framework for how the company should address pollution. It further mandates progressive work with chemicals, which includes phasing out substances suspected of having hazardous properties from production and replacing them with better alternatives, in line with good manufacturing practices.
Restricted or prohibited chemicals are compiled in the company ' s Restricted Substance List( RSL). This list is developed based on various national and multinational regulations and takes into account industry recommendations.
Within the scope of supplier audits, the company also applies the Codes of Conduct from amfori BSCI and amfori BEPI, which set requirements for environmental management systems and chemical handling.
Actions and resources related to pollution New Wave Group is a member of the Swedish Chemicals Group, arranged by RISE. From the group we gain access to the latest knowledge and research on chemicals from RISE’ s chemists and experts. This forms the basis of the company’ s efforts to reduce and replace chemicals with better alternatives. New Wave Group ' s RSL and chemical work are based on the Chemical Group ' s recommendations and tools. For example, no substances classified as SVHC( Substances of Very High Concern) are allowed in concentrations exceeding 0.1 % by weight. The restrictions list is regularly updated and communicated to the company’ s manufacturing suppliers.
The company conducts random sample checks tested at independent laboratories to ensure that products comply with New Wave Group’ s requirements. Annually, approximately 300 lab tests are conducted on textiles as well as plastic and ceramic products. Products and materials intended to come into contact with food are always tested in independent laboratories. Combined with other procedures, this constitutes a systematic approach to chemical management. The company also relies on product certifications such as Oeko-Tex for textiles. Routine checks are conducted in conjunction with inspections by the Swedish Chemicals Agency.
As part of its risk assessment and mitigation efforts in the supply chain, the company works with amfori BEPI for environmental risk assessments of suppliers, where pollution and chemicals are key aspects.
At Kosta Glassworks, lead-free glass from Glasma has been in use since the late 1990s. Both Orrefors Kosta Boda AB and Glasma AB have certified environmental management systems( ISO 14001). Regular measurements of emissions to water and air are conducted and reported to the relevant authorities.
Targets related to pollution Regarding restricted or prohibited substances in the company ' s products, New Wave Group aims for zero failed chemical tests. During the year, two products failed in the product development phase due to excessive levels of lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons( PAHs). After corrective actions with the suppliers, the products passed new tests.
Pollution-related targets also tie into products with sustainability attributes, where New Wave Group aims to increase the proportion of products that limit pollution through improved manufacturing methods. Further details can be found on page 72.
Water and marine resources Material impacts, risks and opportunities The largest product segment of New Wave Group is clothing and textiles. Textile production requires a significant amount of water- sometimes thousands of liters per product. This is due to water usage during raw material cultivation and textile manufacturing and dyeing processes.
The extensive water usage poses several risks, such as the depletion of local water resources in areas where water is already scarce and the pollution of marine environments due to chemical discharges and untreated wastewater from textile processes.
Policies and guidelines related to water and marine resources As part of its efforts to mitigate climate change, New Wave Group ' s CSR and environmental policy identify water usage as a central environmental issue, particularly the management of wastewater from textile processes.
New Wave Group requires all suppliers generating industrial wastewater to either have or be connected to a wastewater treatment plant for restoring water quality and, in some cases, recycling and reusing water in closed systems.
Suppliers must also comply with the water management requirements outlined in the amfori BSCI and BEPI codes of conduct.
Actions and resources related to water and marine resources To reduce water usage and improve water management, the focus areas include:
# Requirements and supplier collaboration. Mandating water treatment and working with suppliers to identify and implement measures that enhance water efficiency and reduce environmental impact from wastewater.
# New technologies. New Wave Group strives to increase the proportion of products manufactured with production methods that reduce water usage and minimize unnecessary washing during dyeing processes. For example, the company aims to increase the use of solution-dyed polyester, a dyeing method that saves significant amounts of water and chemicals compared to traditional techniques.
074 // ANNUAL REPORT