PRINTER 4 ACTIVE WEAR
RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
CLIMATE IMPACT AND EMISSIONS
Research shows that 80 % of the climate impact from Swedish clothing comes from the production phase *. By doubling the active lifespan of a garment , the climate impact can be almost halved . Thus , the most important thing we can do is to increase the longevity of the products . That is why classic design and quality products - a concept that will never be out-of fashion – is the very core of everything we do . In addition , work actively with our suppliers regarding energy efficiency , energy source and production techniques to further reduce our total impact . A significant share of a garment ’ s total environmental footprint is traceable to the choice of material . Therefore , we strive to use more preferred materials – such as recycled polyester and organic cotton – whenever possible . However , all materials have advantages and disadvantages from a sustainability perspective and priority is always quality and durability to enable a long lifecycle .
For transportation , that also significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions , we have to main strategies . Firstly , we constantly work with evaluating our processes to streamline our routines and plan our purchases well in advance . Within the New Wave Group , shipments of different sister companies are clubbed together as much as possible so that containers are always optimally filled during transport . We are also very careful which partners we choose to work with and only use well-known carriers we know are at the forefront from a sustainability perspective , both for sea freight and land transport . Secondly , we strive to influence the transportation companies that we are working with . New Wave Group is a member of “ Clean Shipping Index ”, that aims to impact the shipping companies to use cleaner vessels by ranking the most high-performing ships .
PROGRESSIVE WORK WITH CHEMICALS
All suppliers must follow the requirements in our Restricted Substance List . The list has been designed in accordance with legislation such as REACH , but also taking industry recommendations and standards such as Oeko Tex into account . Through our parent company New Wave Group , we take part of the Swedish Chemicals Group organized by RISE to receive the most updated information on chemical legislation and developments . With this information we can actively work to reduce and replace chemicals in line with best available techniques .
IMPROVING WORKING CONDITIONS
We are aware of the great responsibility that comes with sourcing goods in countries which have not come as far as us when it comes to working conditions and environmental issues . We must ensure that the business operations of our suppliers respect national requirements as well as international conventions on human rights . Successful work requires devotion and patience . Many of the challenges we face are global problems like poverty and malfunctioning welfare systems . In this sense , social compliance does not offer a quick fix . We believe it is essential to be presented on-site . For this reason , we have local offices in Asia taking care of the everyday work with supplier auditing , monitoring and dialogue . Our full-time CSR staff are educated and well-experienced on labor conditions and environmental aspects of the production sites . Their work is leading the development .
CODE OF CONDUCT – AMFORI BSCI
Our Code of Conduct summarizes what we expect from all our suppliers when it comes to social and environmental responsibility . It contains requirements such as minimum wage , working hours , prohibition of child labor and several other requirements from global frameworks such as the ILO Conventions and the UN Declaration of Human Rights . Through New Wave Group we are a member of amfori BSCI ( Business Social Compliance Initiative ) and have adopted the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct . Today , more than 2000 companies all over the world have joined amfori BSCI and have adopted the code . Together we reach out to approximately 30 000 unique suppliers worldwide , which empowers our voice and influence in social dialogue . In addition to internal audits and supplier visits , we are obliged to implement and follow up the Code of Conduct through third-party audits .
Amfori BSCI is a commitment , and the most important work begins when the inspection is completed , and the findings are to be remedied . Therefore , it is not permitted to use amfori BSCI as a label or a guarantee for individual products . The amfori BSCI logo may only be used to prove membership so that the customer can feel confident that we take long-term responsibility - even for suppliers who need to improve .
INTERNATIONAL ACCORD