FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
SEGERS
P08 Our products
Production and distribution
P18 Use
P28
2
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
SEGERS
At Segers, we take a broad view of sustainability, although there is naturally a strong focus on the product. Textile production is both complex and challenging from a sustainability perspective. In the workwear business we have a major sustainability advantage over the fashion industry, where there is often more disposability. Our workwear gets heavy, longterm use. Extremely heavy use for a very long period of time in fact! Careful quality and environment work and full control thanks to our own factories helps us ensure a long lifespan and limit our environmental impact. We also take responsibility for our factory staff by ensuring that their working environment is good and that they enjoy security, now and in the future.
Christian Nilsson/CEO of Segers
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
3
SEGERS
4
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
SEGERS
The most important thing for us is respect for human rights, labour law and environmental responsibility. You have the right to know where and in what way Segers’ clothes have been manufactured. Segers is helping to make the clothing manufacturing industry more sustainable in many different ways and that means that when you wear or buy Segers’ workwear, you can do so with a clear conscience. FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
5
SEGERS
FUNCTIONAL FASHION SINCE 1943 Wearing a garment from Segers does not automatically make you a star at your place of work but the fact is there are many “stars” who work in our clothes. For example, Sweden’s most talented and awardwinning chefs wear our garments. But Segers’ clothes are not only used in kitchens. Our garments are also worn by maître d’s, waiting staff, bartenders, hotel receptionists and care staff. By providing you with the right workwear, we enhance the way others perceive the work you do. It all started one day in Borås in 1943, when Gustav Segerqvist decided to quit his job as a carpenter and head out to the surrounding villages instead, to sell clothes.
HORECA (Hotel, restaurant, catering)
6
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
CARE
SEGERS
In 1981, Mona Larsson, second-generation owner of Segers, was given the key to Operakällaren’s wine cellar Nobis by Werner Vögeli, head chef and royal court chef. Rolf Lorentz, bartender of the year in 1981, can be seen in the background. FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
7
OUR PRODUCTS
THE ACE UP OUR CHEF’S JACKET SLEEVE We are constantly making improvements in order to be able to offer our customers the very best products, and the ace up our sleeve is sustainability. It’s not complicated; it simply means that we produce garments that are as comfortable as they are stylish, and that are made using carefully selected materials. For us, those are the three essential parameters that make our clothes sustainable over time.
Segers Green is a range of durable, sustainable products made from lowenvironmental impact materials.
7
The number one goal for us is to ensure our products have a long lifespan. For example, we use innovative methods while at the same time imposing high demands on our suppliers so as to ensure you get the best possible garment that will last for a long time.
Textile consumption has increased dramatically. According to a report by the European Environment Agency, an item of clothing is only used an average of seven or eight times. We are proud of the fact that our work clothes are repeatedly, on average between 70 and 100 times.
8
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
NR. 1
OUR PRODUCTS
NEW MATERIALS CREATE MORE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS Segers’ workwear is synonymous with functionality and sustainability. We are constantly looking for ways to make our clothes even more environmentally friendly, without compromising on service lifespan.
Segers has played an important role in the hotel and restaurant industry since 1943. We own our own factories and being in complete control of these is an important part of our sustainability work if you ask Peter Frank, Product Manager at Segers. However, the most important thing we can do to ensure sustainability is to continue producing workwear that lasts a long time and that is capable of withstanding intensive use. “What matters to us and our customers is how long the products are usable. Products with a long useful life at the same high quality are sustainable,” says Peter. At Segers, we are constantly developing our product range. “We look ahead and are constantly testing new materials, fibres, and compositions. New materials need to have a high qualitative durability, and we are now taking the next step when it comes to the environmental aspect.”
“It takes time to develop and quality-assure new, sustainable solutions. A lot of work goes into making sure that the products last, and we work closely with our fabric suppliers to ensure quality. Segers sustainability work also includes looking at chemicals usage. We want to make sure that we use the right chemicals and reduce our chemicals usage overall. “There are better processes out there now, for example when it comes to dyeing. It is possible to reuse and reduce the amount of chemicals used in the dyeing process, thus reducing the amount of pigment. Water consumption is another area that we monitor, in addition to the use of renewable energy; an area where suppliers have achieved varying levels of progress. All of these aspects result in a more sustainable end product. With just a few years left until our 80th anniversary, Segers has its sights set firmly on the future.
“We look ahead and are constantly testing new materials, fibres, and compositions.”
Segers has introduced its own eco-label, Segers Green, for extra durable products that are even better for the environment. “We currently offer a number of sustainable items and will be launching even more in 2022. The clothes still need to have a long service life and be capable of withstanding handling, use, and a large number of washes. Sustainable clothes are no good to anyone if they don’t have the right qualitative durability. That is why we subject our products to rigorous testing to make sure that they meet the Segers quality standard”. Within the restaurant industry, the focus has always been on products lasting a long time and looking just as good after the 50th wash as they did after the first.
“Looking ahead, we will be launching new products where we will be thinking outside of the box and focusing heavily on sustainability. There is a lot going on in the sustainability field, and this becomes obvious when we speak to suppliers who are working on new solutions. The customers are also increasingly demanding sustainable products, and the inclusion of this aspect in procurement processes helps drive sustainability developments forward”.
Segers Green FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
9
OUR PRODUCTS
WE CHOOSE SUPPLIERS WITH GREAT CARE TENCEL™ lyocell Our product range includes several garments that are made out of the environmentally friendly material lyocell from Tencel™. Lyocell is a natural fibre made from cellulose and produced in closed processes in which all water can be reused. That makes it a sustainable alternative to cotton. Segers is working proactively to include more lyocell garments in its range.
KLOPMAN Segers is the Swedish collaboration partner of the Italian material manufacturer Klopman, which is now working on the development of a new lyocell and polyester fabric. The goal of the project is to develop the next generation of textile fibres.
REFIBRA OCH REPREVE
We work actively to create solutions that are innovative, sustainable and better for the environment. Refibra is a mixture of wood pulp and cotton scraps. Repreve is traceable recycled polyester.
MASTER TEXTILE AND GRS More than half of Segers’ fabric purchases come from Master Textile. Master Textile’s operations are focused on Tencel™ and recycled polyester with the traceable GRS label. They have an ongoing improvement programme which includes developing new types of fabrics. We are striving to introduce more GRS polyester, i.e., recycled polyester.
10
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
OUR PRODUCTS
We put a great deal of effort into producing long-lasting products that are both durable and environmentally sustainable.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
11
OUR PRODUCTS
TRACEABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY We place high demands on our suppliers, no matter from which part of the world we buy our materials. It is our responsibility as a player in the textile industry to protect people and the environment from the hazardous chemicals listed in the REACH regulation.
At Segers we work strategically to build a relationship with our suppliers. It is essential for us that they really understand why it is important to work according to our high standards. The first step is a CSR & Environmental Agreement that the supplier must sign. The second step involves providing our suppliers with the Segers RSL (Restricted Substance List) which is based on REACH. By signing the Segers RSL, the suppliers pledge not to deliver any products that exceed the limits set by REACH, the EU’s regulation listing substances and amounts of substances that cannot be present in products delivered to the EU. Due to the fact that the chemicals and maximum permissible limits listed by REACH are constantly changing, we send out an up-to-date RSL for our suppliers to sign once a year. We also follow up by having independent testing institutes conduct random tests for banned substances in our products, and to make sure that limit values are not exceeded. Having communicated with the suppliers, we request OEKOTEX certificates for the fabrics and accessories included in our products in order to further ensure that our products are free from harmful chemicals.
12
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
We maintain strict document structures for each supplier, specifying risk chemicals down to the smallest detail. Once we have communicated with the supplier, we often receive an OEKOTEX certificate with an associated test report detailing the tests conducted using OEKO-TEX’ own testing methods. This allows us to check that the product that Segers is purchasing has been tested, so that we can approve it. We also ask all of our suppliers to test their products regularly in accordance with REACH, using independent and accredited testing institutes. There are standardised testing methods in our RSL that are ISO/EN approved and that ensure a consistently high level of testing anywhere in the world.
OUR PRODUCTS
WHAT IS REACH? REACH is an EU regulation that aims to protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals. This involves the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals within the EU. REACH is short for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
EXAMPLE: CHEF’S JACKET To check that each part of a chef’s jacket meets our high standards, we have to scrutinise every single component: the fabric, the thread, the buttons and, last of all, the label. We do this by asking the suppliers for information about all the components, even the very smallest, so we can guarantee the product is free from harmful chemicals.
TRANSPARENCY COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE
SUPPLIERS OF FABRIC
At, Segers we are proud to own our own factories. We are equally proud of our sustainability work and our strong collaborations with our subcontractors. We want our customers to feel confident about choosing Segers and associating themselves with our brand. That’s why we provide transparent information about the value chain of our products. Wearing a garment from Segers over and over again should simply feel right in every way.
Segers has been working with Master Textile Group since 2017. They have a fully vertical factory in Pakistan located about 20 minutes from our own sewing factory.
With Segers, you are in complete control from start to finish. The product is produced mainly in our own production plants in Ukraine and Pakistan which employ just under 500 staff. The right garment at the right time, produced under fair conditions. This is why we are one of the few companies to score an A (top marks) in Amfori’s BSCI assessment, year after year; an achievement we’re very proud of.
We work closely with Master Textile Group, who are one of our main suppliers, when it comes to developing new products and improving our environmental footprint with regard to fibres, chemicals, water consumption, energy consumption, etc. Since we enjoy such a close partnership, and because our factories are located so close to each other, we visit Master Textile Group frequently to promote development in all areas. Klopman has been producing fabrics at its production facility just south of Rome, Italy, since 1967. Segers has been working closely with Klopman and buying their fabrics for more than 15 years. As a supplier, they offer a consistently high level of quality and a market-leading range of products and colours. Their focus is on providing a wide range of fabrics and constantly reducing its environmental impact through continuous improvement work geared towards new, innovative fibres, chemicals and water consumption, etc.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
13
OUR PRODUCTS
FROM WASTE TO ZERO WASTE In the second quarter of 2022, Segers will be launching Zero Waste, a new set of chef’s clothing produced entirely without fabric waste. Just as chefs aim not to waste any food, at Segers we want to avoid wasting any of our own raw material – fabric. In addition, the clothes in the collection are made from waste cotton and traceable recycled polyester.
Fabric is wasted every time garment pieces are cut from fabric before being stitched together. Every single fabric scrap that is thrown away is a waste of resources.
Set consisting of a shirt and a pair of trousers The collection will be launched with a short-sleeved V-neck chef’s shirt and matching trousers. The clothes
This is especially problematic when it comes to cotton, which requires large amounts of water to produce.
are cool and comfortable to work in and are made of the same quality TENCEL™ fabric as other Tencel garments in the Segers Green range. 400 garments will be released in an exclusive limited-edition collection.
To reduce wastage, Segers has developed a new pattern that utilises 99.9% of the fabric area, completely eliminating fabric waste. It also eliminates overproduction, as we can now produce clothes from all the fabric we buy.
Made from waste fabric and recycled plastic waste The fabric for the Zero Waste set was developed in collaboration with the textile developer [a]industri in
New Zero Waste collection
Gothenburg. The TENCEL™ fabric from Klopman is in turn made from two different textile fibres.
We have created a brand-new collection inspired by the restaurant industry’s zero waste philosophy. Thanks to a new pattern, no fabric is wasted when producing the new collection. A circular flow is created where we utilise textiles that would otherwise have been thrown away.
• 50% REFIBRA™ Mix of wood pulp and cotton scraps • 50% REPREVE® Traceable recycled polyester made from plastic waste, among other things Smarter fold and recycled paper bags In addition, we will fold the garments using a so-called military fold where the garments are turned in on themselves. This folding technique saves packing space during transport. We will also pack the garments in recycled paper bags.
The chef’s set, developed using a unique method, will be launched in spring 2022.
14
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
A collection for the future Seger’s Zero Waste collection is an exciting example of how we, as a clothing manufacturer, can develop our methods and processes to contribute to a more sustainable world. A collection of durable, trendy garments that save fabric and present a good image to restaurant guests.
OUR PRODUCTS
18.8 recycled bottles per set
Cotton scraps from textile production are combined with wood pulp in a closed process to produce a completely new fibre.
0% fabric waste FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
15
OUR PRODUCTS
16
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
OUR PRODUCTS
It takes 18.8 recycled PET bottles to make a set, meaning that the entire collection is made using a total of 7,520 plastic bottles. FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
17
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
FAIR CONDITIONS, ALL OVER THE WORLD Segers wants to be at the forefront of developments to make the textile industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly. We develop our production in line with any new knowledge and environmental requirements in the world around us. Segers runs its own textile production plants in Pakistan, Estonia and Ukraine. It has been obvious to us that we need to implement the same corporate values no matter where in the world we are operating. Working for Segers means working in a safe and secure workplace and knowing your employer cares about you.
3
We have our own production plants in Pakistan, Estonia and Ukraine. Visitors are welcome to visit all our plants.
We offer all our factory employees free healthcare and insurance. Everyone is also entitled to union affiliation, and we are constantly working to ensure equality for all, regardless of beliefs or gender.
18
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Every collection is designed in Borås and manufactured in our own production plants. By being in full control, from the first stitch to the finished product, and by ensuring close cooperation between our different plants, we can guarantee the best possible garments.
Amfori BSCI is a world-leading initiative for socially responsible and sustainable working conditions for suppliers within cultivation and production. Both in Pakistan and Ukraine, our production plants have received the highest possible audit ratings.
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
In Pakistan, we subsidise education for the children of our employees, even if they leave their job at Segers.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
19
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
WE MEET ANZELA GUSAROVA AT OUR PLANNING & LOGISTICS CENTRE IN ESTONIA Anzela, what do you do at Segers? I work as a purchaser at our planning and logistics centre in Estonia. Together with the purchasing department in Sweden, we provide all production units with high-quality materials. The work includes everything from reviewing stock levels and negotiating with suppliers to checking deliveries. Part of our quality assurance work involves conducting washability tests at our partners’ facilities. If a fabric receives a failure report, we simply send the fabric back to the supplier.
impression, we request OEKO-TEX certificates, then we examine the quality of the products and compare it against Segers’ standard. The most important thing for us is that the companies are reliable and committed.
“I am always
Is there any material you would like to see more of in Segers’ clothes? I am constantly on the lookout for materials that are sustainable and good for the environment, like Tencel, recycled polyester, and other, greener, fibres. The advantage of using recycled materials is that we can reduce the consumption of new materials and thereby reduce energy consumption and air and water pollution. I must admit I am proud that we use recycled materials in our production. In my opinion, being economical with natural resources is one of our most important tasks.
looking out for materials that are durable and climate-smart.”
What do you look at when you scrutinise suppliers? We have worked with most of our suppliers for a long time. We know that they maintain a high standard and deliver quality products. When we assess new suppliers, we start by conducting a thorough background check. If we get a good first
20
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Tapa/ Estonia
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
WE MEET TIINA PLAUM AT OUR PLANNING & LOGISTICS CENTRE IN ESTONIA What does your job at Segers involve? I work in the product development department as a production and cost specialist for our production plants. My job involves calculating prices of products and making drawings of the product instructions. The instructions are used in the sewing process to ensure that all seams, labels and logos are made exactly as they should be. Segers’ products are designed in Sweden. When a decision has been taken to introduce a new product, I set up the item in PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) which is the basis for our product specifications and washability tests. What is PLM? Simply put, the PLM system follows a product from conception through design and development to production. The system gives us an overview of everything down to the smallest detail and provides us with a clear specification of all materials, accessories, production machines, etc. Why is that important to Segers? PLM is important to us because it makes it easier
to manage and control the life cycle of different products. It gives us full traceability and a control system that is accessible to many people. For example, we can see straight away if any of our products contain materials from a manufacturer who, for example, uses prohibited chemicals in
“PLM is important to us because it makes it easier to manage and control the life cycle of different products.” the manufacturing process. Information that used to be spread out across many different data files and Excel sheets is now gathered in a single structure, which means the information can be used more efficiently. PLM is a tool that makes it quick and easy to navigate through a lot of information and functions.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
21
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
Lahore/ Pakistan
WE MEET SHAMSA QAMAR AT SEGERS’ FACTORY IN PAKISTAN. Can you tell us a bit about what your time at Segers has been like? I started in 2016 as operator but management saw something in me and promoted me to quality controller shortly thereafter. My next role was within inspection before I was promoted to head of postproduction processing. You could say that I have been allowed to grow with the company, and that has made me feel very valued. Can you elaborate on that? How has the company supported your development? I’ve been given the opportunity to learn new things and explore my own creativity through my roles with the company. The management has supported and encouraged me to make my own decisions when it comes to improving the production process. Are you comfortable working at Segers? Absolutely! I felt welcome from day one. The onboarding processes was very easy, and the management was really helpful. How does management deal with female employees? Segers is one of very few textile companies with an overwhelmingly female workforce and the management knows how to treat women with respect. New mothers and newly married women are encouraged to return to work, which is a major plus for working women. Do you feel that you receive sufficient recognition for your work at Segers? My journey to this point shows that Segers appreciates and values my work. In five years, I’ve gone from operator to head of postproduction processing, which would not have happened otherwise.
What’s the best thing about working at Segers? Segers’ rules and regulations differ from those of other companies, and especially those in the textiles industry. As a company, Segers focuses heavily on inclusion and on instilling a sense of responsibility. There is strong focus on freedom under responsibility. Another thing that I really like about Segers is the company’s quality focus. A lot of textile companies in Pakistan make the mistake of focusing on quantity rather than quality. This might work temporarily, but not in the long run. In my opinion, you should never compromise on quality. How do you ensure quality as head of post-production processing? We have introduced a multi-step quality control system. For example, we perform random sample testing, and the different departments have their own quality control processes aimed at identifying any issues that might arise during production. We perform checks on an ongoing basis which allows us to identify and fix any problems on the spot. We recently introduced QC Pass Stickers. Each person is allocated a certain colour sticker which they affix to the product once they’ve finished their part of the quality control. If a problem is discovered at a later stage, the sticker makes it easy to determine who missed the issue. This is a simple yet effective way of establishing responsibility.
“Segers is one of very few textile companies to employ an overwhelmingly female workforce.”
22
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
WE MEET KOSHINSKA LILYA AT OUR PRODUCTION PLANT IN UKRAINE What does your job at Segers involve? I am a technologist and a member of the employee council at Segers’ production plant in Ukraine. In what way are you striving to make Segers an even better workplace? The administration and the organisation are constantly looking for ways to improve the workplace. Over the last three years, a number of improvements have been made, all of which make our workplace a little better in some way. These changes range from the replacement of our heating and water treatment system to the construction of a new, modern administration and service building with a canteen and changing rooms. We are also the first organisation in the district where everyone has health insurance. You have been working strategically to become a better workplace. Is there anything you are particularly proud that you are able to offer? First of all, I am proud to work for a modern,
Shums’k/ Ukraine
European company that offers good working conditions and that always strives to do better, both for those who already work here and for future colleagues. We enjoy many benefits that many workers in Ukraine do not have. For example, everyone who works at Segers has accident insurance and the company pays for
The benefit I appreciate the most is that everyone who works at the production plant gets a paid holiday trip every summer.” public transport between home and work. They also allow one day off with full pay if you have a child who is starting school. The benefit I appreciate the most is that everyone who works at the production plant gets a paid holiday trip every summer. That makes me feel very privileged.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
23
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
A GOOD WORKPLACE Hamid Shahbaz Ali is HR and Admin Manager at Segers’ factory in Lahore, Pakistan. He started working at the factory in the autumn of 2020 and has since updated and introduced a new management system. Hamid’s motto is: “A workplace where employees thrive is a productive workplace.”
Personnel activities are a common and important feature at Segers’ production facility in Pakistan.
24
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
You have dual responsibilities at Segers in Pakistan. How do you handle that? “It’s interesting. Every task has its requirements, and you always need to be prepared to accept challenges. Since I work in production, I have to be constantly vigilant so that I can stay one step ahead”. What challenges do you face in your daily work? Well, as I’ve already said, we work in production and new challenges arise daily. We come into contact with people from all sorts of backgrounds, and you need to be accessible to all of them. For example, every day several employees come to see me as the HR manager, to discuss both professional and private matters. I have to make sure to listen to what they have to say so that I can guide/help them. My door is always open for our employees”. Do you think the employees trust you? “That’s a question only the factory employees can answer, but since they often come to me for advice, I think I’m doing a good job”. You’ve been praised for the work you’ve done at Segers. How do you feel about that? “I’m very grateful, but my work here has only just begun. We still have a lot of work to do, and we are in the process of streamlining the systems to ensure that everything works well”. What do you think are the best qualities an HR Manager can have? I believe that an HR Manager should be understanding, show compassion and act as a bridge between the employees and the management. HR Managers, and to some extent Admin Managers, should be impartial so that they can listen to the employees and solve whatever problems they may have.
For example, employees sometimes come to us for financial help, and we have therefore developed a financial assistance programme, through which we can help them by giving them an advance on their wages”. How have employees reacted to the changes you’ve made? “So far, things have gone well. Of course, there have been obstacles along the way, as we humans naturally oppose change. Having said that, now that everyone has started to see what we are trying to do, people are becoming more open to change”. How do you think you have improved the working environment in your workplace? As a first step, I’ve tried to be available to the employees as much as possible. And I’ve also tried to create an all-inclusive culture that enables employees to work and find their full potential, regardless of their background. No employee will stay with the company long-term unless they see an opportunity for professional development. At Segers Texhouse, we’ve tried to create a corporate culture that is transparent and that allows employees to see that their hard work is appreciated. How have you helped protect employees during the pandemic? “Well, Covid-19 has of course changed the way the world does business. Unlike other companies, we have put the safety of our employees first and made sure to comply with the guidelines for reducing the spread of Covid-19. We’ve made sure to socially distance, wear face masks and follow strict hygiene procedures. Our employees are our greatest asset, and nothing is more important than their safety.
Amfori BCSI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) is one of the world’s largest sustainability initiatives aimed at creating more responsible supply chains. In order to guarantee a sustainable work environment, the production process is inspected by an independent institution on behalf of Amfori BSCI. Segers’ production plants in Pakistan and Ukraine are affiliated to the initiative.
Standard ISO 9001 is a quality management system for business processes. Segers Pakistan and Segers Ukraine are certified, just like Segers in Sweden.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
25
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
WE PACK FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
26
FROM PAKISTAN TO PAKISTAN
NEW LIFE FOR PACKAGING
The crucial reason why we built a production plant in Pakistan was because we buy fabric from there. This has resulted in a more efficient production flow and, of course, less transport.
Segers is affiliated to the Swedish FTI register, which means we accept our responsibility as a producer and contribute to Sweden being one of the best recycling countries in the world. This means that any company which manufactures, imports or sells packaging is responsible for the collection and recycling of its packaging.
SMARTER LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS
LESS AIR PLEASE!
Our warehouse in Estonia is also our customers’ warehouse. In order to reduce lead times and shorten transports, we let our customers store their unique collections in one place.
To minimise the air in the packaging we send to our customers, we have developed some smart boxes. By doing so, we have also succeeded in considerably reducing the amount of corrugated cardboard we use.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
AVOID UNNECESSARY TRANSPORTS
WE COMBINE RETURNS SHIPPING
In our warehouse in Estonia, we also offer services such as printing and embroidery. This is beneficial for the customer, who also avoids unnecessary transport costs.
If our customers want to return or exchange goods, the goods are sent to Borås and then packed on a pallet and sent together with other returns. This means that we do not have to put more vehicles on the road than necessary.
SIMPLER AND MORE EFFICIENT We are currently remodelling our warehouse in Estonia to streamline our order management. By developing our operations there, we will allow our customers to receive their products faster.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
27
USE
CLOTHES THAT CAN BE USED FOR A LONG, LONG TIME Chop. Deep-fry. Clean. Serve. Care. Wash. It is no secret that our garments have to endure tough conditions. That’s why we take extra care to design timelessly stylish garments with smart solutions that make them really durable. And, of course, comfortable to wear.
1501
A strong and durable chef’s jacket that was given stretch functionality without stretch fibres. The model is assembled using fewer seams, which makes the garment very durable.
90
PC
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), garments are used on average 7 times. That does not apply to workwear. Segers’ garments can be washed time and time again without compromising on quality or lifespan.
1960 28
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
We always strive to produce garments in classic and timeless varieties that will function just as well tomorrow as they did yesterday. That is why we are proud that our best-selling chef’s jacket 1605 is sewn using the original pattern from the 1960s.
USE
90 WASHES LATER
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
29
USE
YEARS OF ATTENTION TO DETAIL DURABLE AND SUSTAINABLE We work with timeless design and good quality – a combination that makes our garments last a long time.
ERGONOMIC Garments with shoulder straps have been designed so that the straps cross at the back, so any strain is placed on the shoulders instead of on the neck.
EASIER Our aprons now have press studs on the neck strap for easier adjustment. The neck strap has also been widened for increased comfort.
30
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
USE
SAFE Several of our chef jackets feature press studs to allow the garment to be removed rapidly, in the event of an oi spillage for example.
UNISEX FIT The natural stretch in the material used for our new chef’s jacket 1501 makes the jackets more unisex and gives a better fit – regardless of whether it’s a man or woman working in the kitchen.
NON-RESTRICTED MOVEMENT Our clothes are tailored to suit the user. The garments must allow for bending, stretching and movement.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
31
USE
CARE PUSHES CITY GROSS AHEAD City Gross has been running family-owned supermarkets since 1993 with the aim of truly making a difference. The motto “Care” guides the company’s sustainability work. By complying with its owner Bergendahls’ sustainability policy, City Gross imposes strict requirements both on itself and on its suppliers. Segers has had the privilege to deliver workwear for the stores for many years.
The City Gross brand is perhaps mainly associated with a wide range of products and competitive prices. If you visit the store, you will soon notice just how much work is done on site by the staff. Fresh, Swedish meat is butchered and packaged in store, sourdough bread is baked in the stores’ own bakeries and there are staffed counters for sustainably sources fish and shellfish.
legislation as well as ISO certification, but there are naturally also more specific requirements. Suppliers such as Segers must, for example, be able to show that the workwear is certified in accordance with OEKO-TEX. Garments delivered to City Gross must not contain any harmful substances that feature on the REACH Candidate List.
Such an extensive product range naturally involves a challenge when it comes to guaranteeing sustainability at all levels. That is why all of City Gross’ business decisions are guided by the motto “Care”.
The partnership between Segers and City Gross is a good example of how two parties can find new solutions together when faced with specific needs.
“Segers are attuned to City Gross’ way of looking at workwear.”
“We want to make a serious contribution to sustainable development, and we use various sustainability goals to do so. Our ambition is to be Sweden’s most caring retail company,” says City Gross’ PR and communications specialist, Rebecca Wictor.
City Gross is owned by Bergendahls, who have developed a code of conduct that all suppliers are required to sign. The code covers several areas, including social responsibility. For a family business like Bergendahls it is important that operations should be sustainable in the long run, which is why the company needs to take responsibility in all parts of the value chain. “The supplier needs to comply with Bergendahls’ code of conduct and must be able to prove that they work actively with sustainability issues. Among other things, the code of conduct states that suppliers need to be able to demonstrate compliance with applicable
32
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
“We have an excellent partnership with Segers. They are attuned to our way of looking at workwear and to any adaptations necessary for our specific business”. Consistently high quality, from pattern to finished garment. Sustainable workwear, reduced food waste, and fewer plastic bags are just some of the environmental sustainability goals where City Gross has achieved great results in recent years. The aim is to be climate neutral within the own business by 2030. However, sustainability is a bigger issue that involves more than just the environmental aspects. Employee well-being is just as important. “City Gross wants to create the best workplace in retail. This involves everything from offering skills development and a good working environment, to creating opportunities for our employees to lead full lives; they should have energy left over for other things once they finish work.”
USE
The aim is to be Sweden’s most caring retail business when it comes to everything from products to workwear and well-being at work.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
33
USE
THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS UNDER THE 2030 AGENDA The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are intended to achieve socially, environmentally and economically sustainable development worldwide by 2030. All of us working at Segers are proud to be a part of this important work.
5
12
Segers must always be one step ahead, and we strive for curiosity. Through innovation and constant improvements, we create new business opportunities and customer value.
34
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
8
USE
FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOING FORWARD
We want to increase the demand for sustainable solutions, and the clear action plan for our sustainability work means that our customers can trust us. At Segers, we work with many of the UN’s Global Goals. We have selected three goals which we are particularly passionate about.
EQUALITY Segers works actively with the SDGs. Equal opportunities for all employees and the opportunity for employees to unionise if they so wish are a given. Right now, we are running a project in our factory in Pakistan aimed at getting more women back to work following maternity leave, something which is very unusual here. We don’t stop at gender equality either. To us, equality covers religion, sexual orientation, and ethnicity as well.
DECENT WORKING CONDITIONS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Half of the world’s population currently work in precarious employment situations. At Segers, we have an enormous obligation to ensure that our employees in all our operations have a safe and stable workplace. We have chosen to join the well-known and leading platform Amfori BSCI, which helps us ensure a sustainable working environment in our own factories through independent third-party audits.
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION We design our own products and manufacture them in our own factories, which gives us total control every step of the way. A garment that is used over and over again until it is completely consumed is a sustainable garment. That’s why we always prioritise high wear resistance and long service life in our product development, while minimising the use of harmful chemicals and investing more and more in low-environmental impact materials.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
35
SEGERS FABRIKER AB Företagsgatan 30, 504 64 Borås Tel +46 (0)33 23 10 00 / www.segers.com / info@segers.com