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SEGERS
S08 Our products
Production and distribution
S18 Use
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SEGERS
Segers wants to be a source of inspiration to help make the world a better place and the textile industry more sustainable. We have our own plan how to do that. Sustainability certification is fair enough but, quite frankly, it is not always of real benefit to the environment. The most important thing is that our products are manufactured the right way, right from the start, and that they last a long time. When you buy a product from Segers, you buy a product that has been manufactured, undergone washability tests, checked for chemicals and been reasonably priced – at all stages. Our products are manufactured in our own production plants where we know our employees and feel responsible for them. We ensure they all have a good and safe workplace where taxes, insurance and pensions are paid to given them security now and in the future. We are proud to say that we do more than is expected of us but we still have a long way to go. The process is not easy but definitely worth it.
Anna-Karin Reis Supply Chain Manager
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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.
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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 award-winning chefs wear our garments. But Segers' clothes are not only used in kitchens. Our garments are also worn by head waiters, 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 BorĂĽs in 1943, when Gustav Segerqvist decided to quit his job as a carpenter and head out instead to the surrounding villages to sell clothes.
HORECA
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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
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OUR PRODUCTS
THE ACE WE HAVE UP OUR CHEF’S JACKET SLEEVE We want to give our customers the very best products and therefore, we are constantly making improvements. The ace we have up our sleeve is sustainability. This is not complicated - it simply means we produce garments that are as comfortable as they are stylish and are made of carefully selected materials. For us, those are the three essential parameters which make our clothes sustainable over time.
ECO LABEL
We have started the process of gaining Ecolabel certification which is one of the world’s leading ecolabels. It is an independent label which takes the perspective of life cycle into account.
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Textile consumption has increased dramatically. According to a report by the European Environment Agency, we use an item of clothing on average seven to eight times. We are proud of the fact that our work clothes are used many times, on average between 70 and 100 times.
NO 1
The number one goal for us is to ensure our products have a long lifespan. We use innovative methods while at the same time placing high demands on our material suppliers so as to ensure you get the best possible garment that will last for a long time.
OUR PRODUCTS
BECOMING SUSTAINABLE BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS Julia Ronkainen has been recently employed as Segers’ technical product manager. She is a textile engineer and passionate about sustainability issues linked to the textile industry. In her role as technical product manager, she will work proactively to ensure Segers reaches its full sustainability potential. Back in 2012, she began to question her own consumption of textiles and basically stopped buying newly-produced items. Now she’s a little more flexible but when she does buy a product, she makes sure she does a thorough investigation of both the garment and the manufacturer. This makes her the perfect person for her job at Segers! Can you tell us about your relationto jump aboard some of those wagons but others we want to avoid. ship to sustainability? I refuse to be part of the Greenwashing movement, that is, trying I am passionate about sustainability and to create an image that you are environmentally aware but without especially sustainability issues linked to actually helping the environment in any way. Fancy words will not the textile industry. This is where I feel I save the planet nor help our colleagues around the world who are can be of real use and make a difference. I helping us with the complex fibre-to-garment chain. When it comes took a stand in my personal life eight years to product development, I consider aspects that are important for ago when I decided to stop buying newour customers’ needs, for example, washability. We always have to ly-produced textiles as far as possible. It think about sustainability from two perspectives: sustainable develseemed the natural thing to do after I had read opment and sustainable quality. about injustices in the textile industry. I felt it Fancy words will not save What are you going to focus on now? was simply not justifiable to continue to buy newly-produced textiles because of environthe planet nor help our We have many sustainability projects in the mental damage and for social reasons. pipeline. In actual fact, a “green mindset” colleagues around the permeates everything I do here at Segers, Did you stop buying clothes? including responsibility for our product world who are helping No, not completely but I changed to a miniportfolio, product development and colus with the complex malistic wardrobe based on second-hand laboration with the production division. In garments. For example, I made my own short, what we are focusing on right now fibre-to-garment chain. clothes out of second-hand fabrics and I is transparency and reviewing the entire swapped garments with friends and family. life cycle of our products. More specifically, we have now started Today, I’m a bit more flexible than I used to be. I do buy some newthe certification of certain products in accordance with the EU ly-produced garments now but when I do, I scrutinise the garments flower. Eco-labelling is about mapping sustainability-related aspects and the manufacturer very thoroughly. That way I can be sure the through a product’s life cycle and that requires a close and transpargarment will last for a long time and that the manufacturing process ent dialogue with our suppliers. is in line with my own moral compass. My assessment is based on the knowledge I have as a textile engineer. What aspects of Segers’ current operations are you proud of even now? We welcome you as Segers’ technical product manager. We work with timeless design and excellent quality. That combinaHow are you going to make the company more sustaintion is a winning concept for garments to be sustainable over time. able? I want to change things by leaps and bounds via long-term The lifespan of a garment depends on both technical and emotional goals and concrete actions here and now. I have a lot of ideas and durability, i.e. the quality of the product in combination with the the management team is very open to suggestions. So we'll see user’s emotional attachment. It has been scientifically proven that how far they can keep up with me! My strategy is for Segers to make increasing the length of time a product is used is the most effective decisions and take action on the basis of scientific knowledge and way of reducing environmental impact. Doubling the number of uses always strive to do things correctly right from the start. Initially, we can reduce overall environmental impact by up to 50%. Sustainable will operate on many fronts simultaneously - every little helps! Some design and sustainable quality results in sustainable development. of the materials and processes that are said to be sustainable are That is one good example of something that makes me extra proud. still at the development stage for the textile industry. We are going
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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.
MASTER TEXTILE 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.
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.
BCI AND GRS We are striving to ensure that all the cotton we buy is BCI-labelled. That means the cotton has been cultivated using a smaller amount of water and chemicals and the growers have higher profit margins. We also want to use more GRS polyester which is recycled polyester. Our first product with BCI cotton and GRS polyester has been launched in 2020.
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OUR PRODUCTS
We put a lot of effort into producing long-lasting products that are both durable and environmentally sustainable.
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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. Lena Reslow, product administrator, describes the system that Segers has developed to achieve traceability.
How is Segers working with traceability? We are working strategically to build up 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. After that, we provide them with a tool that has been developed by an external consultant. Both we and the supplier use this tool to communicate with each other. Each fabric and accessory is broken down to its smallest components so we can be sure there are no traces of harmful or forbidden substances. We also use Chemicals Guidance (a list of hazardous chemicals) which Segers has access to via membership in the Chemicals Group at Rise. What does your job involve, more specifically? I am responsible for and administrate our tool. That means I
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communicate and meet with suppliers together with Segers’ supply chain manager and purchaser. We work together to ensure they understand the importance of traceability and transparency. I am also responsible for handling our documentation system for each supplier where we specify all hazardous chemicals down to the smallest detail. After discussions with the supplier, I am often sent an OEKO-Tex certificate with the relevant test report. I can then see if the product Segers is buying has been tested, in which case I can approve it. But what if there is no test report? Then we advise the supplier to get standardised tests done at an independent testing institute. Our tool states which chemicals are to be tested. Fabrics and accessories are sent off so chemical levels can be checked. The chemicals are tested according to specified test methods that are ISO/EN approved. In addition, we carry out our own random checks at independent testing institutes a couple of times a year.
OUR PRODUCTS
WHAT IS REACH? REACH is the EU's regulations and chemical legislation that protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals. It 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.
HOW WE WORK WITH TRACEABILITY FABRICS
ACCESSORIES
In order to achieve 100% traceability, we create documentation for each fabric supplier. We document all the fabrics for each fibre mixture we purchase. We also list any hazardous chemicals we have to take into account.
For each supplier, we specify the hazardous chemicals for the various items, depending on the material they are made of. Some examples of such items are buttons, D-rings, rivets, sewing thread, zippers, and labels.
FINISHED PRODUCTS
PACKAGING MATERIALS
Most of our products we make ourself in-house. However, when we buy finished goods, we create documentation for each product type and supplier. The documentation includes all the components in the garment, everything from thread and fabric to ribbing, label and zipper. All this is noted in our tool together with specific hazardous chemicals.
We also do a thorough examination of packaging materials. So as to guarantee they are approved, we request material specifications and safety data sheets known as MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
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OUR PRODUCTS
SEGERS STRETCHES BOUNDARIES Over the years, our range has been developed on the basis of our users’ needs. Now we are proud to say we have developed a new and more durable chef's jacket. The jacket has been sewn using an innovative method with fewer seams which makes it stronger. The unique way the product has been manufactures has also meant we have managed to achieve a natural stretch effect. The advantage of this is that the jacket has a good fit for both women and men. Mia Kinn, marketing manager, describes the project.
How did this project on a new durable chef’s jacket start? Our main goal is to develop products that our customers want and can use for a long time. When you talk about user-friendly workwear for chefs, the concepts of mobility and stretch come up straight away. We want our clothes to allow easy movement but we would prefer not to use stretch fibres. This is partly because they can contain harmful chemicals and partly because they lose their stretch after a certain number of washes. That's why we turned to the Gothenburg company Atacac. Their way of constructing patterns means you can find natural stretch in fabrics that are otherwise rigid. That suited us well because we have been working for a long time with a cotton/polyester fabric that we are very happy with. The perfect blend means the garments can be washed frequently in high temperatures without losing colour or shape. It's been an exciting process and now the jacket is ready. It maybe looks like an ordinary jacket but there are significant differences that make it stand out. Although the jacket is made out of a rigid fabric, it has a natural stretch effect thanks The chef's jacket, developed with a unique method, will be launched in 2020.
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to Atacac's innovative method. The method also means that we do not need to sew as many seams and if there is anything that lengthens a garment’s life span, it is precisely having fewer seams. Why is it more durable not to use stretch fibres? Our customers want durable clothing with a stretch effect. Above all, they want to be able to move around easily, for example, in a restaurant kitchen or a care unit. However, stretch fabrics present certain challenges. First of all, stretch materials tend to be more expensive. Secondly, they lose their elasticity over time. Since we do not use fabric with stretch fibres for this garment, we don’t lose any elasticity. This means the garment has a longer life. So we were able to continue working with the fabric we had already tried out and instead we changed the way we make patterns. Another advantage of having this stretch effect in the garment is that it can be worn by both men and women. This means restaurants do not have to change their workwear if the gender balance in their kitchen changes. How would you describe the project? It has been a fantastically enjoyable and energizing project. Obviously, it’s exciting to be part of a project where clothes are created in an innovative way – no one has ever seen anything like this before. The aim of the project was to develop a chef's jacket with stretch properties without having to use a different fabric. We have succeeded in that so we are really pleased.
OUR PRODUCTS
The result is a stronger and more durable chef's jacket which can be worn by both men and women thanks to its stretch effect.
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OUR PRODUCTS
The pattern has been constructed with few components, which means we do not have to sew as many seams. This saves time and makes the garment more durable.
Date: 03/05/20 Time: 08:26:48 Marker name: 1501-CON156 Length: 9,49m Width: 156,00cm Model/Size/Qty : 1501 S/1 M/1 L/2 XL/1 XXL/1 Unplaced/Placed: 0/48 Order
Utiliz
number:
The clothes are designed in a 3D program, and Atacac don’t sew a stitch until they feel the pattern is perfect. That means the fabric is used more economically and waste is reduced.
The stretch effect in the material makes the jackets more unisex and gives a better fit – whether it’s a man or woman working in the kitchen.
BCI/GRS The model in black is available in BCI cotton and GRS polyester. That means the cotton has been cultivated using a smaller amount of water and chemicals, while the polyester has been recycled and is traceable.
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PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
FAIR WORKING CONDITIONS, ALL OVER THE WORLD Segers wants to lead 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. For us, it has been self-evident 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.
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We have our own production plants in Pakistan, Estonia and Ukraine. Visitors are welcome to visit all our plants.
Every collection is designed in BorĂĽs and manufactured in our own production plants. By being in full control from the first stitch to the finished product and through close cooperation among our different plants, we can guarantee the best possible garments.
BSCI
Amfori BSCI is a world-leading initiative for socially responsible and sustainable working conditions for suppliers in cultivation and production. After our last audit, Segers received the highest grade, A, in all 13 categories for our production plant in Pakistan. Work will continue in 2020 to certify our production plant in Ukraine.
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PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
In Pakistan, we subsidise education for the children of our employees, even if they leave their job at Segers.
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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 the status of stocks and negotiating with suppliers to checking deliveries. Part of our quality assurance management involves conducting washability tests at Kåpi. If we receive a report on a failed fabric, we simply send the fabric back to the supplier.
ing a thorough background check. If we get a good first impression, we request OEKO-Tex certificates and then we examine the quality of the products and compare with Segers' standard. The most important thing for us is that the companies are reliable and committed.
”I am always
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 investigate new suppliers, we start by conduct-
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Is there any material you would like to see more of in Segers' clothes? I am always looking out for materials that are durable and climate-smart, such as BCI certified cotton, Tencel and recycled polyester. 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.
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 at the product development department as a production and cost specialist at our production plant in Ukraine. My job involves calculating prices of products and making drawings of the product instructions. The instructions are needed for the sewing process so that all seams, labels and logos are made exactly as they should be. Segers' products are designed in Sweden. When a decision has been made on new products, I set up the articles in PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) which is the basis for our product specifications and washability tests.
clearly see specifications 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 check the life cycle of different products. It gives us full traceability and a control system that is accessible to many people. One concrete example is that we can see straight away if any of our products contain materials from a manufacturer who, for example, uses prohibited chemicals in the manufacturing process. Information that used to be spread out in many different data files and Excel sheets is now gathered in a single structure so 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.
“PLM is important to us because it makes it easier to manage and control the life cycle of different products.�
What is PLM? In simple terms, the PLM system follows the product through the design, development and production process. With PLM, we have an overview of everything down to the smallest detail and can
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PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
WE MEET NABEELA MUSHTAQ AT OUR PRODUCTION PLANT IN PAKISTAN You work as a seamstress at Segers. How do you like your job? Sewing is my passion and I feel privileged to be able to work with one of my interests at Segers. Since I started working as a seamstress, I have sewn everything from dresses to trousers and workwear. A good working climate, benefits and corporate values make Segers a safe and secure workplace where I can focus on doing what I do best: sewing perfect garments.
at home and take care of the children. Segers make it clear that women who start a family are welcome back to work once the children are old enough to look after themselves. But this is still a tough choice for many women. It’s quite common in some families for the husband and relatives to believe that women should not work but stay at home with full responsibility for the household and the consequences can be dire if a woman dares to think differently.
“Segers makes it
clear that women who start a family are welcome back to work once the children are older.
Who works in the factories? The textile industry is dominated by men, but at Segers, the majority are women. Generally speaking, they are quite young and usually work in the textile industry from the age of 18 to 21. Then they tend to leave working life as tradition dictates that women of a certain age should stay
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What are the management’s views about that? I think it is easier for women to discuss this at home when almost all her female colleagues return to work once the children are older. Together we are stronger.
Lahore/ Pakistan
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 of? First and foremost, I am proud to work for a
modern European company with good working conditions where there is a desire to constantly improve – for those who already work here and also for future colleagues. We have many benefits that are not a given for workers in Ukraine. For example, everyone who works at Segers has accident insurance and the company pays for
Shums'k/ Ukraine
” 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
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PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
A GOOD WORKPLACE Adil Aamir is HR manager at the plant in Lahore, Pakistan. During his time at Segers, he has implemented a number of important changes to make the workplace even more pleasant. Moreover, he has also worked hard to certify Segers’ production plant in Pakistan in accordance with ISO 9001.
Personnel activities are a common and important feature of Segers' production facility in Pakistan.
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PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
You have made a number of improvements at the Lahore production plant. What have you done? All sorts of things! For example, we have introduced a vaccination programme where all employees are vaccinated against typhoid and Hepatitis A and B. The entire workforce and their families are also eligible for medical care via PESSI (Punjab Employees Social Security Institution). We also make contributions to the education of our employees’ children via the Workers Welfare Board, and continue to make these payments even if a seamstress decides to leave the company. Our employees also receive pensions and life insurance. What have the reactions been? Actually, illiteracy is a major problem. When we introduced and offered these benefits to our employees, we fully expected them to be delighted. However, it turned out that many of them were sceptical about all kinds of paperwork and documents, because they cannot read. Quite a few of our employees also have a completely different approach to the concept of time. In their minds, if they don’t feel unwell now, then they have no need for insurance. Also, the idea of retiring in the future is something very distant. They are confident that their children will look after them in the future. So an important part of my job was to work to get everyone to sign the papers so as to access the benefits. One method I used was to encourage the seamstresses to get relatives who could read to help them and then convince them about the benefits. The organisation has praised you for your important work certifying the production plant in Pakistan in accordance with international standards. Why has that been important to you? Millions of innocent and poor workers are suffering all over the
world from the consequences of false documentation and corruption, for example, being paid less than the minimum wage, no overtime pay, and an unsafe work environment. From the time I graduated, the most important thing has always been to secure employees' rights and ensure a safe work environment. At Segers, we have high standards and have chosen to be certified according to international standards. For sure, I've had a lot of words of encouragement along the way, but none of what I've accomplished would have been possible if it hadn’t been for Segers’ dedication and support. Now you are supporting the work linked to the production plant in Ukraine. Can you tell us more about that? Yes, the ISO 9001 certification has just been completed and now we have started on linking the production plant in Ukraine to Amfori BSCI. There is a lot to do! There are about a hundred activities which need to be done in order to be able to gain the certifications. This means, among other things, that we are adopting a code of conduct that all our collaboration partners must comply with. It consists of eleven principles with specific requirements regarding conditions in the factories where the goods are produced. These include rules against corruption, child labour, forced labour, safety at work, working hours, the right to belong to a trade union and how to protect the environment. The list is long and for us it is a top priority to implement the improvements in order to be as good a workplace and company as possible. Why have you chosen to invest in BSCI and ISO 9001? For a long time, we have worked actively with CSR, that is, our responsibilities as a company. For that, BSCI and ISO 9001 are a good foundation to stand on. They are important to us and to our customers precisely because we can then guarantee that the people who have manufactured a product had good working conditions and a safe work environment.
Amfori BCSI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) is one of the world’s largest sustainability initiatives to create more responsible supply chains. The production process is inspected by an independent institution on behalf of Amfori BSCI in order to guarantee a sustainable work environment. Segers Pakistan is linked to this system. The process of linking Segers in Ukraine has started in 2020.
Standard ISO 9001 is a quality management system for business processes in a company. Segers in Pakistan and Ukraine are certified.
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PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
WE PACK FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
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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.
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PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
AVOID UNNECESSARY TRANSPORTS
WE CO-SEND RETURNS
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, they are sent to BorĂĽs and then packed on a pallet and sent together with other returns. This means that we do not have to drive more cars than necessary.
SIMPLER AND MORE EFFICIENT We are currently rebuilding our warehouse in Estonia to streamline our order management. By developing our operations there, we will enable our customers to receive their products faster.
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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 a stretch effect without stretch fibres. The model is sewn together with fewer seams, which makes the garment very durable.
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PC
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), a garment is 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.
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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
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USE
YEARS OF ATTENTION TO DETAIL DURABLE AND SUSTAINABLE We work with timeless design and good quality – a combination that makes our garments last for a long time.
ERGONOMICAL Garments with shoulder straps have been designed so the straps cross at the back so any strain is on the shoulders instead of the neck.
EASIER Our aprons now have push buttons on the neck strap for easier adjustment. The neck strap has also been widened for increased comfort.
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USE
SAFE Several of our chef jackets are buttoned with push buttons so the garment can be rapidly removed if, for example, hot oil is spilt on them.
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 - whether it’s a man or woman working in the kitchen.
NON-RESTRICTED MOVEMENT Our clothes are tailored to suit the user. The garment must allow bending, stretching and movement.
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USE
A CLEAR CONSCIENCE Segers wants to lead developments to make the textile industry more sustainable and environmentally-friendly. The laundries we collaborate with constitute an important sounding board because the longer the garments last, the better it is for the environment.
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QUALITY TESTED
For our most durable garments, we use a fibre mixture that is 50% polyester, 50% cotton. The advantage is that the garments are stronger and wrinkle less than pure cotton garments do. At the same time, they are easier to wash and more colour-fast.
All our garments have undergone extensive testing. Our fabric supplier tests everything from shrinkage, pilling and wear resistance to dry and wet precipitation. In addition, colour fastness is tested to see how it reacts to, for example, water, light and sweat. All tests are done in accordance with international ISO standards.
THE GREAT WASHABILITY TEST To guarantee a good product, we do a washability test on both fabrics and finished garments. When we do our washability tests, we turn to the Nordic Swan eco-labelled laundry KÅPI. Kent Pettersson, CEO at KÅPI, explains how a washability test is conducted. "Let’s say Segers wants to develop a new chef's jacket. We will help them to carry out advanced washability tests. Using digital systems, we measure colour-fastness and whiteness. Then we wash the garment 15 times to see if and how it changes. After that, we add chlorine. At this point, we usually get a result. If it is not satisfactory, Segers will just keep searching for a new material. Then the process starts over again and so it goes on until both they and we are satisfied with the result, which can take up to a year.” He continues: "The tests enable us to guarantee that our customers get a good product that will last and look good for a long time. White garments will remain white and black garments retain their blackness even if they are washed about 60 times.
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A GENUINE SUSTAINABILITY MINDSET
Nor Tekstil is a laundry service company that always does a thorough check of both suppliers and clothes so as to be able to offer their customers a durable product that can be used for a long time. Their business concept is based on customers renting textiles and workwear – Nor Tekstil collects, washes and returns them. John A Hjortland, sales manager at Nor Tekstil, describes the company’s investments that have, among other things, made them the laundry group with the highest number of eco-labelled laundries. How do you work with sustainaWhat demands do you place on your suppliers? bility? First and foremost, we make sure that all the fabrics in our range Nor Tekstil has been working for a are approved in accordance with the OEKO-Tex Standard 100 or long time to reduce water and energy the equivalent and we regularly visit the companies that send us consumption. Since 2008, we have supplies. During those visits, we always meet the management managed to reduce water consumpteam and ask questions related to child labour, work environtion by almost 40% and energy use ment and working hours etc. by 30%. This positive development is We cannot document what effect this has had but we believe mainly thanks that our dialogue has an impact on how to modern technology and new launour suppliers organise their business. We Since 2008, we have dries. In recent years, we have built believe that dialogue is a prerequisite for managed to reduce seven new state-of-the-art laundries improving working conditions for those – from Kristiansand in the south to working in the industry. water consumption by Bodø in the north. After these investalmost 40 percent. ments, I am proud to say that Nor When we find new suppliers, we always Tekstil is now the laundry group with use our code of conduct as a starting point the highest number of eco-labelled laundries. Nor Tekstil’s first for setting out our requirements for cooperation. Our suppliers laundry gained the Nordic Swan ecolabel in 2008 and since then must approve and sign our policy and proactively take measures we have been working to increase the number of Nordic Swan in their supply chain to ensure they comply with our requirelabelled laundries. ments. We assist them by making sure they have systems and procedures to follow up their value chain. We are proactively striving to be a sustainable company and the most important thing for us is to be able to offer good products What is your relationship with Segers? to our customers. Therefore, we require that all goods are delivSegers is now our main supplier of rental textiles to the hotel and ered in accordance with the Social Accountability 8000 standard restaurant market. There are several reasons for this. Segers is a or the equivalent. well-established brand and a forward-looking player, for example, they have a close dialogue with the end user. Many people What is important to you when you buy products? are not aware of how great a difference there can be in the qualWe focus primarily on buying high-quality clothing that can withity of different textiles. Admittedly, it is difficult to assess quality stand industrial washing. That is how we work to extend the life without expert knowledge – you cannot know until you start to cycle of garments and reduce the number of damaged textiles use the garment. But as I said before, the most important thing that have to be discarded. If the garments can be used for a long is that the garment is durable and lasts over time. Segers would time despite being washed at high temperatures, that is of both never compromise on either design or quality. economic and environmental value for us and our customers.
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ATTENDO CARES ABOUT CARE AND THE ENVIRONMENT Attendo is a relatively new company that offers services in health and social care. With innovative solutions that put the individual first, the business has grown and become the leading care company in the Nordic region. Marcus Lövnord, operations manager, says that Attendo tries to provide care services that are as sustainable as possible in everything they do. This is the company’s policy regarding the buying of clothes. What social responsibility does Attendo have when it comes to purchasing? Since we are such a large consumer of clothing, we have a great responsibility to ensure that our workwear is of good quality and manufactured in a responsible way. We do this primarily by communicating clear requirements to our suppliers which we continually follow up through our supplier audits.
able to provide information to Attendo on, for example, the environment and work environment. Transparency throughout the value chain is very important to us. We want to be able to ensure that Segers and its subcontractors have a serious approach to environmental protection and responsible personnel management.
What aspects of sustainability are you planning to prioritise and address now? What is important to you We strive to promote sustainability in As a company, Attendo when choosing your supplieverything we do, from overall policy ers? level down to specific details. Our always strives to provide As a company, Attendo always overall sustainability goal is to help sustainable care. strives to provide sustainable care. to make society more sustainable by For us, it is important that our building housing in new places and suppliers meet all our requirements, that is to say, competitive providing a stimulating workplace for everyone who wants to total cost, stable deliveries and that they are a reliable and make a difference. Regarding the environment, our focus is on respectable company. When it comes to clothing, we think reducing the use of energy and other resources and making it is especially important that the supplier is responsive and food management more sustainable. In addition, we are going able to adapt the range in consultation with our reference to focus even more on conducting audits of all our suppliers. groups which are made up of care staff. It is also important that suppliers take responsibility for their own production and In what ways do you and Segers collaborate? subcontractors. For several years now, Segers has been supplying workwear to the entire Attendo Group with its 24,000 employees. On What requirements do you place on your suppliers? an everyday basis, our cooperation is mostly about ensuring Our general requirements for suppliers are that they have a correct deliveries and following up any deviations. quality and environmental management system, follow laws We also update our collection at regular intervals. In these and regulations, and have collective agreements or simiprojects, we work closely with Segers to bring about improvelar forms of agreement. In addition, we have requirements ments that will be appreciated by our employees but without regarding supplier auditing, i.e. that all our suppliers must be compromising on durability.
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For several years, Segers has been supplying workwear to the entire Attendo Group with its 24,000 employees.
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SEGERS FABRIKER AB Fรถretagsgatan 30, 504 64 Borรฅs Tel 033-23 10 00 / www.segers.com / info@segers.com