SUSTAINABILITY -STEP BY STEP
SUSTAINABILITY STEP BY STEP
«One of our most important contributions to society is to create healthy and sustainable values, while taking care of the environment and upholding international ethical and social standards.»
Hans-Inge Søvik, CEO
OUR FOOTPRINT - OUR CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Our footprint requires a conscious attitude and an overall plan of what we do at all times to protect the environment and the people involved.
Since 1989, we have dedicated our passion to delivering lightweight workwear to an industry that both demands and expects reliability, quality and durability. By building close relationships and creating good dialogue, we have over the years gathered a lot of experience about what our customers want, and what we need to deliver. We know more about our strengths, and how to improve to become better. We have clear goals for how we can use this experience to become a better social actor, partner and supplier. In practice, this is how we will continue our expertise on this journey.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Our most important tasks for a circular economy are composed of efficient and profitable use of resources that can contribute to economic growth, while at the same time doing our utmost to reduce the environmental impact. Our efforts that contribute to a circular economy, together with our certifications, are a system that makes the journey towards our sustainability goals more concrete and understandable for everyone involved.
As a manufacturer and supplier, it is both important and necessary that we have a clear agenda, goals, and plans for how we want to run our business towards a circular standard. We share our experience, knowledge, attitude, and mindset with the entire value chain so that the collaboration at all levels will emerge strengthened.
«Our
vision is to be a forefront of the EU’s strategy for sustainability and circular textiles in the light workwear sector.»
Hans-Inge Søvik, CEO
SLOW FASHION
Our products originate in lighter workwear and are made to last for a long time. These are clothes that must withstand heavy use, wear, and washing and are not intended as ”use and discard” goods. We depend on the repurchase of the same products from our customers, and they will not buy a product of poor quality several times. We therefore swear by timeless classics with a selection of colours and sizes that will suit the most.
Our throwaway society is a major burden on the environment. The term ”slow fashion” is, among other things, about purchasing less, more reusable products with a long lifespan – purchasing something that lasts. We consider our entire textile range to be ”slow fashion”. Workwear is not affected to a great extent by seasonal trends and the fashion picture in general, and our bestselling products were introduced to the market in the period 1996 to 1998. The few changes that have been made are a rolling transition to more sustainable raw materials.
EU TEXTILE STRATEGY
The European Commission’s document ”EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles” describes the Union’s approach to support a more sustainable and circular textile sector. The goal is to reshape how textile products are designed, manufactured, consumed and disposed of to reduce their environmental impact, support ethical trade and protect human rights throughout the supply chain. The strategy proposes a number of measures, including setting mandatory Ecodesign requirements, banning the destruction of unsold or returned goods, combating microplastic pollution, implementing product information requirements and digital product passports, as well as strengthening producer responsibility to encourage the reuse and recycling of textiles.
We aim to be a leading player in the implementation of this approach. This is one of the main reasons why we have initiated a number of measures, and we will follow up on an ongoing basis with further improvements in this area.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Responsible business practice is our focus already in the assessment of new potential suppliers. We have our own procedures for selecting suppliers where requirements related to sustainability, such as audits and certificates, are equated with other factors, such as quality, price and ability to cooperate. All our suppliers are required to sign a General Supplier Contract, which contains our Supplier Code of Conduct and a Restricted Substances List (RSL) for chemical use. In practice, we require them to follow OEKOTEX® Standard 100’s RSL for the majority of our products. In the future, we will also use RSL that is adapted to production under The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Bluesign®. All potential and existing suppliers and products are subject to an ongoing risk assessment. Together with our partners, we work towards a common goal of developing working conditions, protecting human rights and helping to reduce pollution of the environment.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a collective term that encompasses environmental and ethical production standards. The textile industry is an industry that must make great demands on ethical production, since the products are often finished in countries that have not come as far as Norway in terms of working conditions and social rights. A description of our ethical production standard and information about our organization memberships, such as Amfori BSCI and UN Global Compact are easily accessible on our website.
When developing new products, we carry out a risk assessment of the products before they are made available to customers and consumers. As an importer/manufacturer, we are responsible for ensuring that the products comply with the regulations. Ongoing follow-up will be carried out in the event of incidents and changes. We have established systematic routines for handling complaints and non-conformities. If it is necessary to recall products, we can quickly and efficiently carry this out as we have good tracking options on all products produced in our name.
Before an item is ordered and imported, we review the various properties the item has. We check if there are any prohibited items, and that the manufacturer has approved documentation. We also carry out our own tests, assess the results and if improvements are required, we take the necessary measures in this context. If the product still does not meet the right requirements, we will reject the product.
All our products must be tested for chemicals in accordance with the chemical regulations for the products in question.
Corporate Social Responsibilty (CSR) er et samlebegrep som omfatter miljømessige og etiske produksjonsstandarder. Tekstilbransjen er en bransje som må stille store krav til etisk produksjon, siden produktene ofte ferdigstilles i land som ikke har kommet like langt som Norge når det gjelder arbeidsvilkår og sosiale rettigheter. Beskrivelse av vår etiske produksjonsstandard og informasjon om våre medlemskap i organisasjoner, som Amfori BSCI og UN Global Compact, ligger lett tilgjengelig på vår hjemmeside.
RAW MATERIALS
The production and processing of raw materials is the area that has the most environmental, economic, social and political risks for our business. We have our own detailed due diligence assessments for cotton and polyester.
Cotton
Cotton is our most widely used raw material and it has major negative environmental and social impacts. We have decided to phase out conventional cotton and have a rolling transition towards organic cotton.
In our due diligence assessments, we have considered the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) as an alternative but have decided that a transition to organic cotton or recycled cotton is considered more sustainable. The organic cotton we use is certified to ensure that it is produced under decent working conditions. Due to the high risk of forced labor and human rights violations in some countries or regions, we have a ban on the use of cotton from selected locations.
In 2024, we were certified by GOTS and Textile Exchange. This is to secure an important place for us in the leading global value chain for certified cotton.
Polyester
Polyester is our second most used raw material, and it has a high degree of negative environmental and social impacts in the manufacturing process. The production of polyester and plastic products requires significant amounts of crude oil and energy.
All new polyester products from 2019 are made of recycled polyester, and we have a rolling transition on existing products. Today, most recycled PET bottles are used in textile production. The EU is critical of the environmental claim regarding the use of PET bottles in textile production. The goal in a circular economy should be that polyester fiber is recycled back into polyester fiber. We are monitoring developments and will adjust according to the EU’s recommendations and production capabilities.
WASTE DISPOSAL
We do not destroy any of our textile products. Everything is sold as regular stock items or as Outlet items. Unsold goods are sent to Romania or Ukraine. We try to avoid plastic packaging of products as far as possible. Unfortunately, plastic is still important to protect some different items. Where we use plastic packaging, we use pure plastic that has been tested for chemicals. All packaging that is part of our business is recyclable, both cardboard and plastic. In addition, our policy is that all usable packaging from our production will be reused in shipment to our customers. The rest is sent to a local recycling company.
TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
Transport and logistics are an important part of our business. We live in a world where many items are ordered in small numbers online and transported by plane around the whole world. The transport sector accounts for a large share of emissions in the world. We have an obligation to be aware of our use of different options of transport services.
Shipping by boat is generally the best option for long distance shipping. The main part of our production is shipped by container boat from Asia. Sea freight is the shipping method with the lowest carbon emissions, and over 97% of our production is transported in large quantities by boat. Air freight should only be used in very special situations. Efficient routines, long-term planning of purchases and the aggregation of goods are therefore important factors for us.
TRACEABILITY
To ensure traceability and product compliance of our organic cotton products, we set up routines and requirements in line with GOTS and OCS’s certifications. For technical products made of polyester, we have linked up with Bluesign and Global Recycled Standard
In our commitment to transparent and responsible management of certified products, we implement an advanced system of tracking and registration.
From the moment goods are received throughout the warehouse, until the orders are invoiced and shipped out to the customer, we ensure full traceability and accuracy. This means that each batch of certified goods will be assigned a unique serial or lot number. This number will be directly linked to the product’s certification number and associated certificate and invoice. In this way, we ensure that each item can be traced back to its origin, and that the documentation meets GOTS’ requirements for traceability and integrity in future collections.
RISK ASSESSMENTS
In everything we do, we have to consider various risks. We have fixed routines for risk assessments associated with social compliance, raw materials, production countries, factories, suppliers and the various product groups we work with. As a member of the UN Global Compact since May 2010, the company follows its work with an annual progress report in accordance with the UN’s ten principles for responsible business conduct. This includes human rights, work environment and anti-corruption. As a supplier of textile products, the purchases are based on the OECD’s Due Diligence Guidelines for Responsible Supply Chains in the Textile and Footwear Sector.
The OECD guidelines require all companies to carry out due diligence. This is a six-step due diligence process that aims to map whether the company contributes to risks to people, society, and the environment, and how any damage and negative effects are handled, followed up and communicated externally. Companies must look at risks caused both in their own operations and through business contacts or in the supply chain.
The Regulations relating to systematic health, safety and environment work in enterprises (Internal Control Regulations), the Act relating to the Control of Products and Consumer Services (the Product Control Act) and the Act relating to Enterprises’ Transparency and Work with Fundamental Human Rights and Decent Working Conditions (the Transparency Act) are relevant Norwegian laws and regulations that form the basis for our work on the environment, product safety and due diligence.
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS - OUR CERTIFICATIONS / MEMBERSHIPS
The certification standards form an important foundation for guaranteeing that our goods are produced in an ethically responsible manner and taken into account both environmental and social responsibility. By meeting the strictest requirements throughout the value chain, we want to strengthen customer loyalty, while at the same time, actively continue the work towards a more circular economy. The certifications confirm that we as a company and our products promote a more sustainable and equitable global existence.
Overview of certification standards:
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognized certification for textile products made from organically grown fibres. To receive GOTS certification, at least 70% of the textile fibers must be produced through organic farming. The standard also covers extensive environmental and health requirements throughout all stages of the production chain. Furthermore, GOTS sets strict social standards for working conditions, including workers’ rights and safety. The certification is enforced through regular inspections carried out by independent and qualified certification bodies, which must be accredited according to international standards such as ISO/IEC Guide 65, to ensure objectivity and trust in the certification process.
OCS (The Organic Content Standard)
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a voluntary global standard that sets out the criteria for third-party certification of organic materials and traceability. The aim of OCS is to increase the production of organic agriculture and give companies the opportunity to verify their claims. It also gives organic fiber farmers access to the global organic market for their products.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
The Global Recycled Standard is an international, voluntary, full-scale product standard that sets out requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, traceability of the chain, social and environmental practices and chemical restrictions. Control Union Certifications BV is accredited by SLAB for this scheme under registration number CP 004-01.
GRS aims to increase the use of recycled materials in products, and reduce or eliminate damage caused by production. This standard is particularly relevant for companies that want to verify the recycled content of their products (both finished products and intermediate products) and confirm responsible social, environmental and chemical practices in production.
GRS was originally developed by Control Union Certifications in 2008 and ownership was transferred to Textile Exchange on 1 January 2011.
SYSTEM PARTNE R
Bluesign System Partner
Bluesign® is a recognized standard that represents a comprehensive approach to sustainable textile production. By setting strict requirements for the use of chemicals, water and energy consumption, as well as the treatment of emissions throughout the production chain, Bluesign® ensures a more responsible and environmentally friendly production process.
This standard aims to remove harmful substances from the very beginning of the production process, and not only in the finished product, which helps to ensure the highest level of safety for consumers. By focusing on a minimal impact on people and the environment, Bluesign® simultaneously promotes a responsible and efficient use of resources. This not only implies an improvement of environmental and working conditions in textile factories, but also an increased awareness and knowledge among consumers about the sustainable choices they can make when buying textile products.
Through collaboration with industry, Bluesign® works to drive a positive change towards more sustainable production methods and products.
Oeko-tex Standard 100
The OEKO-TEX 100 Standard is an international certification system for textiles, which sets requirements for, among other things, chemical content, content of heavy metals and substances harmful to health in textile production. All fabric by the meter that is used in our textile production must be approved according to the OEKO-TEX 100 standard. In accordance with OEKO-TEX Standard 100, only AZO-free colors are therefore used. We carry out regular random samples which are sent to SGS for testing of illegal content.
STANDARD 100 is one of the world’s best-known brands with over 30 years of market experience. Certificates are easily checked for each product with OEKO-TEX® label check.
UN Global Compact
In 2010, we became a member of the UN Global Compact (FN), the world’s largest initiative for corporate social responsibility. Through our membership of the UN Global Compact, we do our best to run our business in line with the 10 basic principles in human rights, the working environment and anti-corruption. We undertake to submit an annual COP (Communication on Progress), which is an official document in which we describe our objectives. Participation in the UN Global Compact also gives us the opportunity to participate in global initiatives for sustainable development.
Business Social Compliance Initiative | Amfori
In July 2014, we became a member of BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative). BSCI is an international organization which aims to ensure the working environment and rights in a global supply chain, and can be regarded as a common work standard. With our BSCI membership, we want to promote YOU BRAND’s social responsibility through intensive cooperation with all our suppliers. BSCI provides a common ”Code of Conduct” and a development-oriented system to achieve the best possible working conditions throughout the supply chain. Our ”Code of Conduct” describes the requirements and expectations we set for our producers and partners, internally and externally. Together, we work towards a common goal of developing working conditions, protecting human rights and helping to reduce pollution of the environment.
Grønt punkt Norge
We want the packaging to be given a new lease of life and take responsibility for the packaging via Grønt Punkt Norge. Grønt Punkt Norge is an organization that helps Norwegian companies recycle packaging. The environmental tax that each member pays is included in its entirety to ensure that the packaging is recycled in accordance with the authorities’ current requirements. We are proud to contribute to this sustainable cycle.
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
Our membership of the UN Global Compact not only commits us to deliver an annual progress report, and this must also be reflected and anchored in our selected sustainability goals. These goals are a foundation for sustainable business practices and revised ethical guidelines and due diligence procedures.
