Long term

My basic belief is that the first step towards reducing negative environmental impact is not to use so much. Which is why I think we should think long-term and wear clothes that are hardwearing in timeless designs. As a company we can exert a great deal of influence over these matters, which is why environmental thinking has become a natural part of our decision-making processes.

Manufacture? Influence!

In Sweden we use more than 20 kilos of textiles per person per year, which means we are one of the highest users of textiles in the world. Around half of all textiles are made from cotton, and large quantities of chemicals and water are used to produce cotton. When you are making textiles you are in the hands of the manufacturers and their methods of production and technology. That's why it's important for us to try to influence things and make sure they go in the direction we want. We always try to influence more suppliers to manufacture products in an environmentally friendly manner and to make sure they treat their staff well and equip their premises with all the necessary safety precautions. We check that our Code of Conduct and its rules regarding child labour, fire safety and the like, are being adhered to, during our regular factory visits.

Careful thought every step of the way

Here at Gudrun Sjödén we have followed environmental developments every step of the way. We have been producing our eco-jersey in Greece and in Bulgaria for many years. The cotton is spun and then dyed using closed systems without chemicals.

Other examples are our standards regarding the use of chemicals and our decision to use shipping by sea in preference to other forms of transport. We have reduced the amount of plastic we use in our packaging. Our boutique bags, which are much appreciated by customers, are made of fabric and can be used again and again. In our stores, we now use LED lamps that are much more energy efficient than the standard light-bulb. We've chose to print all our mailings on paper chosen for its environmental credentials – so it is chlorine-free, non-coated and contains wood. (The paper was one of the first things we remained firm on in the 1980s. What a battle it was then – yet soon the whole industry cottoned on!).

This is a policy that is with us every time we make a decision at work. It's an important tool in our long-term cooperation with suppliers and customers.