KappAhl collaborates for cleaner production in India
KappAhl is one of the initiators of SWAR, a Swedish project for cleaner textile production in India. SWAR is a collaboration project between Swedish textile buyers and Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), with support from SIDA. The aim of the project is to make textile production more efficient and to reduce the consumption of water, energy and chemicals by participating suppliers. “We saw the opportunity to combine the introduction of a new code with training and trade,” says Eva Kindgren, CSR manager for KappAhl’s production. The project will use simple methods to make noticeable differences for people and the environment in India.
The basis of the Sustainable Water Resources (SWAR) project is the Water code that 33 Swedish textile companies have developed with guidelines for water, chemicals and emissions. The project will combine training with support for the suppliers so that simple, cost effective actions can reduce the consumption of water, chemicals and energy.
“Our commitment to the project is part of ensuring that KappAhl’s purchasing inIndia has a sustainable focus,” says KappAhl’s Managing Director and CEO Johan Åberg.
SWAR is a collaboration project between KappAhl, two industry colleagues and SIWI, with support from SIDA. The project will run for two years and cover 40 suppliers inIndia. Each implementation is expected to achieve significant efficiency and environmental improvements. The aim is to continue the development of the textile sector with large environmental improvements such as cleaner ground water, fewer polluted emissions and a safer working environment.
The project was inspired by the IFC/World Bank’s successful Cleaner Production project in Bangladesh 2011, which was declared one of the three most valuable projects of the year at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2012. KappAhl was also one of the participants in that project.
For further information:
Johan Åberg, President and CEO. Tel. +46 706 09 99 73, johan.aberg@kappahl.com
Eva Kindgren, CSR Manager Production. Tel +46 704 40 57 37, eva.kindgren@kappahl.com
For photos and company information:
Charlotte Högberg, Head Public Relations. Tel. +46 704 71 56 31, charlotte.hogberg@kappahl.com
Water code/Sweden Textile Water Initiative (STWI) KappAhl is one of 33 members in STWI which has the purpose of developing common guidelines regarding water consumption, water cleaning, chemicals, waste management and also as an organisation for lobbying lawmakers and governments on water related issues. More information is available at www.swedishwaterhouse.se/en/STWI/.
KappAhl was founded in 1953 in Sweden and is a leading fashion chain with almost 400 stores and 4,500 employees in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland and the Czech Republic. KappAhl sells affordable fashion to a wide range of consumers – women, men and children – with a particular focus on women in the 30 to 50 age group with families. All KappAhl garments are designed by our own fashion team. KappAhl was the first fashion chain to be environmentally certified, in 1999. KappAhl’s sales for the financial year 2011/2012 totalled approximately SEK 4.6 billion. KappAhl is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. More information is available on www.kappahl.com.
Tags:
