Transparency and traceability in focus – today Kappahl Group releases its sustainability report
Kappahl is accelerating its transition and leading the way towards a sustainable fashion world. Significant steps have been taken on the journey towards a transparent and responsible operation, reducing absolute carbon emissions by 15% since 2022. Additionally, Kappahl has had its climate target of a 50.4% reduction in absolute carbon emissions by 2032 validated by Science Based Targets (SBTi).
Kappahl Group recently launched its new higher purpose, to create a responsible world of fashion, and aims to be one of the leaders in the industry. In this year’s sustainability report, Kappahl shows the results of its ambitious goals in three main areas: climate and environment, social sustainability as well as transparency and engagement. In addition to a 15% reduction in carbon emissions compared to last year, Kappahl now has 86% of its garments made from certified and/or traceable materials with less environmental impact than conventionally produced materials. For cotton, 100% was achieved already in 2020. The Kappahl and Newbie brands are also ramping up their circular offerings, with the goal of making half of the assortment possible to circulate by 2026. There is also a strong emphasis on increasing customers' awareness of Kappahl's sustainability efforts. The customers shall perceive Kappahl more as a safe and reliable fashion company with a focus on diversity and inclusion. This goes for both marketing and the entire operation.
Regarding transparency, an important milestone was reached in 2022 with the introduction of the traceability tool TrusTrace, a work that has been further expanded in 2023 and now includes all of Kappahl's denim. Next year, Kappahl aims to have full traceability from fiber to garment across the entire range.
"Transparency is a key factor in fulfilling our higher purpose, to create a responsible fashion world. Traceability holds companies accountable for workers' rights and is an important tool in navigating an industry with significant challenges regarding social sustainability. Insight into our value chain enables us as a company, as well as our customers, to make sustainable decisions, both in terms of human rights and the environment," says Sandra Roos, Vice President Sustainability at Kappahl Group.
Another key factor for Kappahl is to involve customers more in the journey towards a sustainable fashion world. In addition to launching a new service promise and strengthening competence in communicating and explaining sustainability to customers, there has been an increase in second-hand offerings in stores and various solutions tested to extend the lifespan of garments. Elisabeth Peregi, CEO and President of Kappahl Group, highlights the pilot project with digital product passports currently underway:
"There is a lot of our achievements that I am proud of, but if I were to highlight a few things this year, it is primarily our work with digital product passports and our ongoing exploration of circular offerings through in-store second-hand solutions and innovative technology. We also continue to work on producing products with less negative impact on the environment and people, and in the future, we will put even more effort into involving customers in the journey. It is together with our customers we make the greatest impact," concludes Elisabeth Peregi.
The entire sustainability report is available to read on Kappahl's website.
FACT BOX: How far has Kappahl Group come on its sustainability journey?
• 2008: Kappahl visits all its 130+ suppliers' factories with its own personnel.
• 2020: Kappahl purchases cotton only from certified and/or traceable sources.
• 2020: All Kappahl Group products are transported by sea freight (since 2023 powered by biofuels).
• 2020: Kappahl uses 100% renewable energy in all its own facilities.
• 2023: All products in the denim range are traceable from fiber to garment.
• 2023: Kappahl signs the new International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry.
• 2024: Kappahl's climate goals are validated according to SBTi.
• 2024: Kappahl receives GOTS certification.
• 2024: 86% of all garments (regardless of material) are made from certified and/or traceable sources.
For more information, please contact
Johanna Flemström
Communication Manager
johanna.flemstrom@kappahl.com
About Kappahl Group
Founded in 1953 in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Kappahl Group is a leading fashion chain in the Nordics, with around 330 Kappahl and Newbie stores in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland and the UK, and online in more than 20 markets throughout Europe and Asia. We want to make a difference in the fashion world and to lead the way by always keeping our promises: taking care of the world around us and minimizing the environmental impact for each garment. And at the same time fulfil our employee promise "We promise you the right to always be yourself - a place to belong”. The Kappahl team consists of some 4,000 colleagues in nine countries, all with different backgrounds, ages, skills and styles. Our common motivation is to create a responsible world of fashion and offer fashion to a wide variety of people and lifestyles. A responsible fashion that feels right, for the bearer and for the world we live in. Today, more than 86% of the products are made of certified and/or preferred materials. Our goal is 100% by 2025 and Kappahl Group’s overall climate goal is to halve the value chain's climate emissions by 2030. More information at www.kappahl.com.
