FINIX developing textile life cycle management application with Tokmanni
Tokmanni Press release 1 February 2021 at 2:55 p.m.
The Finix research project, led by Aalto University, is developing tools for ensuring the sustainability of textiles. In the spring, Tokmanni will launch a new clothing collection, which will be used to test a life cycle data management application being developed by FINIX. The multidisciplinary FINIX research project, which is funded by the Strategic Research Council, aims at systemic change in the textile sector.
The sustainability of clothing is a subject that increasingly provokes discussion among consumers. Currently, the vast majority of producers do not know the origin of all their materials, or the manufacturing sites or chemicals used.
Tokmanni will be testing and developing a life cycle data management application, which is being developed in the FINIX research project, with a new clothing collection to be unveiled and launched in the spring. Tokmanni will enter information in the application on the manufacturing materials and origin of the clothing in the range, the chemicals used in the clothing and working conditions related to the clothing. This will increase the traceability of textile supply chains, which is necessary in order to improve their sustainability.
“Supply and value chains in the textile sector are very complex. There are several commercial systems around the world that aim to improve the transparency of the textile industry. Their providers typically work with global brands. FINIX wants to offer Finnish companies the opportunity to participate in co-creation and also increase understanding of how a company can improve the transparency of its own operations. FINIX researchers will gain important knowledge and valuable feedback on how the application can be further developed during the project,” says Kirsti Cura, Research Team Leader at the LAB University of Applied Sciences.
Tokmanni wants to meet customer expectations
Tokmanni believes participation in the project is important, as it wants to take steps towards more sustainable textile production.
“We have the opportunity to make more sustainable choices available to everyone through our extensive store network. We also want to live up to our own and our customers’ expectations regarding the sustainability of textiles and, in particular, increase the transparency of production chains,” says Emilia Koski, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Tokmanni.
Although Tokmanni's customers will not be able to access the life cycle data management application being developed by FINIX or the information entered into it, information on the products in the clothing collection to be launched in the spring will be available to all on a website that is separate from the research project.
“There will be information and images on the manufacturing sites, manufacturing process, sustainability certification and the materials and their origin. The link to the website containing the information will be provided on the clothing tag of every garment in the collection, so it will be very easy to find out more about the products before purchasing,” says Timo Karanko, Purchasing Manager, apparel at Tokmanni.
The multidisciplinary FINIX research project, which is funded by the Strategic Research Council, aims at systemic change in the textile sector. Systemic change means a change in the operating logic of the entire sector: business models, materials used, the way we buy and recycle clothes. This change will be supported by digitalisation.
“Even though more and more increasingly sustainable new clothes are now available, the most sustainable piece of clothing is the one that is already in your wardrobe. Even sustainably produced clothing consumes resources. Make sure you only buy what you need,” says Sini Suomalainen, Interaction Coordinator at FINIX.
“At Tokmanni we want to be involved in improving the sustainability of the textile sector and we are eager to be part of the FINIX project. From now on, we want to increase the amount of information given to consumers on the origin, manufacturing conditions and the other aspects related to sustainability of clothing purchased from Tokmanni. We are in favour of smart shopping, and we think it is important to sell clothes that suit Finnish tastes and stand the test of time and use,” says Koski.
Information on the FINIX project can be found on Tokmanni's website at www.tokmanni.fi/finix (in Finnish). More information about the upcoming clothing collection will be added to the website during the spring.
TOKMANNI
For further information, please contact:
Information on the life cycle data management application: kirsti.cura@lab.fi
Information on the FINIX project:sini.suomalainen@aalto.fi
Maarit Mikkonen
Head of IR and Communications
Tokmanni
Tel. +358 40 562 2282
maarit.mikkonen(at)tokmanni.fi
FINIX is a multidisciplinary research project that is funded by the Strategic Research Council and led by Minna Halme, professor of Sustainability Management at the Aalto University School of Business. FINIX’s aim is to enable the Finnish textiles sector to succeed in the circular economy and to influence the textiles sector as a whole to make a change towards a more sustainable future. FINIX's research areas are materials, digital innovations, design strategies, and circular economy ecosystems and business models. www.finix.aalto.fi
Tokmanni is Finland’s leading general discount retailer. Some 3,700 Tokmanni employees make customers’ everyday life and special occasions easier by offering a versatile and up-to-date assortment of Finnish and international brand-name products and other high-quality products at prices that are always affordable. With nearly 200 stores around Finland and an online store, Tokmanni is always close to its customers. Tokmanni’s revenue in 2019 amounted to EUR 944.3 million. Tokmanni’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
