Climate

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint. We will become a carbon neutral business by 2040.

We aim to achieve our target by taking a proactive approach across the value chain to realise transformational change and improvement in our circular economy efforts. 

Our ambition of becoming a net zero carbon emissions business by 2040 has been validated by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). The SBTi is a corporate climate action organisation that supports companies in setting emissions reduction targets in line with what scientists say is necessary to keep global warming below 1.5˚C.

We design fashion for a sustainable wardrobe

We design clothes that can last longer and be produced with fewer adverse human and environmental impacts. Our focus is on creating high-quality, durable clothing in styles that stand the test of time. Every new collection we launch comprises pieces that you can easily incorporate into your current wardrobe and wear whatever the season.

We also explore various ways of dressing. Our creations include an innovative dress that can be worn in a dozen different ways and a coat that converts into a skirt or cropped jacket.

Reduced impacts across the production chain

Production processes are the main source of our CO2 emissions (about 7% of supply-chain emissions come from our own operations). For that reason, we only partner with suppliers that have set themselves ambitious carbon reduction targets and are able to deliver on them. Working alongside our suppliers, we are making concerted efforts to decrease water, energy and chemical usage in our production processes. 

In addition to close working partnerships with our suppliers, we are a member of several collaborative initiatives, including STICA. We work jointly to set science-based emissions reduction targets and plans, and our progress is monitored through regular reports.

Regarding the use of chemicals, we apply strict standards to ensure compliance with the EU’s REACH regulation and the most stringent standards and requirements applicable in the countries in which we operate. Here you can find further information about our chemical standards and download our list of restricted chemicals.

Lower impact materials

By 2025, all of our garments will be made from materials with a lower environmental impact than conventional materials. We are progressing towards this target and are currently at 86%.

We are able to lessen our impact on the environment significantly by opting for certified materials. As an example, cotton is one of the most popular fibres for clothes. But the conventional method of growing cotton uses extensive amounts of water, fertilizers and pesticides.

For this reason, the cotton that we use for our products is either produced organically or by Better Cotton farmers. Better Cotton is a non-profit organisation that provides training to cotton farmers, teaching them how to use less water, fewer harmful chemicals and to conserve and enhance biodiversity.

We use the Higg Index when making decisions on the production of our garments. The Index is a valuable tool that enables us to monitor water use and other environmental factors through our supply chain.

Transitioning to circular fashion

Our efforts are focused on implementing the circular economy throughout the Kappahl Group. We know that the most effective way to minimise the environmental impacts of garments is to rewear, reuse and thus extend the lifespan of clothes that have already been produced. With that in mind, we are trying out different ways of making closed-loop services more accessible to you.

All of our stores accept clothes and footwear for recycling. We are trialling a christening gown rental service and we sell childrens's clothes second hand in Sweden, Norway and the UK.

We are also exploring possibilities to team up with start-up companies to increase the pace of progress towards the circular economy. One example is a pilot project with RecoMended, an entrepreneurial venture that is working on the development of an innovative, large-scale and automated service for the restoration of used garments.

Total traceability by 2026

Traceability and transparency in our production chain help us identify risks and minimise the impacts of our processes on the environment. We want to make it easy for our customers to see where materials come from, where the fabric is woven and then cut and sewn into clothes.

Our aim is that, by 2026, you will be able to trace all of our products right through the production chain – from the fibres to the finished garment. Our range of jeans is fully traceable today.

Our goods are shipped by sea

Contrary to what many think, transport accounts for a relatively small percentage of the life cycle emissions of a garment, provided that the goods are not shipped by air. All of our cargoes are carried on ships powered by biofuel or transported by road.

Get more wear out of your clothes – reduce climate impact

You can cut down your carbon footprint by wearing your clothes time and time again instead of buying new ones (this is actually more important than the material the clothes are made of). Basically, you can cut the carbon impact of your jeans in half by wearing them twice as much. When you go shopping, opt for items that you like and preferably have a timeless look. That way, they’re more likely to last longer, both in quality and style. 

Just over 76% of our customers bring a bag from home when they come to our stores, which is excellent for the environment! If you’re not one of those customers and need to buy a bag from us, you can rest assured it is made of recycled plastic and has a smaller carbon footprint than, for example, recycled paper bags.

A great way to extend the life of garments that you no longer use is to donate them or sell them on. All of our stores have a collection box where you can drop off your used textiles, for example.


Download our environmental policy (PDF, 45 kB)