Resource-efficient and cleaner production

Lindex's suppliers are expected to follow applicable environmental legislation but, on top of this, they are also asked to work with continuous improvements that extend farther than the legislation requires. Therefore, Lindex's suppliers participate in different improvement projects connected to areas like water, energy efficiency and use of chemicals.

Lindex aims for as many suppliers as possible to participate in different improvement projects and transition to a more resource-efficient and cleaner production.

Water, a precondition for textile production

Access to water is a precondition for Lindex's suppliers to be able to produce fashion. Large amounts of water are used in different processes such as dyeing and washing. It is a question of making consumption and cleaning as efficient as possible. The issue of water is therefore an important one for Lindex. Since Lindex's water impact is largest through the irrigation of cotton fields, the wet processes that take place during the production process, and washing clothes at home, this is where the focus lies. By increasing the level of consciousness and thereby getting both producers and customers to minimise their water footprint Lindex can reduce the indirect impact.

Lindex's environmental code for factories with wet processes

A part of the environmental impact of textile production comes with wet and water processes such as dyeing, printing and washing. From an environmental perspective, it is important for Lindex to attempt to influence the suppliers that work with wet processes to improve them. Since 2009, we have, as a part of this improvement process, worked to implement the requirements in Lindex's environmental code, mainly for the suppliers who own their own wet process factories. We are working to progressively extend the scope to include wet process factories further up the supply chain.

Lindex's environmental code lays down requirements as regards water treatment, handling of chemicals, waste treatment and emissions. The suppliers are ranked green, amber or red - depending on how well they meet the requirements. A supplier with a green rating has environmental work that is on par with Lindex's requirements. An amber or red rating means that the supplier must improve, but this does not exclude the supplier from supplying to Lindex. In the event of an amber or red ranking, Lindex can continue working with them on the condition that they implement improvement measures in the meantime. By not only choosing green suppliers we influence more suppliers to work with environment-improving measures. An absolute requirement is that the supplier treats its water and follows the applicable legislation.

Environmental assessment at wet process factories

Since 2009, environmental inspections have been made in all wet process factories that are owned by Lindex's suppliers.

Noticeable improvements

Since work started on the environmental code awareness of environmental issues has increased among the suppliers, and they are more open and willing to improve their processes. Many shortcomings are relatively simple and can be resolved quickly, such as labelling chemical containers, keeping updated safety data sheets of how to handle chemicals, which protective equipment to use and separating environmentally-hazardous waste from other waste. But other measures are often expensive, require specialised skills and are dependent on local conditions. Great potential for improvement in terms of energy efficiency and water use has also been identified. Lindex works to overcome these challenges in cooperation with suppliers.

Environmental training, follow up and information

Environmental requirements are followed up through environmental inspections which are carried out by Lindex's own CSR inspectors. They are provided with regular training so they can in turn support the suppliers in the improvement work that is relevant to environmental aspects connected to production.

Read more about Lindex's work for cleaner production under Share Our Journey.