The Volvo Group’s merchandise organisation develops designs and manufactures clothing and products that bear the Volvo Group’s different brands.
Before the new collection was launched in 2015 a new approach to develop products that are at the forefront of sustainability was introduced.
“It is crucial for the Group to make its products as sustainable as possible and prioritise the core value - Environmental Care- in its product development,” Ulrika explains. “For this reason, we have introduced a system where all products are graded according to how sustainable they are.”
The grades range from one mark– the minimum standard according to Volvo Group CSR requirements – to three marks. The 2015 collection includes four items with the highest grade: a jacket made from recycled polyester, a polo shirt, a t-shirt and a hoodie in organic and fair trade certified cotton. The aim for all products in the range is to meet the same high standard by 2020.
Anna Wendin, Manager Product Portfolio, Volvo Merchandise, explains that a product must pass several global environmental certifications to gain three green marks.
“It is a comprehensive process where every step in a product’s development – from the initial idea to final delivery – is carefully assessed in order to obtain the highest levels of sustainability currently possible. Social aspects such as the working conditions, wages and factory working environment are also examined,” says Anna Wedin and adds that it has been a fantastic journey so far.
“We are very proud to offer these genuinely sustainable products, and look forward to bringing the rest of our range up to the same high standard,” says Ulrika Thureson.
Read more about Volvo Merchandise and the work with sustainability:
http://www.volvomerchandise.com/sustainability/
http://www.volvomerchandise.com/