KappAhl teams up for cleaner textile production in India

The aim of the project is to make textile production more efficient and to reduce the consumption of water, energy and chemicals by participating suppliers. “We saw the opportunity to combine the introduction of a new code with training and trade,” says Eva Kindgren, CSR manager for KappAhl’s production. The project will use simple methods to make noticeable differences for people and the environment in India.

The basis of the Sustainable Water Resources (SWAR) project is the Water code that 33 Swedish textile companies have developed with guidelines for water, chemicals and emissions. The project will combine training with support for the suppliers so that simple, cost effective actions can reduce the consumption of water, chemicals and energy.

“Our commitment to the project is part of ensuring that KappAhl’s purchasing inIndia has a sustainable focus,” says KappAhl’s Managing Director and CEO Johan Åberg.

SWAR is a collaboration project between KappAhl, two industry colleagues and SIWI, with support from SIDA. The project will run for two years and cover 40 suppliers inIndia. Each implementation is expected to achieve significant efficiency and environmental improvements.

The aim is to continue the development of the textile sector with large environmental improvements such as cleaner ground water, fewer polluted emissions and a safer working environment.

The project was inspired by the IFC/World Bank’s successful Cleaner Production project in Bangladesh 2011, which was declared one of the three most valuable projects of the year at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2012. KappAhl was also one of the participants in that project.

KappAhl