Innovation

Kinnarps is working with a comprehensive tool called “The Better Effect Index” which gives a very simple answer on a very complex question; “How sustainable is a product?”. To get this answer they measure the product in 17 indicators which is distributed in six different areas and then it gets a rate in every field (can be between one to three). The best result a product can get is three, and the total score is an average of all the different areas. They measure the six following fields; Raw materials and resources, such as knowledge of the origin of the raw materials and resource optimization. Climate indicators, such as transportation, production/process and material. Pure materials, such as chemicals in the production, emissions and good material change. Social responsibility, such as code of conduct and supplier follow-up. Reuse indicators, such as possible the repair/renovate, possible to recycle materials, made of recycled materials, and the last indicator is Ergonomics.

Inspiration

Many companies throughout the world are working diligently to implement more of a sustainable stance to their work processes. Competitiveness, awareness of climate impact and consumers beliefs and standpoint are some of the reasons why companies strive to become as environmentally friendly as possible. We wanted to choose a company who are genuinely passionate about lowering their impact on the environment and having a sustainability approach throughout the whole company. We also wanted to choose a well-known and global company that was manufacturing some kind of product.

After reading about the company you can clearly see their passion and enthusiasm for sustainability which made us, as readers, inspired. Being inspired is an essential part of marketing a sustainable style of leadership and process. We choose Kinnarps because we hope their inspiration and passion will make you as a reader as motivated and enthusiastic about becoming more environmentally friendly as they are as a company.

Overall impact

All the 17 UN global goals are somehow connected, together they are trying to achieve four amazing things by the end of 2030. Johanna explained that they are working with the majority of the goals, but the focus is on goal number 13 – Climate action. They are also working with goal number 10 – reduced inequalities and goal number 12 – responsible consumption and production. These goals are the priorities because of the type of organization they are, and because of what they produce. All the 17 goals are connected to each other and if someone is working with one specific goal, there is a chance to combine it with another goal as well.

Their focus is to be more energy-efficient in their own operations and choice of renewable energy sources. The total climate-impacting emissions has been reduced by 13% since 2014, and this is mostly connected to their transportation in the Group. Kinnarps is using their own transportation system so they can optimize the routes themselves. When they load the trucks, they do not use any packaging, instead the use blankets to wrap the products and when they have delivered the products, they bring the blankets with them so that they can be reused. This save both the costumers and Kinnarps over 6,5 ton of packaging every day. Kinnarps also works with renewable energy by using wood waste from their own production to heat up several factories, which leads to reduced emissions of fossil carbon dioxide. Another area which has big significance for the product climate impact is – choice of materials and the ability to reuse it. All the wood that is used in Kinnarps production is certified or from a source verified by themselves, and it is very important for them to take responsibility for their materials, everything from wood to textiles, plastic and metals. “The Better Loop” is a new business model created by Kinnarps where they have identified three strategic areas: Re:fresh, Re:use and Re:cycle. In these areas they can analyze if there is possible to reuse a product in a new interior design, or if it can be refreshed and upgraded or renovated or in the last scenario – be recycled.

Business benefit

The stakeholders have shown interest in Kinnarps sustainability work, as many companies today require that the products they buy should be environmentally friendly and produced in a sustainable way.

Johanna has participated in meetings with customers and their sustainability managers: "We talked about the importance of having environmentally friendly products. Therefore, Kinnarps has noticed that many customers are encouraging a comprehensive sustainability work."

Johanna does not know for a fact that having a sustainable process alters the result but she has noticed that many customers requires that the products are produced in a sustainable way.

Social and environmental benefit

Sustainability is a topic that has become more relevant which can make Kinnarps a more attractive workplace for possible future employees. Working for a company with a more sustainable and environmentally friendly standpoint can result in employees feeling proud of their company and their own work tasks. Knowing that their work will result in a better world will likely create a more ambitious, engaged and innovative culture. Due to Kinnarps being known for their environmental friendly stance, it can attract like-minded employees which can also result in a better work environment.

Interview

Johanna Ljunggren, Corporate Sustainability Manager