UNSHAKABLE VALUES AND
UNBREAKABLE SEAMS.
Blåkläder as a company, relies on strong values and an ability to take full responsibility
throughout every step of the production cycle, both at the headquarters and in the
factories abroad. This means that our high-quality work clothes, which are the visible
result, is also the foundation for our entire sustainability work.
Our responsibility stretches all the way from drawing board to
finished garment, with full insight in every step of the process.
In fact, being responsible for the entire production process
is a fundamental prerequisite for our strategic sustainability
work. In this way, we can ensure that the factories measure
up to the standard we require, and that the staff feel safe and
secure in their working environment.
A GLOBAL FAMILY LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER
To make our employees feel comfortable is an important
part of the Blåkläder spirit, that distinguishes us, both as a
company and as an active player in society. This family oriented
culture has been built over time and now permeates the
entire global organization. We believe strongly in a humanitarian
approach, where fair working conditions in the end
lead to better products. It’s a circular thinking that reflects on
everything we do.
– We are convinced that the high quality of our
garments is associated with a healthy staff.
Therefore, in order for us to deliver garments
with a lifetime guarantee on all seams, we need
to take good care of our employees wherever
they are located, says Anders Carlsson, CEO of
Blåkläder.
SMALL DETAILS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
As a company, we wish for all employees the
best life quality as possible, within and outside the workplace.
This family oriented
culture has been built
over time and now
permeates the entire
global organization.
Where other companies may settle for the fact that
the factory has a SA8000 certification that guarantee ethics
and human rights, we take it one step further. It’s our way to
show responsibility all the way, and we believe that the small
differences have a great impact. As, for example, seeing to
that the co-workers arrive safely to and from work. For this
purpose, the company arranges transportation, picking up
and dropping off our employees in their home villages. It’s a
secure and convenient option for many who would otherwise
have difficulties getting to work.
FREE HEALTH CARE AND SUPPORT OF SCHOOL WORK
The factory meals are provided and there is both a nurse and
a doctor attendance to provide assistance when needed.
– Our production staff undergo regular health checks and
have free access to medical care if they become ill or injured.
In addition, there are extra checkups for women during their
pregnancy, says Anders Carlsson.
– The company always try to support the families as much
as we can. For example, efforts are made to secure children’s
schooling. It may be rudimentary things, such as helping out
with school books that otherwise the families themselves
must pay for. A minor thing for the company, but with a great
value for the families.
QUALITY LINKED TO SUSTAINABILITY
Maintaining a high quality of the end product, is an important
part of the company’s sustainability
work. A prolonged life span for
our work clothes, means that our
customers need to buy fewer items. It
leads to both savings and a reduced
environmental impact. Blåkläder is
the only company within the industry
that provides a lifetime guarantee on
our seams. To us, quality means that
our clothes can endure the toughest
re
challenges, over and over again. For the same reason, our entire
production is designed to minimize waste of materials and
resources. This being an actual fact, has been demonstrated
by NCC, one of Blåkläder’s major customers.
Anders Carlsson explains:
– After NCC switched to Blåkläder, the company has reduced
its consumption from 5 pair of work pants per employee and
year, to 1.8. It leads not only to a reduced cost, but also to a
lower environmental impact in terms of transport, raw materials
and other resources
4 BLÅKLÄDER CATALOG 2020