Are you an outdoor enthusiast who wants to enjoy nature while also supporting sustainable and ethical practices?
The Swedish brand, Fjällräven, is a great option where you can get your outdoor clothing and gear!
The company has recently been actively pursuing eco-friendly practices such as using organic and recycled materials. But what steps has the company taken to achieve its sustainability goals, and what more can it do?
In this article, we’ll explore Fjällräven’s sustainability practices and processes. We’ll see what kind of animal-sourced materials the brand uses, its educational programs, and a lot more!
So, let’s get started!
So, Is Fjällräven Sustainable and Ethical?
Fjällräven is an outdoor clothing and gear company based in Sweden that has been operating since 1960. The company is renowned for its high-quality and long-lasting products that are specifically designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions.
Recently, Fjällräven has been actively pursuing eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable practices.
Fjällräven official website
Fjällräven’s sustainability practices are centered around reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices across all its operations.
The company has implemented several initiatives to achieve this, including the use of organic, recycled, and sustainable materials in its products, such as recycled wool, recycled polyester, organic hemp, and Tencel.
Additionally, Fjällräven has taken steps to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in its production processes. The company has also partnered with organizations to promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Although Fjällräven is making significant strides towards becoming more sustainable, there is still room for improvement. Consumers can support the company’s sustainability initiatives by opting for products made from organic and recycled materials and encouraging Fjällräven to continue its efforts towards sustainability.
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Sustainable Products, Materials, and Processes
Eco-Shell Fabric Technology
The Swedish brand has introduced Eco-Shell, which is a sustainable material that is highly eco-friendly. It is made up of recycled polyester and features a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment, which is free from PFC.
This waterproof and breathable fabric is designed to allow sweat to escape from the inside of your jacket while keeping water from the outside out, thereby protecting you from rain and snow. Eco-Shell comes in various versions to suit different needs.
Fjallraven Eco Shell official website
G-1000 Fabrics
The G-1000 material was introduced in 1968 and is a densely woven fabric that comprises 65% polyester and 35% cotton. It is available in several versions, making it ideal for various outdoor activities. A unique feature of this fabric is that it can be customized to meet specific needs for breathability and water resistance by applying Greenland Wax.
Fjällräven, as part of its sustainability program, has developed Eco versions of all its G-1000 fabrics. These Eco versions are made using recycled polyester and organic cotton, making them highly sustainable and eco-friendly.
Fjallraven G-1000 material official website
Re-Kånken Backpack
Fjällräven has launched a new backpack line called Re-Kånken, which is made from recycled polyester sourced from 11 plastic bottles. This backpack is a variation of the brand’s famous Kånken backpack, and the entire manufacturing process is eco-friendly.
The fabric has been dyed using SpinDye technology, which significantly reduces the consumption of water, chemicals, and energy. As a result, the Re-Kånken backpack has become a popular choice for those who prefer sustainable backpacks for school, hiking, travel, or casual outings.
Also, when its product life ends, it can be recycled again, making it an even more sustainable choice.
Fjallraven Re-Kanken backpack official website
Read also: Why is Fjällräven so Expensive? Are Its Products Worth It?
Animal-Sourced Materials
Fjällräven utilizes animal-based materials only when synthetic materials with equivalent performance and functionality are not available. The primary animal-origin materials used by the brand include wool, leather, and natural down.
To ensure that the animals are treated humanely, the company adheres to its Code of Conduct and strives for complete traceability in all its animal-based supply chains. The brand has achieved full traceability for its natural down and is working towards achieving the same for leather and wool.
Durability and Education
Fjällräven’s products are renowned for their durability and long-lasting quality. However, they require proper care, occasional cleaning, re-waxing, DWR treatment, or repair to maintain their performance over time.
To help customers take better care of their outdoor products, the brand has created numerous tutorials on its website, providing detailed instructions on how to maintain and care for their products. Additionally, customers can visit a Fjällräven store for repair services.
By offering these programs and educational materials, Fjällräven aims to extend the lifetime of its products, thus reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Synthetic Fur
Fjällräven does not incorporate real fur in its jackets and parkas. Instead, they use synthetic faux fur trim, which is typically detachable.
An example is the NUUK PARKA for men which uses synthetic fur.
Fjallraven Men’s Nuuk Parka official website
Is Fjällräven a Vegan Brand?
Fjällräven cannot be considered a vegan brand as it incorporates leather, natural down, and wool, which are animal-derived materials, in many of its products.
However, some of its products, such as the Re-Kanken backpack, are vegan-friendly as they are made entirely of 100% recycled polyester. But please contact the brand before making a purchase to ensure the product is vegan-friendly.
Read also: 13 Scandinavian Jacket and Clothing Brands that You’ll Love
Conclusion
Since the 1960s, the Swedish outdoor company, Fjällräven, has been renowned for its high-quality and long-lasting products that can protect you in bad outdoor conditions.
Recently, the company has been actively pursuing eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable practices across all its operations.
Its several initiatives include the use of organic, recycled, and sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption, and partnering with organizations to promote environmental conservation practices.
Even if there’s still room for improvement, we think Fjällräven is a pretty sustainable, ethical, and transparent company that is working hard in this direction!
Read next: 7 Backpack Brands from Sweden: Our Favorites