THE SCANDINAVIAN TEXTILE INITIATIVE FOR CLIMATE ACTION (STICA)

Stakeholder Voices

THE SCANDINAVIAN TEXTILE INITIATIVE FOR CLIMATE ACTION (STICA)

Stakeholder Voices

Alice Bah Kuhnke, Vice-President, Greens/EFA; Co-Chair, The European Parliament’s Intergroup on the Green New Deal

Lars Fogh Mortensen, Circular Economy, Consumption and Production Expert, European Environmental Agency

David Gunnarsson, Head of Unit, Bra Miljöval Chemistry, Swedish Society for Nature Conservation

Lewis Perkins, President, Apparel Impact Institute

Michael Sadowski, Research Consultant to World Resources Institute

Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, Lead, Sectoral Engagement in Climate Action, UN Climate Change

Elin Larsson, Director Markets & Finance, WWF Sweden

“The climate crisis is the toughest challenge facing humanity, a global shift is required. Our greatest hope is in democracy and awareness raising, as Greta Thunberg says. Initiatives such as STICA play a vital role in this, to drive development in the right direction through cooperation, collaboration and knowledge sharing.”

Magnus Nikkarinen, Senior Policy Director - Sustainability, The Swedish Trade Federation

“The fashion industry faces a complex and challenging situation. It is an important contributor of jobs worldwide and joy for every kind of consumer, and it must at the same time contribute to solving one of the greatest environmental challenges humanity faces – climate change. As the industry is likely to grow, due to an increase of the population and an improved standard of living, it is crucial that we focus on reducing the industry’s most significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, we need to engage with every part of the supply chain and increase our focus on innovation and developing circular business models. STICA serves as an important catalytic converter for this work by helping the industry with collaboration, learning, transparency in processes, and most importantly – real action.”

Susanne Nejderås, Director of Smart Textiles and Platform Manager, Textile & Fashion 2030

“We must overcome numerous challenges in our pursuit of a more sustainable textile and fashion industry. We, who are responsible for the governmental assignment Textile & Fashion 2030, face these challenges every day in partnership with our stakeholders. Climate change is one of the most urgent of these challenges. Through collaboration, and by working closely together with engaged companies, we can make a significant impact, not just in Sweden, but globally.”

Maria Frykman Forsberg, Chairwoman, Scandinavian Outdoor Group

“We find ourselves sharing this precious planet, and it’s becoming increasingly crucial for us to revolutionize our way of life and conducting business. Not merely for the sake of saving the planet, but for our own survival. As the influence we possess grows, so does the magnitude of our responsibility. The brands affiliated with the Scandinavian Outdoor Group are eager to embrace this responsibility. We comprehend the necessary steps: aligning our emission reductions with the Paris agreement to effectively curb global warming and restrict it to a maximum of 1.5°C. Undertaking this endeavor is no easy feat, which is why support, knowledge, and cooperation are indispensable in attaining the necessary pace of change. This is precisely why the efforts of STICA hold immense value. Let’s make the coming years a series of dedicated years, where we amplify our climate commitment and translate it into action.”

Helena Waker, CEO, Stockholm Fashion District

“We need every person, company, and organization in the fashion industry to acknowledge that climate change is real and that our industry needs to change. All parts of the industry must be included in the journey toward a more sustainable consumption. We need to encourage each other through new circular and innovative business models. To be daring and being a visionary is today more important than ever. STICA has handled this complex issue by helping companies make an actual change.”

Ulrika Simonsson, Sustainability Manager, TEKO

“To ensure that our future footprint is lower than today’s, the industry needs circular design principles for products and processes. The principles shall promote the use of renewable energy in production and active work toward energy efficiency, keeping quality products longer in use and ensuring that the waste material is being used as raw material for either our industry, or in cooperation with others. This is important if we are to reduce our emissions in line with the 1.5°C pathway. STICA is of great help supporting companies in this important change.”

Kajsa Guterstam, Textile, Fashion and Sustainability, The Swedish Institute

“The Swedish apparel industry is responsible for a significant amount of GHG emissions. At the same time, the Swedish industry is and should continue to be leaders in developing climate solutions – not only for themselves – but for the whole global apparel industry. Swedish companies are unique in their approach to transparency and collaboration, and this is an advantage. Although no vital change can be made by Sweden alone, we can lead and work jointly – thereby leveraging the influence we have.”