Sweden: Latest apparel and textile news & analysis

What Arket reveals about H&M's new direction 21 Jun 2017

H&M’s new Arket concept is quite unlike anything previously seen from the retailer. Rather than adopt a faster sourcing strategy, the company has opted to introduce a new brand to cater to shifts in consumer behaviour and progress towards a more sustainable business model. Bernadette Kissane, senior analyst for apparel and footwear at Euromonitor International, takes a closer look.

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What's the difference between compliance and safety? 26 May 2016

Swedish fashion retailer H&M is one of the leaders of the move to change compliance, and is at the forefront of sustainability. However, at the same time H&M appears to show no interest in the safety of workers making its products, write Emma Birnbaum and David Birnbaum. What is the difference between compliance and worker safety? they ask.

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H&M sustainability goals include water-based PU shoes 15 Apr 2016

Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) is to place its first volume orders for shoes made with water-based vegan leather this year as part of new sustainability goals set out by the Swedish fashion retailer.

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IN THE MONEY: H&M faces margin pressure on dollar impact 26 Jun 2015

H&M Hennes & Mauritz will likely suffer gross margin pressure in the near-term, analysts believe, as the negative impact from the strong US dollar is compounded by increased purchasing costs and increasing wages.

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SUSTAINABILITY: H&M adds transparency to yarn and fabric suppliers 10 Apr 2015

The latest sustainability efforts from fashion retailer H&M Hennes & Mauritz include adding fabric and yarn mills to its publicly published supplier factory list, and further progress in its work towards fair living wages - although criticism suggests this is not progressing fast enough for some.

KappAhl CEO steps down over "different views" 20 Jun 2018

Danny Feltmann has stepped down as CEO of Swedish fashion chain KappAhl over differing opinions with the company's board regarding its development.

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Sustainability charter gains momentum across Europe 19 Jun 2018

The Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) and Outdoor Sports Valley (OSV) have become the latest national associations to adopt the European Outdoor Group (EOG) Sustainability Charter.

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H&M books second straight quarter of flat sales 15 Jun 2018

Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) has booked its second straight quarter of flat sales growth as the Swedish fashion retailer battles with slowing store traffic.

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Filippa K debuts water repellent technology for clothing 15 Jun 2018

Swedish fashion retailer Filippa K has partnered with cleantech company OrganoClick to use its water repellent technology in a range of clothing items.

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H&M developing holograms to enhance online shopping 5 Jun 2018

Swedish fast-fashion retailer H&M has partnered with UK augmented reality software developer HoloMe Technologies on a project designed to allow online shoppers to view garments from its Monki brand in 3D using holograms. 

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Scandinavian Outdoor Group signs sustainability charter 25 May 2018

The Scandinavian Outdoor Group (SOG) has become the first organisation in Europe to sign the European Outdoor Group (EOG) Sustainability Charter, and announced its 64 Scandinavian outdoor member brands are to sign the Charter individually as well.

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KappAhl latest to join Sustainable Apparel Coalition 24 May 2018

Swedish fashion chain KappAhl is to become a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and will use the group's Higg Index sustainability measurement tool to help drive environmental and social responsibility across its supply chain.

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Embroidery thread innovation gets colouring boost 17 May 2018

Coloreel has entered a long-term partnership with the global electronics company Ricoh in a bid to develop a new thread coloring unit that works with any existing industrial embroidery machine.

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12 material innovations for a sustainable future 1 May 2018

Biodegradable banana silk, a solvent-assisted dyeing method for cotton fibre, and a biodegradable coating made from squid ring teeth protein that prevents microfibre shedding are among a dozen material innovations that have the potential to drive the apparel industry closer to its circular economy goals, according to a new report.

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H&M reaffirms position on supply chain living wage 1 May 2018

Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) has reaffirmed its position on paying a living wage to workers in its supply chain, as a new campaign claims the Swedish fashion retailer is failing to honour its commitment to do so.

H&M leads on sustainable fashion 17 Apr 2015

H&M's new Conscious Exclusive collection, which launched this week, proves that high street fashion can be sustainable. And as the line gains momentum it’s using more diverse materials, including recycled beads, fabrics such as hemp, organic linen, and organic leather.