Sustainability Report 2022-23 paperturn - Flipbook - Page 22
The circular transition
Gabriel works determinedly to break with the linear use-and-throw-away mindset and to
create a new normal, where materials are used again and again, and waste is perceived
as a resource instead of ending up in landfills or incinerators. Circular thinking is not
new to Gabriel but has, on the contrary, been a natural and integral part of the company’s
mindset and production processes for years.
Recycling of resources and materials
In line with the circular mindset, Gabriel continues to increase
its use of recycled materials. When Gabriel uses recycled
materials, we always ensure that the materials as a minimum
meet the same quality, environment, and health standards as
non-recycled materials. It is also a goal that the material can
be recycled again at the end of its life.
A circular business model
Gabriel Loop: A long-standing effort to create recyclable
products has enabled Gabriel to establish a circular business
model, where textile waste is transformed into new textiles –
without compromising on performance, health, environment,
and design. We call this business model Gabriel Loop. See
more on page 23.
Gabriel uses polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. The
bottles have previously been used for beverages. The recycled
polyester material is safe to use for consumers, does not pose
a risk to indoor climates, and can be certified in accordance
with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, EU Ecolabel, and Cradle to
Cradle Certified®.
Partnerships in the circular transition
As part of a supply chain, Gabriel achieves results in collaboration with our suppliers. However, we also work extensively with our customers to create long-lasting solutions free
of harmful chemicals that consumers can safely use. The transition toward a circular economy is also a collaborative effort
with our customers, as we ensure that Gabriel’s textiles and
other related products can be integrated into furniture that, for
example, can be disassembled, repaired, or recycled.
Gabriel only uses recycled polyester which has been certified
in accordance with international product standards that set
requirements for third-party verification of the recycled content
to ensure that the origin is accurate and reliable. Furthermore, we only use plastic bottles that cannot be reused by
the food industry.
When the recycled polyester textile reaches the end of its life
and cannot be used as a textile any longer, it can be recycled
again into new polyester textiles. In this way, the polyester material remains in an endless loop of recycling.
22
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Already in the 1990s, Gabriel launched its
first design with post-consumer recycled
material, Comfort+.
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Today, new polyester products are developed with recycled materials as the
standard.
