Sustainability Report 2022-23 paperturn - Flipbook - Page 8
Global goals for a sustainable development
To ensure a global sustainable development, it is necessary
for both governments and businesses to work towards the UN
Sustainable Development Goals, and we naturally consider
it our responsibility to actively contribute to achieving them.
Gabriel prioritises and focuses on the development goals,
where the company can make the most significant positive
changes, especially goals number 6, 7, 12, and 17. In addition
to the prioritised development goals, the remaining goals are
also included in Gabriel’s activities.
6
Clean water and sanitation
Goal 6 focuses on reducing pollution of water bodies, minimising spills of chemicals and other hazardous substances,
halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing
recycling and reuse globally. This goal is particularly relevant
for the textile industry because of the water consumption in the
production. Wastewater treatment is used in the production of
Gabriel’s products. The use of dyes and chemicals that do not
pose a risk to the water environment is documented according
to labelling systems like EU Ecolabel which sets froth demands
stricter than legislation. Water protection is not a new focus
area at Gabriel, and the company makes a continuous effort to
only use the best and most eco-friendly dyes and chemicals.
7
Sustainable energy
Goal 7 focuses on significantly increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Gabriel supports
goal 7 by systematically reducing our energy usage and using
renewable energy. In addition, Gabriel has established its own
energy supply with renewable energy. Read more on page 15-17.
12 Responsible consumption and production
Goal 12 aims to achieve environmentally sound management
of chemicals and to significantly reduce emissions to air, water,
and soil. The purpose is to minimise the negative impact on
people’s health and on the environment. The goal is also to
reduce waste through, for example, prevention, recycling, and
reuse. Gabriel has a life cycle-based approach from raw materials to end-of-life – or even better, to a new life.
17 Partnerships for action
Goal 17 focuses on partnerships for sustainable development,
and how to strengthen these through knowledge sharing,
know-how, and technology. Gabriel cooperates with customers
as well as suppliers to deliver sustainable solutions globally.
In addition, the company cooperates with external partners
within various areas as, for example, chemical evaluations,
environmental labelling, workplace safety, third party verification of management systems, and product labels. Authorities, universities, and other educational institutions are also
important external partners.
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
The EU has formulated a strategy for textiles with the purpose
of helping the European fashion and textile industry shift to
a climate neutral, circular economy. The strategy states that
textile products sold in the EU must be more durable, recyclable, repairable, and to a large extent made from recycled fibres by 2030.
Textile products are also required to be free from hazardous substances and must be manufactured under proper working and
wage conditions. Moreover, the strategy defines goals regarding
product lifetime and focuses on fighting overproduction and
overconsumption. The strategy is meant as a contribution to
help solve the textile industry’s climate challenges, and at
Gabriel we feel obliged to be part of the development of new
solutions and business models. To do so we cooperate closely
with, for example, other players in the textile industry, universities, customers, and suppliers.
8
Gabriel prioritises and focuses on UN Development Goals 6, 7, 12 and
17. The remaining goals are, however, also integrated into Gabriel’s
activities.
