Environmental Responsibility
Responsibility for the environment and nature is an integral aspect of Marimekko’s business. In environmental matters, the company’s business supervision is largely based on legislation and other regulations. Environmental legislation and environmental impacts are taken into consideration in the choice of raw materials, chemicals and working methods. The materials used in the products are tested regularly. Cooperation agreements require Marimekko’s subcontractors and other partners to commit themselves to shouldering their environmental responsibilities.
The REACH Regulation 1907/2006 entered into force in the European Community in 2007. The REACH provisions will be phased in over a period of eleven years. In relation to the REACH Regulation, Marimekko is a downstream user who does not have the obligation to register. All substances used at the Herttoniemi fabric printing factory have been pre-registered, and their usage continues as before. The REACH Regulation also applies to substances contained in articles imported from outside the EU. As an importer of articles, Marimekko is, under certain conditions, obliged to inform the Chemicals Agency and downstream users if a product imported by it contains a specified amount of a substance causing specific concern.
Energy and water consumption
The company seeks to save energy by developing its production methods, investing in energy-
efficient machinery and equipment and monitoring energy consumption. A significant part of the machinery and equipment at the Herttoniemi textile printing factory were replaced in 2004–2008, including a new printing machine, textile steamer, automatic colour kitchen, stenter frame and new fabric inspection machines. Thanks to a waste heat recovery system at the Herttoniemi printing factory, most of the heat released during production can be used to heat the production premises. In manufacturing, the oil circulation system used in process heat production was replaced with direct natural gas heating in 2008. It is a more efficient heating method and will generate savings of about 20% in energy consumption. Water consumption is minimised in the printing process by recycling water whenever possible.
Waste and sorting
Marimekko’s production processes do not generate any waste that is classified as hazardous or detrimental to health. The amount of mixed waste is minimised by recycling and by sorting any non-recyclable waste. The company monitors the generation, recycling and sorting of waste with reports and statistics on operations.
Packaging and transport
The utilisation of packaging is arranged in accordance with the Government Decision 962/97 and the EU packaging directive. The ecological aspects of product packaging are becoming increasingly important at Marimekko. The company has identified warehousing, distribution and logistics as one of the key areas in the development of social responsibility in the next few years. In the long term, the goal is to minimise the transport mileage. The first step will be to rationalise transportation between Marimekko’s factories and subcontractors.