SUSTAINABILITY AT HANRO

OUR MISSION

 

We are dedicated to all facets of sustainability. Day in, day out. Responsibly, fairly, transparently and open to new ideas. For lasting joy. In the environment, nature, people and products. Designed to last.






 

A MATTER OF THE HEART

 

We have been living sustainability since 1884. It is omnipresent. Yesterday, today, tomorrow. Present in all our decisions, relationships and products. Our goal is to be a sustainable brand. We work on this every day. With a lot of heart and soul.


 

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS



High-quality natural materials are our standard. Certificates, strict quality controls, innovative finishing processes and production in Europe are the secret of our durable, hard-wearing, sustainable products.

Around 80 % of the fabrics we use are made from natural fibres and fibres of natural origin. The rest are man-made fibres from natural polymers, blended fibres or synthetic fibres.

 

80 % of the fabrics are produced in our in-house textile production ARULA in Vorarlberg, Austria. Our goal is to continuously increase the share of resource-conserving, controlled, sustainable natural materials.

We currently use Organic cotton, Supreme Green Cotton® and TENCEL™ Lyocell in 6 product collections. TENCEL™ is a brand of Lenzing AG.

 

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS


  • SUPREME GREEN COTTON

    Supreme Green Cotton® is grown on family-run cotton farms in Greece. The certified cotton is GMO-free and requires 40 % less water through modern drip irrigation. The entire process - from the cultivation of the raw materials, to the spinning of the yarn, to the final product - is Made in Europe, it meets the strictest sustainability criteria and is 100 % transparently traceable.
  • RECYCLED COTTON

    Recycled cotton fibres are obtained by upcycling from old clothes or industrial rejects. The sustainable yarn produced from this reduces the amount of spinning and dyeing required, ensuring water and energy savings. It is produced in an ethical, ecologically responsible production system.
  • ORGANIC COTTON

    Organically grown cotton is GMO-free. No fertilisers or pesticides are used. From the cultivation to the sale of the organic cotton the highest standards apply. 
  • TENCEL™ MODAL FIBERS

    TENCEL™ modal fibers are kind to the skin and almost as soft as silk. One of the outstanding properties is their high moisture absorption, which promotes a natural temperature balance. The skin thus feels pleasant. TENCEL™ modal fibers are biodegradable, compostable and can thus be completely returned to nature. TENCEL™ is a brand of Lenzing AG from Austria. They are made from sustainably grown wood from natural forests and sustainably managed plantations. 

    By reducing CO2 emissions and using renewable energy during production, Lenzing AG goes beyond carbon offsetting to reduce its carbon footprint.


 

CERTIFICATES


  • OEKO-TEX 100

    Our products are STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified. It is the most important certificate for textiles that are worn on the skin. All components of a product meet the strict OEKO-TEX® test criteria: fabrics, sewing threads, inserts and prints as well as non-textile accessories such as buttons or zips. We select our suppliers according to balanced economic, ecological and social criteria, and OEKO-TEX® certification is a prerequisite.
  • OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN

    Some of our products are MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® certified. This means that these products have been produced in an environmentally friendly factory and in safe and socially responsible workplaces. In addition, the MADE IN GREEN label gives consumers the assurance that the textile product is made from materials that have been tested for harmful substances.
  • STeP by OEKO-TEX®

    Our dyeing and knitting factory in Vorarlberg, Austria is STeP by OEKO-TEX® certified and thus stands for socially acceptable and safe working conditions and environmentally friendly production.
  • G.O.T.S. (Global Organic Textile Standard)

    Our production site is certified according to the latest G.O.T.S. (Global Organic Textile Standard) sustainability standards.


DURABLE PRODUCTS ARE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS


“Our mission is to inspire our customers to consume sustainably.“

CLAUDIA BRUGGER

Product Management

At the heart of our sustainability strategy is the manufacture of high-quality products with a long service life. Because the longer our products are worn, the better for the environment (the less waste when disposing of old clothes).

We want to help people buy less, but better and longer-lasting quality.

With the right care, the lifetime of our products can also be extended.

We do NOT represent a FAST-FASHION CULTURE. For us, sustainability means responsible consumption. Therefore, our LESS IS MORE attitude also applies here: We limit ourselves to one summer and one winter collection per year, contrary to the fast-moving fashion trends.

UPCYCLING COLLECTIONS
In order to avoid unnecessary disposal and waste, we process residual materials mostly in the context of special collections.

CARE & REPAIR SERVICE

If, despite the high durability and longevity of the products, a seam should unexpectedly open or the a seam comes undone or the bra fastener is broken, we offer a free repair service in the HANRO stores in Munich, Vienna and Graz.

The damaged garments are repaired by seamstresses and returned to the respective store. In this way we offer the opportunity to continue wearing products you have grown fond of and not have to replace them because of a small fault.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION


80 % of the fabrics are produced in our in-house textile production ARULA in Vorarlberg, Austria. FABRICS MADE IN AUSTRIA.

85 % of our machines as well as their new spare parts come from Europe.

85 % of the products are made in our own sewing room in Portugal.

Additional materials, such as lace or embroidery are also sourced from local Austrian suppliers or European partners.

INNOVATIONS IN PRODUCTION


The dyeing and knitting facilities of our in-house fabric production ARULA in Austria are STeP by OEKO-TEX® certified and the production site is certified according to the latest G.O.T.S. (Global Organic Textile Standard)

Seam- and hem-free processing, soft mercerisation and the very finest mesh pitches are just some of our innovations that we are constantly developing.

In order to protect the environment, the machinery is constantly being upgraded and modernised.


TARGET

Current focus of our internal development department in ARULA fabric production is on the compostability of yarns, e.g. polyester yarn made from maize sugar or polyamide yarn based on castor oil.



REUSE INSTEAD OF THROWING AWAY


"Muda"
(Japanese) means waste. "Muda" is understood to mean any activity that consumes resources and incurs costs, but does not generate value.

The avoidance of waste is an integral part of our daily work and plays a central role in our corporate culture. Our status quo on NO MUDA - what we currently already recycle: Residual materials, such as knitted-on fabrics or defective fabrics are sold and find a new use as cleaning cloths in workshops and other areas. Old needles and old sinkers are sold for recycling and, depending on their usefulness, find further use in knitting machines. Defective machine parts are repaired and reinstalled as best as possible and new parts are not bought immediately. Usable parts of old machines are removed and reused as required. Recycling cycle for clothes hangers: collect, melt down, reshape. In addition, the "fabric leftovers" are reduced as much as possible.

MADE IN EUROPE



With a few exceptions, our products are "Made in Europe". From fabric production to the final product. Our complete supply and value chains are transparently traceable and meet the standards of sustainable production, that conserves resources. This is the only way we can guarantee long-lasting, high-quality, sustainable products. Short transport routes within Europe also significantly reduce our CO2 emissions.

PRODUCTION IN AUSTRIA


In order to meet our high standards for long-lasting quality, we spare no expense and rely on our in-house fabric production and fabric finishing company ARULA at our headquarters in Vorarlberg, Austria.

ARULA is the leading specialist for knitted fabrics made of natural fibres and cellulosic man-made fibres. Thanks to state-of-the-art, sustainable production processes, our distinctive and durable fabric creations are created here in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.


SEWING IN PORTUGAL



HANRO products have been sewn in our Portuguese factory since 1992. HTG Confecceos Lda. is part of the Huber Group and one of the largest employers of "women's jobs" in the textiles/clothing in the greater Santa Maria de Feira area (approx. 140,000 inhabitants). Since the Huber Group's involvement, the number of employees has more than doubled from 120 to currently 260 employees. In 2005, the factory was enlarged by 1,200 sqm and the cutting operations were shifted to Portugal. In 2016, a further 740 sqm of space was rented for packaging


 

RIGOROUS QUALITY CONTROLS AND AUDITS


New employees are continuously trained by the team on site in Portugal to meet HANRO's high quality standards, and annual internal audits and training sessions are held for all employees. Specially trained staff carry out constant inline and outline inspections - quality checks directly during and also at the end of the sewing line on the finished product, even before packaging.

In addition, final AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) checks with a target of 1.0 - the highest and strictest category - are carried out at the very end, after packaging.


HIGH SOCIAL STANDARDS - SUSTAINABLE HIGH QUALITY


In August 2021, HTG Confecceos Lda. received the STeP BY OEKO-TEX certificate, which sets very high standards with regard to working and social conditions, among other things. The attrition rate of the employees lies at only 2%. The above-average working conditions and many years of service make a significant contribution to the fact that HANRO's very high quality level can be maintained in the long term. Of the current 260 employees, approx. 40 have been working in our factory for over 30 years, approx. 30 people for over 20 years and 90 people for over 10 years. 


SUSTAINABLE PRINTED PACKAGINGS



Our products are, with a few exceptions, "Made in Europe". From fabric production to the final product. Our entire supply and value chains are transparently traceable and meet the standards of sustainable, resource-conserving production. This is the only way we can guarantee long-lasting, high-quality, sustainable products. Short transport routes within Europe also significantly reduce our CO2 emissions.


All of our product packaging, bags, gift boxes, lookbooks, catalogues and marketing materials are made of FSC®-certified paper or cardboard and, like our advertising materials, are produced in a climate-neutral way. Our box packaging has only a small viewing window made of foil. This makes it possible to recycle it as paper. The foil for our polybags and sleeves is made from a recycled material (mix of production waste) and our clothes hangers are also part of a recycling loop.

We work continuously to reduce packaging material and to produce as sustainably as possible. We also make sure to use only a few finishes, such as foil lamination and UV varnish, as these pollute the environment and make recycling more difficult.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY



The topic of sustainability is omnipresent in our everyday work, even beyond our products. Employee development, work-life balance and social commitment characterise HANRO's corporate culture.

HANRO AS AN EMPLOYER


We also think about the future and integrate the topic of sustainability into the occupational pension provision. To this end, we work with the pension fund fair-finance, which sees itself as a social enterprise and integrates sustainability and benefits for the common good into its business activities.



"With the VMOBIL climate ticket, we subsidise employees who use public transport to get to work and thus save CO2 emissions. The JobRad model promotes the health and fitness of our employees. In this way, they can use their bikes to cover their professional and private journeys in an environmentally friendly way."

STEPHAN HOHMANN
Managing Director


"Throughout the year, events, such as sports courses, apple weeks and food truck lunches take place, For purchases in the Huber Shops and the brands of Huber Holding there is an employee discount."

JULIA NUSSBAUM
Marketing

 


"Our company doctor is available to all employees once a week with her consultation hours. Among other things, she carries out free vaccination and workplace evaluations."

TATSUMASA KOYAMA
Head of Sales


"With our flexitime model and a 4.5-day week, we offer family-friendly working hours. In addition, there is also the opportunity for internal training and participation in courses."

CLAUDIA BRUGGER
Product Management


Durch die kontinuierliche Erneuerung und Modernisierung der Färbemaschinen wurde seit dem Jahr 2000 der Wasserverbrauch pro Kilogramm Stoff um 50 % reduziert.

SOCIETY & SOCIAL AFFAIRS


Social and community involvement is close to our hearts. We actively support projects and enter into long-term cooperations. This way, we can make a valuable contribution to society beyond our business activities and sustainably ensure more social justice.


PINK RIBBON

As a long-standing partner, we support the Pink Ribbon campaign of the Austrian Cancer Aid as well as Pink Ribbon Germany, Pink Ribbon Switzerland, The Pink Ribbon Foundation Great Britain, Ruban Rose France, AIRC Foundation Italy and Al Jalila Foundation Dubai.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The diagnosis can affect any woman at any age. We are committed to the fight against breast cancer and annually support Pink Ribbon organisations around the world as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

"For us, the well-being of all women is paramount. With our commitment, we would like to contribute to raising public awareness of the early detection, research and treatment of breast cancer and to help women with the disease.", says Stephan Hohmann, HANRO Managing Director.  

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - SINCE 1884



Environmental awareness and the careful handling of the resources we use are a matter of concern to us. We work actively and continuously to reduce the environmental impact of our production and products to a minimum. The protection of water, air and the economical use of raw materials is therefore an integral part of our corporate culture.


 

WHAT WE DO


  • RENEWABLE ENERGY

    Since 2012, we have owned one of the largest roof-mounted photovoltaic systems in Vorarlberg and obtain approximately 10 % of our energy supply from our own solar power. In addition, we use the waste heat from the waste water from the dyeing plant to preheat the production water and to heat the hall ventilation. All in all, our energy consumption is below the legal requirements. By switching to video meetings and home office options, as well as travelling less and more consciously, we continue to improve our ecological footprint.
  • WASTE REDUCTION

    Our employees are trained to be more environmentally and cost conscious and to improve waste separation. In 1991, the new waste management concept with careful waste separation led to a reduction of residual waste by about 60 %. Commercial waste is recycled. Our purchasing department influences all suppliers with regard to packaging reduction.
    We also try to reduce the amount of waste in our production. Our residual materials are sold and used as cleaning cloths in workshops and other areas. Old needles and old circuit boards are sold to a company that recycles these parts. Defective machine parts are renewed or repaired at the manufacturers and reinstalled. Parts that are still usable are removed from old machines and reused in other machines.
    We have a recycling circuit for our hangers. In addition, we do not automatically deliver hangers for a large part of our hanging garments. This means the retailer reuses existing hangers over and over again.
  • SHORT TRANSPORT ROUTES

    Thanks to the textile production in Vorarlberg, Austria, as well as the sewing shop in Portugal and the warehouse in Hungary, our transport routes are short and the CO2 balance low. As early as 1989, we switched container shipping from trucks to trains. This has already enabled us to save over 4 million truck kilometres.
  • ÖKOPROFIT CERTIFIED

    We are part of Ökoprofit Vorarlberg. Ökoprofit stands for "Ökologisches Projekt Für Integrierte Umwelt-Technik" (Ecological Project for Integrated Environmental Technology) and is a cooperation project between municipalities and local businesses with the aim of reducing operating costs while at the same time conserving natural resources.
  • FSC® CERTIFIED AND RECYCLABLE PACKAGING

    All our product packaging, bags, gift boxes, lookbooks, catalogues and marketing materials are made of FSC®-certified paper or cardboard and, like our advertising materials, are produced in a climate-neutral way. Our box packaging has only a small viewing window made of foil. This makes it possible to recycle them as paper. The film for our polybags and sleeves is made from a recycled material (mix of production waste) and our clothes hangers are also part of a recycling loop.
    We are continuously working on reducing packaging material and producing as sustainably as possible. We also make sure to use only a few finishes, such as foil lamination and UV varnish, as these pollute the environment and make recycling more difficult.
  • WATER SAVING

    96 % of our total water requirements in production are sourced from our own wells. Thanks to an innovative, technological purification process without chemicals, our waste water is pH-neutral and can be reused through a closed water cycle. The remaining waste water may be discharged purified into Lake Constance, the largest drinking water reservoir in southern Germany. Through the continuous renewal and modernisation of the dyeing machines, water consumption per kilogram of fabric has been reduced by 50 % since the year 2000.
  • CO2 COMPENSATION PROJECTS

    We have supported the reforestation projects of PLANT-MY-TREE and One Tree Planted in recent years. Both organisations plant trees and create new forest areas to neutralise unavoidable emissions and protect biodiversity. The aim is long-term CO2- compensation and thus sustainable environmental and climate protection. In addition, the projects create jobs, build communities and create habitat for wildlife.


 

OUR TARGETS

 

Reduction of the general energy consumption by changing the working time model in fabric production, the optimisation of water and energy-intensive processes, the avoidance of small quantities through optimised planning.
Completion of the LED conversion in the entire production with 848 luminaires to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 14 tonnes.
Reduction of so-called "leftovers" (leftover materials and accessories) or further processing in remanufacturing programmes ("reuse", "repurpose") to avoid unnecessary scrapping.
Further emission reduction through less, more conscious and sustainable travel, more video meetings and home office options in day-to-day business.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT JOURNEY


As early as 1989, we switched container shipping from trucks to trains. As a result we have already been able to save over 4 million lorry-kilometres.

 


In 1991, the new waste management concept with careful waste separation resulted in a reduction of residual waste by approx 60 %.

 


Back in 2008, we switched from heating oil to natural gas as an energy source. This enabled us to save 136g of CO2 per kWh, which results in an annual reduction of 544 tonnes of CO2 per year.

 


Since 2012, we have owned one of the largest roof-mounted photovoltaic systems in Vorarlberg and obtain approximately 10 % of our energy supply from our own solar power.

 


Through the continuous renewal and modernisation of the dyeing machines, water consumption per kilogram of fabric has been reduced by 50 % since 2000.


In 2013, the thermal refurbishment of the of the office wing led to a CO2 saving of of 220 tonnes of CO2 per year.


In 2014, we optimised the hall lighting production and were able to reduce the number of neon tubes by 30 %.


In 2018, we installed the first plant of this kind for the neutralisation of flue gas. Flue gas or stack waste gas is a waste product of heat production.

96 % of our total water requirements in production are sourced from our own wells. Thanks to an innovative, technological purification process without chemicals, our waste water is pH-neutral and can be reused through a closed water cycle. The remaining purified water can be discharged into Lake Constance.

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