After a transition period, all cotton sourced for K Group’s own brands will be more sustainable, i.e. certified organic cotton, recycled cotton, Better Cotton or Fairtrade cotton.
“At K Group, we want to enable our customers a more sustainable lifestyle in terms of food, clothing, mobility and living. We are constantly working to promote sustainability in our supply chain and to help our customers make more sustainable choices. By joining the Better Cotton Initiative and publishing our cotton policy, we will be able to support more sustainable cotton farming in our supply chain,” says Matti Kalervo, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at K Group.
Cotton is the most widely produced natural fibre in the world. Cotton production involves several risks related to environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and economic responsibility.
Cotton farming consumes a lot of water. If pesticides are used recklessly, they can harm the environment or endanger workers’ health. Human rights risks encountered in the cotton production chain include the use of child labour and forced labour, overlong working hours, low pay and a lack of equality. International programmes and certifications for more sustainable cotton help improve the responsibility of cotton production, starting with the farmers.
Kesko has been a member of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) since the beginning of March 2020. The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) makes global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in, and better for the sector’s future. Through BCI and its Partners, farmers receive training on how to use water efficiently, care for the health of the soil and natural habitats, reduce use of the most harmful chemicals and apply decent work principles. As a BCI member, Kesko is committed to improving cotton farming practices globally.
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