Creating the workwear of tomorrow requires a combination of innovation, attention to detail and a strong commitment to raising awareness of how we use textiles. At Ted Bernhardtz, this is not just an ambition, but part of our daily work. Join us for an insight into how Lina Carlsson, Product Quality Purchaser, and Ted Bernhardtz as a company work with material choices to create sustainable and functional clothing.
Creating Tomorrow's Workwear
Discover how we choose materials and work together to create collections that are sustainable and functional in the long term.“Good product design and quality can extend product life, promote circular use and transform the clothing system from linear to circular, which is a key focus area for us.”
Lina Carlsson’s role at Ted Bernhardtz involves combining skills in sustainability and product quality. She says the industry’s constant challenges and opportunities for improvement make her work both exciting and meaningful.
– My role is a combination of two different ones. Firstly, I act as a Sustainability Manager, but I also have tasks as a Product Quality Purchaser. This means that I develop, implement and monitor sustainability strategies and initiatives together and in consultation with my colleagues, says Lina.
The balance of different aspects
When it comes to material selection, many factors come into play. The garments will be used daily, which places high demands on the durability of the materials. A core part of the development of new garments is customer feedback. – We always listen to our customers' wishes and try to customise the garments to make our customers happy. This collaboration means that Ted Bernhardtz can provide guidance and receive valuable insights from our customers, which helps us create even better products, says Lina and continues: – It takes a balanced approach to consider material selection, design and construction, production methods and the life cycle perspective from a sustainability perspective, and to remain competitive in this. A major focus for us is that we produce high quality garments to achieve longevity. We need to consider the entire value chain and make decisions and safeguards based on risk and impact factors that we identify in terms of fibre, production-related issues, social sustainability and transparency.
Partnerships for valuable development
Ted Bernhardtz values the close interaction built with partners along the supply chain, especially with sewing units and material suppliers. – We have a close co-operation with our material suppliers where we are very much involved in the development of all our fabrics. This means many man-hours in the development phase to achieve the desired standard, says Lina. An important partner in this work is our co-operation with Bluesign. The use of Bluesign-certified materials means that chemicals are strictly regulated and the materials are manufactured with a focus on efficient use of water and energy. – This close collaboration is reflected in particular in our development journey, where our requirements and wishes are well received further down the supply chain and where we jointly strive for the same goals. One example of this is our endeavour to become a Bluesign System Partner, which means that chemicals are strictly regulated and materials are manufactured with a focus on efficient use of water and energy. Our suppliers have responded positively to this and, as we do, invest a lot of time and resources, says Lina.
Long life in focus
Ted Bernhardtz focuses on developing high-quality and conscious workwear, but at the same time recognises the challenge of today's recycling techniques that often require mono-materials, while high performance often requires a mix of materials. – We always see longevity as our biggest and first focus area. Ted Bernhardtz focuses on selecting high quality fibres and securing production processes to meet these challenges, says Lina. An important part of this balance is the Ted Bernhardtz take-back system, Re:use, which includes services such as washing, care and repair. – Good product design and quality can extend product life, promote circular use and transform the clothing system from linear to circular, which is a key focus area for us. Through Re:use, products can be kept in use for longer and contribute to a more circular economy, explains Lina.
A growing commitment
In summary, the joint forces around continuous improvement are something Ted Bernhardtz as a company values highly. - We are grateful for the relationship we have with our material suppliers, among others, who have shown the same willingness and drive for change that we strive for, and where transparency is essential to be able to make active and better decisions all the time. What drives Lina personally is the growing commitment to informed choice in the industry. - I find today's climate and initiatives of change inspiring, that companies choose to engage and work together. Customers‘ curiosity and quest for more sustainable choices motivates me to continue working to be part of the positive change, says Lina.