Sustainability

At HITSA, we want to run the company in a way in which we take responsibility for social and environmental sustainability, as well as financial sustainability.

That is why, in 2020, HITSA developed a strategy for corporate sustainability.

Transparency in and documentation on how our products affect the environment is one of the basic principles of this strategy. The word “sustainability” is used often in advertisements and on websites without any real information about what this actually means. At HITSA, we want to provide as much information as we can. It will take time to acquire documentation on the materials, CO2 footprint and so on, and the more we do, the more we will learn about it. Therefore, we do not claim to be sustainable yet. We would prefer to see ourselves as working towards sustainability.

HITSA’s six focus areas regarding sustainability

Here are the six focus areas regarding sustainability that HITSA has decided to work with on a regular basis in the coming years:

• CO2 reduction
• Sustainability certification
• A circular economy
• Materials and suppliers
• Social sustainability
• Our own land registrations

You can read more about the individual focus areas below.

1. CO2 reduction

We have chosen to work with CO2 reduction because we support the CO2 reduction goal set by Denmark in the Climate Act of 2019. Our customers are also concerned about reducing their CO2 emissions. We want to offer products that demonstrate transparency regarding CO2 emissions and to contribute to a total reduction in society as a whole.

This means, among other things, that:

• We calculate our CO2 emissions
• We consider opportunities for switching to sustainable or CO2-neutral energy sources at our own registered property in Kolding and, as far as possible, also at our other registered properties in Sweden and Latvia
• We examine whether we can transport our goods and ourselves in a more environmentally and climate-friendly way, such as by using biofuels or electric vehicles
• We examine whether our products can bear a CO2 declaration so our clients will be able to see which product affects the climate/environment least.

2. Sustainability certification

There are a number of sustainability labels and certifications. They communicate complex relationships quickly and easily to our customers. What’s more, labels and certifications provide proof that when we talk about sustainability, we take it seriously. That is why we have chosen to focus on sustainability certification.

This means, among other things, that:

• HITSA will become ISO 14001-certified in environmental management in 2021
• We will regularly work on obtaining the Nordic Ecolabel (Nordic Swan), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) mark and DGNB (Sustainable Building Certification) and the Byggvarubedömningen (Building Material Assessment) mark for our products. We already use only FCS®-certified mahogany.

3. A circular economy

A circular economy is all about keeping resources in the value chain as long as possible – or to put it simply, throwing away as little as possible. That includes both recycling, reuse and extending the lifetime of products by, for example, repairing them. At HITSA we have chosen to work with a circular economy because it makes sense to avoid waste, not only in economic terms but also in terms of the environment. It also contributes to a more circular way of thinking regarding CO2 emissions and a sustainable use of the planet’s resources.

This means, among other things, that:

• We develop our design process, focusing on optimal resource utilisation and easy disassembling when our products have to be disposed of one day (made for disassembly)
• We sort our waste at HITSA and ensure that as much of it as possible is reused
• We gain insight into the lifecycle of our products through ISO 14001 – and from this, we can decide whether we should be doing something differently
• We promote our offer to repair products that are showing signs of wear and tear

4. Materials and suppliers

In order to work with sustainability, we must first of all have a thorough understanding of our materials and suppliers. Therefore, HITSA will organise a mapping of materials and suppliers in relation to a number of factors. The mapping process will begin in 2021.

5. Social sustainability

As a company, HITSA creates not only financial value, but also social value. Read more about social inclusion at HITSA here.

In addition to social inclusion, we also work with social sustainability at HITSA internally.

This means, among other things, that:

• We draw up function descriptions, guidelines and other HR material to give our employees the best possible chance of getting along well with their colleagues and managers, and succeeding at the tasks they are given in the position they hold.

6. Sustainability at sites registered to HITSA

We need to practise what we preach. That’s why we work at strengthening social and environmental sustainability at our own three sites on a regular basis.

This means, among other things, that:

• We make outdoor furniture and bicycle parking available to employees at our sites
• We do not use any pesticides at our sites, and we maintain our outdoor areas according to principles that benefit biodiversity and allow room for nature
• We sort both our ‘household’ waste and the waste that comes from production
• All employees are encouraged to put forward their suggestions on social and environmental sustainability

Follow our work on sustainability on social media

We continuously strive to achieve the goals and implement the changes described above.

If you are interested in learning more about our work with social and environmental sustainability, then follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. We post regular updates here on our work with sustainability.