A Sustainable Community

Texcon is not a chain. We are a group of independent stores making independent choices. Nevertheless, a great responsibility falls on us as the country’s largest purchasing partnership in textiles and fashion.

To achieve sustainability, customers need to choose clothes that last longer. If we extended the lifespan of clothes by 9 months, we would also be reducing their carbon footprint by 20-30 percent.

The Textile Industry Has an Important Part to Play

The textile industry has an important part to play in achieving the UN’s sustainability goals. We can contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, we can prevent microplastics from being released into nature, and we can help make the UN’s sustainability goal of water for all a reality. The textile industry will also have to make significant changes if we are to achieve the goal of a circular economy, and we have a responsibility to help achieve the UN’s goal of responsible production. And – not least – we can help make consumption more responsible, so that the clothes we sell get used for longer.

Texcon’s Sustainability Plan per March 2023

Our head office was certified as an Eco-Lighthouse in February.

1. Texcon wants as many members as possible to choose to become Eco-Lighthouse certified. In the first half of 2023, in collaboration with Eco-Lighthouse, we will put in place a tailored package that will make it as easy as possible for our members to complete the certification process. 

2. During 2023, Texcon will continue its survey of the environmental efforts of our suppliers. The results of the work will be made available to our members to enable them to make sound and sustainable purchases.

3. Texcon will continue its collaboration with the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund. Through dialogue, campaigns, and activities, we will motivate more members to sign up in 2023.

4. Texcon wants to be a driving force for increased recycling of textiles. In collaboration with other industry actors, we will contribute to the introduction of new good return schemes in shops in 202

Texcon Is Working for Sustainability

Despite the fact that members of the Texcon collaboration neither produce nor transport clothing, we want to do our part. We can contribute by running sustainable operations, by making demands on our suppliers and by helping consumers to make informed, environmentally-friendly choices. Many Texcon stores have already come far in this field. We want to be transparent, and we don’t want to make promises we can’t keep. Our plans and promises have to be as concrete as possible.

Recycling, eco-labelling and repairs are important keywords to anyone concerned with the environment when shopping for clothes.
Consumers will increasingly demand cotton that is grown and processed in a sustainable way, under responsible working conditions.

Eco-Lighthouse Certification

Through the Eco-Lighthouse certification, Texcon gets access to practical tools for carrying out effective and profitable environmental improvements in areas such as workplace environment, waste management, energy use, the purchase of consumables and transport. Texcon will certify our head office in the first quarter of 2022. After that our members will be offered access to the certification scheme for their stores.

Demands on Suppliers

Both consumers and Texcon members will increasingly be demanding sustainable collections. First and foremost, this will be a question of being able to offer certified collections and making these visible in store and online. During the coming year, this question will be at the top of Texcon’s agenda, and in 2023 Texcon will have a system in place where all suppliers will have to provide documentation of their sustainability. There will be requirements and certification schemes relating to the working environment, clothing production, fibre, animal welfare, traceability, transport, quality, lifespan, and recycling.

The Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund

Texcon collaborates with the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund, which is Norway’s largest private environmental fund, and which supports projects that reduce plastic littering, increase plastic recycling, and reduce the consumption of plastic carrier bags.