SwedCham HK’s Sustainability committee consists of 15-20 companies, all committed to adopt sustainable business practices in Hong Kong and beyond. We have given the committee members and other friends of SwedCham HK a chance to further explain their ambitions and thoughts on the subject. Their views are presented as a series of sustainability stories on our website. As a part of the Sustainable fashion days initiative, the sustainability stories will focus on sustainable fashion in the coming months – voicing the opinion of SwedCham’s members within the fashion industry. First out is Ceannis and their founder Ann-Louise Andrén. Ceannis was founded in 1988 in Hong Kong. The company produces and designs bags and home accessories.
What is sustainability for you?
– Very basically it is for us to act in a way now that does not limit the choices and needs of future generations. We aim to ensure the rational use of natural resources and care for the environment, manage consumption, reduce packaging, promote the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials and minimize the environmental impact of transports.
We value timeless design, and we believe the fashion industry will need to move away from the season focused approach to a more sustainable view on consumption.
How does your company work with sustainability today? Which are your focus areas?
– First of all we wish to inspire our customers to make smart choices, to buy sustainable products that they need, in quality and design that lasts. We are always happy to meet people that have used our bags for many years and even passed them on to the next generation.
We have since the start worked with the social aspects of sustainability with our partners – Code of Conduct. We continue our work on finding materials that do not require or use harmful additives and chemicals. We are always focused on reducing waste in production, using the materials to an as high degree as possible.
Ceannis focus now is on green logistics, continued reduction of waste and sourcing of eco-friendly materials and materials that are recycled and/or recyclable.
Which are you greatest challenges?
– To find high-quality sustainable materials in suitable quantities and with acceptable lead times, both textile material but also for the hardware materials such as zippers, buckles and chains. There are initiatives and technologies developing that need to become certified and put into production. Broader cooperation in this area would be most welcome. Hopefully we can together with others promote collaborations and communities to create an environment and culture in sustainable development, production and consumption. This Swedcham initiative is a part of such efforts.
Where will you, as a brand, be in five years?
– Ceannis is aiming at being positioned as a sustainable brand and operation, offering our customers: both consumers and our design to production partners timeless products that are made in a sustainable way.
Which brands do you believe are the best or are role models within sustainable fashion?
– H&M, Stella McCartney and Filippa K are brands we think are leading the way and are doing a great job.
Ann-Louise Andrén, Founder of Ceannis
