Product and supply chain responsibility

Northern nature is a strong source of inspiration, which is reflected in the design language of our products, the themes of our patterns, and the names. It is important to us that our products are not only beautiful but also high-quality, long-lasting, and durable.

Finnish origin, northern roots, and local production are at the core of our values. Most of our products are designed by our own designers. The Design from Finland mark indicates that the product has been professionally, responsibly, and user-centrically designed in Finland. We have also been granted permission to use the Key Flag symbol for all our products manufactured in Finland.

When choosing materials, we favour those that are durable and long-lasting. Starting with our 2023 collections, our goal is to increase the share of more sustainable materials, such as recycled and certified materials, in our products, one product group at a time. During 2023, we will map the proportion of sustainable materials and set targets for increasing their use in the coming years.

Cotton is the most widely produced natural fiber in the world, and its production involves several sustainability risks. The Better Cotton Initiative aims to improve the sustainability of cotton cultivation and production. We joined Better Cotton as a member in April 2022. Approximately 80% of the textile fibers we used in 2022 were cotton. In 2022, Better Cotton accounted for 17.6% of all cotton, and organic cotton accounted for 1%. In 2022, all purchase inquiries for cotton textiles were made for Better Cotton. We encourage our suppliers to join the Better Cotton organization so that we can procure products made from Better Cotton from our regular suppliers in the future.

Our goal is to continuously increase the share of Better Cotton and organic cotton in our cotton products. We are committed to improving cotton farming practices worldwide in cooperation with the Better Cotton Initiative. Better Cotton is sourced via a ‘mass balance’ system and is not physically traceable to end products.

Pentik Oy commits that by 2026, 100% of the cotton purchased by the company will be Better Cotton or other more sustainable cotton, including organic cotton and recycled cotton.

Raw material and material sourcing account for a large share (approx. 56%) of Pentik's 2022 carbon footprint, which is typical for a product manufacturing company. Material emissions totaled 3,029 tCO2e. Emissions are generated, for example, in the production of raw materials and the manufacturing of materials, as well as from the use of products (e.g., washing and drying). The most significant sources of emissions from Pentik's materials are cotton (144,262 kg -> 55%) and wool (16,232 kg -> 23%). It is also noteworthy that, although we used 135,728 kilograms of clay, its emissions accounted for only 2% of all materials.

As a member of amfori BSCI and amfori BEPI, we adhere to corporate responsibility principles aimed at improving working conditions in international supply chains and reducing environmental impacts. We recognise that simply belonging to amfori does not guarantee responsible conduct from suppliers; developing cooperation also requires active monitoring, encouragement, guidance, and support from us.

We require our suppliers to commit to the Pentik Code of Conduct for social responsibility, which prohibits, for example, child labour, forced labour, and discrimination. We promote human rights in the supply chain by actively encouraging our current suppliers to join amfori BSCI. New suppliers are required to commit to operating principles at least in accordance with amfori BSCI, and selection criteria emphasise the importance of amfori BSCI, SMETA, or SA8000 audits.

Pentik's suppliers are quite established, with only a few new suppliers added each year. We favor local production whenever possible, and by 2025, approximately 60% of our products will be manufactured in Finland and other EU countries. In 2022, we had a total of 114 suppliers. Our goal is to increase the proportion of products manufactured in Finland and nearby regions in our selection.

In Finland, only about 2% of people with intellectual disabilities are in paid employment, but thousands work daily without pay. To promote the fair treatment of people with intellectual disabilities in working life, we collaborated with the Finnish association Väylä ry. Our fabric baskets are made in cooperation with professionals with intellectual disabilities from Väylä ry, and every employee involved in their production has received a proper wage for their work.