We weave sustainability into Fossflakes’ business structure

The transition from one managing director to another often raises questions about direction and commitment. On the occasion of Adam Foss handing over the top position to Nicolaj Løve Hansen, both share insights into Fossflakes' sustainability journey to date and the road ahead.

A strategic approach to change

Our sustainability journey began in 2019 with the ambition of creating real change. We switched to using renewable electricity, developed products made with recycled materials, and calculated our carbon footprint.

Despite these first steps having an impact, we recognised in 2021 that we needed an overview of the company's overall impact within the broader sustainability agenda. We therefore initiated a strategic planning process that resulted in a series of goals and actions that continue to guide us today.

Challenges and progress

Having a plan in place did not mean the journey was straightforward. The programme placed additional responsibilities on an already busy management team.

In the early months, it was challenging to inspire each individual team member and communicate the value of our sustainability efforts. But when the company produced its first sustainability report – which went on to win an award – the entire team rallied around our shared goals.

By 2023, sustainability had become a natural factor in decision-making processes across the company. This has given Fossflakes a tighter framework to work within and made us more creative when it comes to both materials and operations. The company is better equipped to meet the sustainability challenges of the future and to adapt accordingly.

Choice of materials

A significant part of our sustainability journey has been reconsidering the materials we use. Whilst our patented filling provides the comfort our customers value, we also need to address the environmental concerns that come with plastic.

However, an independent analysis revealed new and surprising insights: cotton turned out to be the most significant contributor to the carbon footprint of our products. This finding led us to shift our focus to working on the sustainability of both our filling and our covers. And we quickly discovered just how little transparency there is in the cotton industry, and how long it takes to collect data.

Stakeholder engagement

From the outset, transparency and regular communication with the company's stakeholders have been a central part of our plan. And the response has been encouraging: full support from the board, a sense of pride amongst our employees, and customers who have, to varying degrees, appreciated our sustainability efforts.

Whilst some customers expect a focus on sustainability, for others it is an added bonus – and in either case, Fossflakes' sustainability reports help to inspire confidence.

Looking ahead

The company's sustainability ambitions were a decisive factor in attracting our new managing director. He shares the board's vision that developing products with a lower environmental impact is a key driver of Fossflakes' growth.

In the short term, we will continue to collect data and collaborate with relevant partners to improve both the environmental and social impact of our products. In the longer term, the ambition is to develop a business case for collecting and recycling end-of-life Fossflakes products.

Would you like to stay up to date with our sustainability journey? Follow us on our social channels and sign up for our newsletter. You can also find further details in our sustainability reports and half-yearly updates.