Conscious design efforts translate into lower impacts at Kappahl Group
Swedish fashion group Kappahl has released its sustainability report for 2025 which shows a strong track record in addressing its environmental impact. The company owned by Mellby Gård since 2011 operates some 340 stores in five countries and its online sales cover 30 markets across its two main brands Kappahl and Newbie.
Two stand out metrics from the report indicate that the company was able to reduce climate emissions by 30%, compared to a baseline year of 2022, and net revenues from circular business initiatives, though small, increased by 102%. In 2025, the number of stores offering second-hand products increased to nearly 100.
The company monitors its impacts through the TrusTrace platform (95% of its purchase orders are now mapped back to fibre level) and several Higg Index modules, it said. In 2025, the average climate impact per product sold was 4.5 kg CO2e, down 12% compared to the previous year. Last year it also achieved GOTS Scope certification, which covers organic fibres.
It attributed part of progress made to conscious design choices. In 2025, Kappahl took the decision to stop producing ripped jeans enabling it to avoid “unnecessary resource use” and extend garment durability. “If we want garments to be used for longer, they must also be designed for longevity. This is where design and responsibility come together,” said Kappahl Group’s head of sustainability Sandra Roos.
