Using recycled and responsibly sourced materials to meet sustainability targets.
PLANET
At IDEAL OF SWEDEN, we believe that sustainability is essential for the future of our planet, and we are committed to doing our part in creating a better world.
To further reduce our environmental footprint, we are working on optimizing our packaging. We use recycled paper and minimal plastic in our packages, and we encourage our customers to reuse or recycle them.
We also ensure that our production processes are safe for the workers and have minimal impact on the environment. We work closely with our vendors to continuously improve the processes and reduce waste and emissions. Our goal is to make sure that every product we make is not only stylish and functional but also sustainable and ethical.
We also believe that being cruelty-free and environmentally responsible is not just a trend, but a responsibility. We are committed to making a positive impact in this world, one case at a time.
In addition, our animal-free material is eco-friendly as it reduces the amount of waste and pollution associated with traditional leather production. It also allows us to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Plus, you can feel good about choosing a cruelty-free product that doesn't harm animals in any way.
Overall, choosing our products is a decision that benefits you, the environment, and animals. With its durability, affordability, and style, you can enjoy a guilt-free and essential accessory that makes a positive impact on the world around us.
Using Recycled and Responsibly Sourced Materials to Meet Sustainability Targets
Introduction: Working towards a circular economy
In our ongoing efforts to meet sustainability targets and reduce our environmental footprint, we have made it our priority to use recycled and responsibly sourced materials. This commitment extends to our top-selling fashion cases, where we have been seeking ways to eliminate virgin plastic and transition to a more circular economy.
Transitioning to recycled plastic in phone cases
To achieve our sustainability goals, we have focused on finding a way to replace the virgin plastic used in our phone cases with recycled materials. Our primary aim has been to reuse waste materials without compromising the quality and functionality of our products. With this objective in mind, we have developed a phone case that utilises post-consumer recycled polycarbonate as its main component. This recycled plastic offers similar properties to our existing polycarbonate, ensuring that our phone cases continue to deliver the durability and performance our customers expect.
Are all parts of the phone case made from recycled material?
While our primary focus has been on incorporating recycled plastic into our phone cases, we acknowledge that there is always room for improvement. Currently, the main part of our fashion case is made from post-consumer recycled polycarbonate, reusing waste plastic and reducing the demand for virgin materials. However, we are continuously exploring alternatives for other components of the case, such as the lining options and metal hardware, to further enhance the sustainability of the product. This process of evaluation and transition takes time, but we are hopeful about the progress we can achieve.
Our journey towards responsibility
Our Journey Towards Responsibility
Becoming the most responsible version of ourselves is an exciting and continuous journey. We understand that every step counts, and we are fully committed to incorporating sustainable practices at every level of our operations. This includes sourcing materials responsibly, minimising waste, and continuously improving our manufacturing processes.
The benefits of using recycled and responsibly sourced materials
Using recycled and responsibly sourced materials offers numerous benefits, both for the environment and our customers. By utilising post-consumer recycled polycarbonate in our phone cases, we:
- Reduce Waste: Reusing waste materials reduces the amount of plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans, helping to combat the global waste crisis.
- Conserve Resources: By using recycled materials, we lessen the reliance on virgin resources, preserving precious natural resources such as petroleum.
- Promote a Circular Economy: Incorporating recycled materials into our products contributes to the development of a circular economy, where waste is minimised, and resources are continually reused.
- Meet Consumer Expectations: As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they expect brands to prioritise sustainability. By using recycled materials, we align with their preferences and meet their expectations for eco-friendly products.
- Inspire Change: Our commitment to sustainability sends a powerful message and encourages other companies to adopt similar practices, further driving the transition towards a more environmentally conscious economy.
Conclusion: A Journey Towards a More Sustainable Future
At IDEAL OF SWEDEN, we are fully dedicated to creating a more sustainable future. By using recycled and responsibly sourced materials in all our products, we are actively combating waste and embracing the principles of a circular economy. While we continue to explore alternative options for the remaining components of our phone cases, we are excited about the progress we have made and the positive impact we can have on the environment. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future, where every step counts.
PHONE CASES
THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE (TPU)
Products made with TPU are biodegradable and can be fully broken down in approximately three to five years (this doesn’t mean we will start burying our cases!). Another key advantage is that TPU is non-toxic and does not contribute to pH changes in soils or groundwater during the biodegrading process.
In addition to its environmental benefits, it can provide excellent shock absorption to protect phones from accidental bumps and drops. It also has a high level of transparency, which allows for the phone's design to be clearly visible. Overall, TPU is a versatile material that can provide both protection and aesthetic appeal to phone cases.
POLYCARBONATE (PC)
Polycarbonate (PC) is a type of thermoplastic known for its high impact resistance, toughness, and durability, even at low temperatures. It can withstand accidental drops, bumps, and scratches. It offers excellent protection to the phone while maintaining its lightweight and transparent nature.
RECYCLED POLYCARBONATE / PCR POLYCARBONATE
PCR means post-consumer recycled, and PCR content material such as water bottles, CDs and automotive lighting. In a closed loop recycling system, the materials are collected, then sorted by color and type, by hand or with infrared machine. After that, the PCR granule is produced, melted down, and reprocessed into new plastic.
VEGAN LEATHER
Vegan leather is classified as a material that contains no animal-derived components. Various vegan leathers are used in our production, the scientific terms are PU (polyurethane). PU is less harmful to the environment than natural leather.
BAGS AND ACCESSORIES
POLYAMIDE & POLYESTER
Polyamide and polyester are both synthetic fabrics. Both options are known for being durable and weather-resistant. They can vary in look and type but at IDEAL OF SWEDEN, you will find it in our more sporty products or where fabric is used in general.
RECYCLED POLYESTER
Using recycled polyester also helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the energy required to produce new materials. In addition, by choosing to use recycled polyester in our phone cases, we are supporting a circular economy by keeping materials in use and reducing waste. This aligns with our commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact. Overall, using rPET in our phone cases is a responsible choice that benefits the planet and the people who use our products.
RECYCLED POLYURETHANE
Recycled polyurethane is a greener alternative, comparison to polyurethane (PVC) which requires large amounts of energy and resources in its production. Additionally, recycled polyurethane does not require softening solvents in the manufacturing process, and so the material does not contribute to PH change in soil and water.
By choosing recycled polyurethane, we are not only reducing waste but also conserving natural resources and mitigating the negative impact on the environment. It is a small but impactful step towards a more sustainable and circular economy, in which waste is minimised and materials are reused in a closed loop system.