Orthex Corporation: A Commitment to Sustainability and Circular Economy
March 28, 2025, 12:16 pm
Orthex Corporation has taken significant strides in sustainability, as highlighted in its Annual and Sustainability Report for 2024. This report is not just a document; it’s a mirror reflecting the company’s dedication to a greener future. Orthex, a leading Nordic houseware company, is on a mission to make everyday life easier for consumers while treading lightly on the planet.
The report, released on March 27, 2025, showcases Orthex’s commitment to sustainability through various initiatives. It includes the Annual Review, Corporate Governance Statement, and Financial Statements, all presented in compliance with the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF). This adherence to standards signifies transparency and accountability, essential traits in today’s corporate landscape.
Orthex’s financial performance in 2024 was robust, with net sales reaching 89.7 million euros. The company operates in over 40 countries, with a strong presence in the Nordics, Germany, France, the UK, and the Benelux. This global footprint allows Orthex to influence sustainable practices across diverse markets.
A key highlight of the report is Orthex’s progress in promoting a circular economy. The company has increased the use of recycled and renewable materials in its products to 16.6%, up from 15.8% in 2023. This incremental growth may seem small, but it represents a significant shift towards sustainability. Every percentage point counts in the race against climate change.
Resource efficiency is another cornerstone of Orthex’s sustainability strategy. The company has improved its energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption per kilogram of product by 9.5% compared to the 2020 average. This is akin to trimming the fat off a steak—removing excess while enhancing quality. By utilizing EPD certified renewable hydropower electricity in all its factories, Orthex is not just reducing its carbon footprint; it’s setting a standard for others to follow.
Employee satisfaction is also a focus area. The Engagement Index, which measures employee satisfaction, rose to 81 out of 100. Happy employees are like a well-tuned engine; they drive the company forward. This improvement reflects Orthex’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, which is essential for long-term success.
Orthex’s dedication to ethical business practices is evident through successful SMETA audits at its Tingsryd and Lohja factories. These audits ensure that the company adheres to high standards of social responsibility and sustainability. Joining the Circular Economy Green Deal further solidifies Orthex’s commitment to a low-carbon future, with ambitious targets set for 2035.
Innovation is at the heart of Orthex’s product development. In 2024, the company expanded its portfolio with new products made from durable recycled plastic. The SmartStore™ Essence storage baskets and SmartStore™ Collect Biowaste bins are prime examples. These products not only meet consumer needs but also promote sustainable practices at home. The sales growth of these items was three times faster than the overall net sales growth, indicating a strong market demand for sustainable solutions.
Despite these advancements, Orthex acknowledges the challenges ahead. The relative carbon footprint, which measures emissions per unit of production, decreased slightly to 2.0 kgCO2 eq./kg. However, total emissions increased to 30,775 tons of CO2 equivalent due to volume growth. This paradox highlights the complexities of scaling sustainable practices while meeting market demands.
Orthex is actively involved in research projects aimed at advancing the use of recycled and renewable plastics. The Borealis SPIRIT program explores food-safe recycled plastics, while the PlastLIFE SIP-EU project focuses on piloting new sustainable raw materials. These initiatives are like seeds planted in fertile soil, promising a future where sustainability and innovation grow hand in hand.
The Reusify project is another initiative aimed at replacing single-use packaging with reusable products. This shift is crucial in reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Orthex’s commitment to these projects underscores its role as a leader in sustainability within the houseware industry.
The Annual and Sustainability Report 2024 is available in both English and Finnish on Orthex’s corporate website. This accessibility ensures that stakeholders can easily access information about the company’s sustainability efforts and financial performance.
In conclusion, Orthex Corporation is not just a houseware company; it’s a beacon of sustainability in the industry. Through its commitment to circular economy principles, resource efficiency, and ethical practices, Orthex is paving the way for a greener future. The journey is ongoing, and while challenges remain, the company’s proactive approach positions it as a leader in the transition towards a sustainable economy. As consumers increasingly seek eco-friendly products, Orthex stands ready to meet this demand, proving that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.
The report, released on March 27, 2025, showcases Orthex’s commitment to sustainability through various initiatives. It includes the Annual Review, Corporate Governance Statement, and Financial Statements, all presented in compliance with the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF). This adherence to standards signifies transparency and accountability, essential traits in today’s corporate landscape.
Orthex’s financial performance in 2024 was robust, with net sales reaching 89.7 million euros. The company operates in over 40 countries, with a strong presence in the Nordics, Germany, France, the UK, and the Benelux. This global footprint allows Orthex to influence sustainable practices across diverse markets.
A key highlight of the report is Orthex’s progress in promoting a circular economy. The company has increased the use of recycled and renewable materials in its products to 16.6%, up from 15.8% in 2023. This incremental growth may seem small, but it represents a significant shift towards sustainability. Every percentage point counts in the race against climate change.
Resource efficiency is another cornerstone of Orthex’s sustainability strategy. The company has improved its energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption per kilogram of product by 9.5% compared to the 2020 average. This is akin to trimming the fat off a steak—removing excess while enhancing quality. By utilizing EPD certified renewable hydropower electricity in all its factories, Orthex is not just reducing its carbon footprint; it’s setting a standard for others to follow.
Employee satisfaction is also a focus area. The Engagement Index, which measures employee satisfaction, rose to 81 out of 100. Happy employees are like a well-tuned engine; they drive the company forward. This improvement reflects Orthex’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, which is essential for long-term success.
Orthex’s dedication to ethical business practices is evident through successful SMETA audits at its Tingsryd and Lohja factories. These audits ensure that the company adheres to high standards of social responsibility and sustainability. Joining the Circular Economy Green Deal further solidifies Orthex’s commitment to a low-carbon future, with ambitious targets set for 2035.
Innovation is at the heart of Orthex’s product development. In 2024, the company expanded its portfolio with new products made from durable recycled plastic. The SmartStore™ Essence storage baskets and SmartStore™ Collect Biowaste bins are prime examples. These products not only meet consumer needs but also promote sustainable practices at home. The sales growth of these items was three times faster than the overall net sales growth, indicating a strong market demand for sustainable solutions.
Despite these advancements, Orthex acknowledges the challenges ahead. The relative carbon footprint, which measures emissions per unit of production, decreased slightly to 2.0 kgCO2 eq./kg. However, total emissions increased to 30,775 tons of CO2 equivalent due to volume growth. This paradox highlights the complexities of scaling sustainable practices while meeting market demands.
Orthex is actively involved in research projects aimed at advancing the use of recycled and renewable plastics. The Borealis SPIRIT program explores food-safe recycled plastics, while the PlastLIFE SIP-EU project focuses on piloting new sustainable raw materials. These initiatives are like seeds planted in fertile soil, promising a future where sustainability and innovation grow hand in hand.
The Reusify project is another initiative aimed at replacing single-use packaging with reusable products. This shift is crucial in reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Orthex’s commitment to these projects underscores its role as a leader in sustainability within the houseware industry.
The Annual and Sustainability Report 2024 is available in both English and Finnish on Orthex’s corporate website. This accessibility ensures that stakeholders can easily access information about the company’s sustainability efforts and financial performance.
In conclusion, Orthex Corporation is not just a houseware company; it’s a beacon of sustainability in the industry. Through its commitment to circular economy principles, resource efficiency, and ethical practices, Orthex is paving the way for a greener future. The journey is ongoing, and while challenges remain, the company’s proactive approach positions it as a leader in the transition towards a sustainable economy. As consumers increasingly seek eco-friendly products, Orthex stands ready to meet this demand, proving that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.