Sweden Textile Water Initiative

Sweden Textile Water Initiative started in 2010 as a joint project between textile and leather retail companies in Sweden together with Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). As of 1 January 2013, 33 companies have joined STWI. SIWI acts as the host / secretariat of STWI.

In a world with an increasing pressure on natural resources, notably freshwater, and with an increasing lack of the trust needed in a sustainable society - the continuous success of companies relies on their ability to transform their operations, and the operations of their suppliers to meet sustainable business criteria. Sweden has a long tradition as thought leader in the field of sustainability, which is reflected in the determination of the Swedish textile sector to make a difference by getting together to create joint action for better water management in their supply chains.

Phase 1 (2010 - 2012)

During the initial two year process, the STWI companies formed working groups on topics such as production technique, water treatment, sludge management, and policy engagement, which served as platforms for exchanges related to the development of guidelines for sustainable water use.
 Through these working groups and other processes, the STWI companies developed guidelines for sustainable water use in the production and manufacturing processes of textiles and leather. STWI published its joint guidelines for sustainable water and chemical use in the supply chains.
Read the short version of the guidelines here.
The STWI Guidelines have been developed by the STWI members in collaboration with several experts, including Maria Jonstrup, SWECO, Stefan Posner, SWEREA and Stefan Rydin, NORDEConsult.

Phase 2 (2013 - 2014)

The STWI group embarked on a new-phase starting at the beginning of 2013. Since the beginning of this phase, STWI become financially independent and funded completely by the member companies. Several initiatives to test the implementation of these guidelines by member companies are underway. The group is currently finalizing its goals for this period, which revolve around means to test the applicability and usefulness of STWI guidelines along their supply chains.

Links

2012-05-31
STWI publishes its Guidelines document

2012-02-23
STWI publicerar debattartikel i Dagens Industri

2012-02-22
EU-lagstifta om giftfria kläder

2012-02-21
IKEA draws up global water strategy for supply chain

2012-02-21
Pollution Board razes textile dyeing units in Erode

2012-02-07
Color It Green: Nike to Adopt Waterless Textile Dyeing

2012-02-06 
Hong Kong Aims to Reduce Textile Waste

2012-01-26
All approvals in place for Cuddalore textile park