New Wave Group AB Hållbarhetsredovisning_2017_SV_HQ[1] | Page 9

BUSINESS CONTEXT Regardless of business segment, we are faced with structural changes in our business environment and in society. Technical development and easily accessible information opens up for new opportunities, but also puts pressure on companies and businesses. At the same time, the interest for sustainability and demand for sustainable products are increasing. New Wave Group is investing in initiatives to support the Global Goals. Taking responsibility for a sustainable society and for sustainable product development is becoming increasingly important. Transparency throughout the value chain, with more information about origin, quality and content, is a key factor in gaining customer confidence in the future. GLOBAL GOALS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 goals for a better world by 2030. These goals have the power to end poverty, fight inequality and stop climate change. With its 17 goals and 169 targets, Agenda 2030 is the most ambitious agreement for sustainable development the world leaders have ever adopted. The Global Goals unite the countries in the world through a universal agenda and demand that all countries – rich and poor – act both nationally and globally to achieve the goals by 2030. Guided by the goals, it is now up to all of us, governments, businesses, civil society and the general public to work together to build a better future for everyone. In the light of sustainability and the Global Goals, the expectations and demands on companies are increasing. In Sweden, we see this through new laws such as mandatory Sustainability Reporting, energy audits in large companies and revised Swedish Corporate Governance Code. For New Wave Group it is important, in addition to meeting legal requirements, to invest in initiatives supporting the Global Goals, which is reflected in our strategic focus areas for our work with CSR and sustainability. AT THE FOREFRONT IN THE CORPORATE PROMO SEGMENT The degree of maturity in sustainability issues looks a bit different between the industries New Wave Group operates in through our different business segments. For example, the sports industry is relatively advanced in the development. Major players like Nike and Adidas conduct a solid work with sustainability issues and set the industry standard. To be competitive, we must follow. The corporate promo industry has not reached as far as the sports industry, even though more and more player s are beginning to realize that sustainability is a great part in order to build a brand to be proud of. Perhaps the low degree of maturity is because the industry yet not have been closely monitored and been spared from scandals. We think it’s only a matter of time before this happens. One of New Wave Group’s biggest sustainability efforts, and a direct result of the ambition to be the industry leader in CSR and sustai- nability, is the launch of the brand Cottover - a complete eco-labeled garment collection. Cottover was launched in 2015 together with the subsidiary Textilgrossisten Hefa. We hope this can affect the entire industry to higher ambitions in the light of sustainability. Read more about Cottover on page 18. 9