Sustainability

Our sustainability journey
Product & design
Environment
People

Marimekko is renowned for its timeless designs and art of printmaking. We aim to continue creating new classics – high-quality products that stand the test of time and follow the principles of circular economy.

We are committed to continuously driving innovation in technologies, materials and business models through collaborations to lead the entire industry forward by our example.

For us, sustainability considerations are part of our day-to-day work and the development of our operations. We believe that determined sustainability efforts support Marimekko’s long-term success. This is why we have goals and metrics to measure our journey. On this page you can find three progress spotlights.

1. Product & design: Timeless design brings joy for generations to come

We aim to continue creating new classics – high-quality products that stand the test of time. Our ambition is for Marimekko items, during their lifetime, to bring joy to many different consumers, even generations, before being recycled into new products.

2. Environment: The products of tomorrow leave no trace

We believe that, in the future, timeless and high-quality products will be made in balance with the environment in line with the principles of the circular economy. We are committed to continuously and driving innovation in technologies, materials, and business models through collaborations to lead the entire industry forward and reach our ambitious vision of leaving no trace.

3. People: Positive change through fairness and equality

Promoting fairness and equality in the world around us is deeply rooted in our company DNA. We strive to continuously improve transparency and drive positive change through our own operations and industry networks.

"Marimekko is not about trendy fashion. We make lasting and timeless products. Timelessness may, however, occasionally come into fashion by chance, like now."

Armi Ratia

With over 70 years of history, our goal is to craft timeless designs and future classics.

Marimekko's design philosophy revolves around crafting timeless, functional, and high-quality products that provide long-lasting joy to people. In the years ahead, we aspire to offer even more comprehensive services to extend our product lifetimes and contribute further to the circular economy.

We use rigorous quality management processes to ensure the quality of our materials and the durability of our products. Before we launch a new product, it undergoes thorough testing to meet our demanding quality standards. Our tests include fabric shrinkage, colorfastness, and abrasion resistance. We aim to keep the share of quality claims of sold products at or below 0.5% – that’s less than 1 in 200.

Materials we use

To live up to our standards of long-lasting, timeless products, we’re reducing our use of conventional materials and shifting to alternatives that are less-emission intensive and use less water, chemicals, and fossil resources while maintaining quality and longevity. This is why we pay special attention to the quality of our materials while transition to use more and more recycled, regenerative organic, regenerative, certified, and other traceable and innovative materials.

Since introducing our material strategy in 2021, we’ve continuously increased the use these preferred materials in our collections. Ultimately, we hope to have more circular materials that can be recycled several times without a decline in the quality or longevity of the fibers.

Preferred materials: Recycled, organic

Marimekko uses materials like recycled cotton and polyester in its products. The recycled materials we use are certified, and the organic materials are certified according to one of the organic standards. In 2024, recycled materials accounted for 20% (21), while organic materials accounted for 39% (20) of all sourced textiles.

Recycled cotton

Recycled cotton is made by collecting post-industrial and post-consumer cotton waste, such as scraps from textile factories, and processing them into new yarns and fabrics.

Recycled cotton can also be made through closed-loop production; a circular operating model where materials used in products circulate back into the production of new products. Marimekko and our partners have tested this by cutting waste and other leftover materials from the manufacturing of our jersey products as raw materials for new products.

Recycled wool

Recycled wool is created by repurposing various sources of wool waste, such as excess yarn, fabric scraps, and old garments from pre- and post-consumer waste. These materials are collected, processed to extract fibers, and spun into fresh yarn.

Recycled polyester

Recycled polyester is made from pre‐ and post‐consumer waste. It can be recycled mechanically or chemically.

Recycled polyamide

Recycled polyamide is made from pre‐ and post‐consumer waste. It can be recycled mechanically or chemically.

Recycled elastane

Recycled elastane is made from pre‐ and post‐consumer waste. It can be recycled mechanically or chemically.

ECONYL

ECONYL® yarn is a regenerated nylon fiber made from pre- and post-consumer waste, such as fishing nets and other nylon waste.

Organic cotton

Marimekko accepts organic cotton from two certification schemes: GOTS and OCS.

Marimekko also uses in-conversion cotton, where cotton farmers are in the process of converting their production to organic. It takes, on average, three years for a farm to fully convert to organic cotton while following the principles of organic farming. The cotton from in-conversion farms is not yet regarded as organic.

Accepted materials: Conventional enhanced / Traceable, certified, bio-based

We aim for full product transparency, which is why we use certified or more traceable textile materials. In 2024, conventional enhanced materials made up 36% (43) of all sourced textiles.

Better Cotton

The Better Cotton Initiative is a program that promotes better farming practices and improves the livelihoods of cotton farmers. Marimekko is committed to improving cotton farming practices globally as a member of the Better Cotton Initiative. Better Cotton is sourced through a system of origin called mass balance. Better Cotton farmers benefit from the demand for Better Cotton in proportion to our procurement volumes. The Better Cotton mass balance system does not allow physical tracing back to the final products.

Certified wool

Marimekko uses wool with the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which describes and certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool production and tracks the certified material from farm to final product. Marimekko only accepts merino wool from suppliers that do not use mulesing as part of their animal husbandry techniques.

Certified mohair

Marimekko uses mohair with the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS), which describes and certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool production and tracks the certified material from farm to final product.

Certified alpaca

Marimekko uses alpaca with the Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS), which describes and certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool production and tracks the certified material from farm to final product.

Certified down and feathers

Marimekko uses down and feathers with responsibility certificates sourced from suppliers that meet the Responsible Down Standard. This means that a third party has ensured that the down and feathers come from farms that protect animal welfare.

Certified leathers

Marimekko uses LWG-certified leather. The leather in the products has been produced in accordance with the standards of the Leather Working Group (LWG). Products that bear the LWG certification mark have undergone third-party assessment and meet specific criteria related to environmental performance and chemical management.

The leather used in Marimekko’s products is always a by-product of meat production, as we only accept leather from animals that have been bred for food production.

Traceable leather

Marimekko uses special traceable leather in its Imprint series. Each piece of leather can be traced back to a specific Scandinavian farm.

The leather used in Marimekko’s products is always a by-product of meat production, as we only accept leather from animals bred for food production.

Certified wood-based products

Marimekko uses wood-based materials in its products, packaging, and printed materials. We are committed to using traceable and certified wood and wood-based materials. Wood, paperboard, and paper must be recycled or have a certificate from the FSC or PEFC.

TENCEL™

TENCEL is a brand name for lyocell material, a man-made cellulosic fiber derived from FSC – or PEFC-controlled or certified wood sources. TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.

ECOVERO™

ECOVERO is a brand name for a viscose material, a man-made cellulosic fiber derived from FSC or PEFC-controlled or certified wood sources. ECOVERO™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.

European Flax ®

European Flax Linen has a certification that guarantees the traceability of premium flax fiber grown in Western Europe.

Innovative materials: future potential

Marimekko is committed to continuously driving innovation in technologies, materials, and business models. In 2024, innovative materials accounted for 0.1% of all sourced textiles. While this share is still low, Marimekko has identified these resources as some of the potential future materials and is currently testing or piloting them.

Spinnova

Wood-based SPINNOVA® fiber is an alternative to conventional wood-based fibers. In the Marimekko X Spinnova capsule collection, the denim-like material blend comprised approximately 20% SPINNOVA® fiber combined with organic cotton.

Vireo

Vireo is a plant-based material produced by Hemp Bio, which is majority-owned by Kvadrat. The material is made with more than 70% hemp fibers and is topped by an anti-scratch layer of polyurethane, which is partly bio-based. Thanks to this top layer, the material offers a tactile patina and durability.

ZQRX

ZQRX is regenerative, mulesing-free merino wool, as well as a standard covering animal welfare, environmental integrity, social responsibility, fiber quality, and traceability. The ZQRX program helps farmers work with nature to continuously improve human, animal, and environmental outcomes. The regenerative aspect of the program focuses on improving soil health, creating more resilient farming systems, and increasing biodiversity.

Accepted materials: Conventional

While transitioning in our material strategy, we still use conventional materials in our products. In 2024, the share of conventional materials was 4% (16) of all sourced textiles.

Viscose, Lyocell, Modal, Acetate

These are all man-made cellulose fibers made from mostly wood pulp. They are considered semi-synthetic fibers because although they originate from natural materials, they undergo chemical processing.

Cupro

Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fiber derived from cotton linter, a byproduct of cotton processing. It’s a circular material turning waste into new, usable fiber.

Linen

Linen is a natural fiber that feels pleasant and absorbs moisture. Linen garments are warm when it’s cold and cool when temperatures rise. It’s essential that your linen garment is loose enough to prevent seams from fraying.

Silk

Silk is a natural fiber with a very pleasant and luxurious feel. It is breathable and transfers heat and moisture, making it comfortable against the skin. Silk repeats colors well, making it an excellent match for Marimekko prints and colors.

We believe that, in the future, timeless and high-quality products will be made in balance with the environment, in line with the principles of the circular economy.

To ensure timeless design, Marimekko teams consider the quality and environmental impacts of materials, product care and recyclability, and emphasize compatibility within and across seasons from the outset of the design and product development process.

Our long-term ambition is to leave no burden for coming generations. We are committed to continuously driving innovation in technologies, materials, and business models through collaborations to lead the entire industry forward by our example and reach our ambitious vision of leaving no trace.

Climate change continues to be one of the greatest challenges of our time. In order to mitigate Marimekko's impact on the environment and contribute to tackling climate change, we continuously work to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions intensity throughout the value chain. To guide us in this work, we have calculated Marimekko's carbon footprint.

Care beyond your clothes

You can reduce the environmental impact of your Marimekko products by following the tips and tricks below.

Tip 1

Choose pickup

Opt for delivery to a convenient pickup point instead of home delivery to reduce emissions. This means delivery trucks travel shorter distances, and the success of the delivery isn't contingent on someone being home at the time of delivery.

Tip 2

Check twice, order once

Each year, millions of online clothing orders are returned by truck due to incorrect sizes. Reduce emissions and avoid return hassles by ensuring you order the correct size and only what you intend to keep. Utilize our size guide for assistance.

Tip 3

Wash a little less

Avoid washing your clothes too often. Airing your garments is a great way to refresh them. Even minor stains are usually easy to remove by hand.

Tip 4

Skip the dryer

By hang drying your laundry, you will not only save energy; your clothes will keep their shape better and even last longer too.

Tip 5

Double your wear

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s report (A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future), doubling the wear of items can reduce the industry’s emissions by up to 44%. Opt for quality over quantity.

Our care guide

There are many other ways to reduce your emissions at home. All it takes is a few adjustments to your usual product care routines. Learn more in our comprehensive care guide.

Care guide

Since the 1950s, we have been on a mission to empower people to be happy just as they are.

Our strong belief in inclusivity and equal rights shines through in our actions and designs – both inside and outside of Marimekko. Our culture is founded on equality, diversity, and inclusivity and we promote and foster these values in our entire value chain. By actively collaborating with other players in the industry, we can drive positive change across the whole sector.

Our suppliers – chosen based on expertise

The textile industry is truly global, flowing across borders and continents. Despite the many links of a global supply chain, we aim to provide full transparency in the long run. It’s a complex task, but one that we are determined to complete.

Suppliers 2024

~150

Marimekko ensures that our products are manufactured in accordance with our values and responsible sourcing principles.

Audited suppliers

100%

100% of the products made outside of the EU came from audited suppliers.

Supplier partnerships lasting +10 Yrs 

~40

Marimekko aims to build lasting relationships with its suppliers. Cultivating mutually beneficial relationships allows us to grow together. Some of our partnerships have blossomed into beautiful collaborations that have lasted even decades. This is a testament to the power of connection and the joy of growing together year after year.

Origin of products from EU countries, 2024

44%

Marimekko products were manufactured in China (19%), Thailand (16%), Portugal (15%), Estonia (10%), Turkey (12%), Finland (5%), Lithuania (6%).

Our value “fairness to everyone and everything” crystallizes Marimekko’s sustainability thinking.

Marimekko’s Value chain principle

At Marimekko, our ambition is clear: we want to find the best supplier partners for each of our creations. We are committed to promoting human rights, living wages, worker empowerment, and safe working conditions in our supply chain and throughout all our operations, and we require the same from our suppliers.

Marimekko has a wide and varied product range and manufacturing of our products requires a skillful and diverse partner supplier network. Regardless of where our products are made, we want to ensure that they are manufactured in accordance with our values and responsible sourcing principles. Our principles are rooted in rooted in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) and International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions and Recommendations. Furthermore, our suppliers share our commitment to responsible material sourcing, which aligns with Marimekko's Sustainability Policy.

Marimekko has been a member of the European amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) since 2011. Through amfori BSCI, we leverage its resources to monitor and enhance working conditions across our global supply chains. Independent third-party audits along with on-site visits by Marimekko staff in both Europe and Asia, form part of our rigorous monitoring process.

In our pursuit of transparency, Marimekko proudly publishes a list of its partner suppliers on the company website and the Open Supply Hub platform.

Our personnel – championing fairness and courage

We champion fairness, courage, and cooperation, cultivating an open, low-hierarchy corporate culture rooted in creativity and entrepreneurship.

At Marimekko, we recognize that our personnel's well-being is paramount. We focus on their work ability and functional capacity while fostering an empowering working atmosphere. Through a comprehensive approach, we support and promote the personal and professional development of our employees.

Central to Marimekko's culture and working environment is a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). We are dedicated to cultivating a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and included. Equality and authenticity have been fundamental values since our earliest days, and we continue to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within our communities. For example, we support inclusion through our choices in imagery and representation as a constant and consistent part of Marimekko’s marketing.

At Marimekko, we believe that by prioritizing the well-being and diversity of our team, we not only strengthen our organization but also contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive society.

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