DESIGNED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS
SUSTAINABILITY IS ON EVERYONE'S LIPS.
However, new rules and regulations make it an increasingly difficult topic of conversation. But we love challenges, and therefore work strategically to minimize our climate impact.
We want to make a difference, so we have chosen to prepare a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for all our product ranges. We believe that reports from independent experts such as those in our LCAs and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are the most transparent approach to documenting our progress.
We think our customers deserve to know what raw materials their new kitchen is made of. Therefore, we calculate how many plastic bottles we recycle annually. And that’s why we tell customers how many recycled water bottles and kilos of recycled wood their kitchen contains. That’s why we also use recycled materials in all our kitchen signs without exception, and at no extra cost.
A KITCHEN WITH GOOD INTENTIONS
– is made from recycled materials
Did you know that 80% of a product’s environmental impact is due to decisions made during the design phase? We produce timeless Danish design with as many high quality recycled materials as possible, and always with associated documenting calculations. Our extended guarantees reflect our belief in long-lasting products.
Our kitchens are always made with design and function in perfect harmony. And with the use of recycled materials in every design. We always state how many recycled plastic bottles are used to make our foils and how many kilos of recycled wood go into making your new kitchen as well as its carbon footprint. That way you can share your story with the guests when you invite to dinner in your new kitchen.
“IN 2023, KVIK GAVE NEW LIFE TO 6,501,287 PLASTIC BOTTLES IN THE KITCHEN INDUSTRY!”
— Quick Category Management team
– is based on fewer materials, recycling and recycling
We love Danish design. We love creating products that are beautiful, timeless and durable. We love working with quality materials that last. But we do not like the waste that comes with it.
Which is why has therefore initiated a collaboration with Stena Recycling, a leader in recycling and resource management. They help us transform most of our waste into valuable resources – both in the form ofheating our buildings, new materials and inspiration for new solutions.
– has a transparent carbon footprint
When you receive an offer for your new kitchen, we also inform you about the impact of your new kitchen on the environment. We completed in 2024 one life cycle analysis of our products. This careful analysis, combined with the close cooperation with our suppliers, means that we can provide you with transparent information about the environmental impact of your kitchen, including the quantities of recycled wood and PET plastic used to make it. The calculations are based on specific product data and updated daily so you can be sure that your calculations are always up to date and reliable. That way we can help you make the most informed choice about your new kitchen.
A KITCHEN WITH GOOD INTENTIONS
– always comes unassembled in flat packages
Flat packages provide efficient transport and are an essential part of our concept. We collect our kitchens in a Kvik store close to you, instead of collecting them at the factory. Our logistics solution with flat packages means that we can transport six times as many unassembled kitchens on each truck compared to total kitchens.
– uses more renewable energy
Last year was a turning point in our green transition journey,
where in collaboration with other visionary companies we took an active part in the establishment of green energy in Denmark. In January 2023, in collaboration with our affiliates DFI-Geisler,
Multiform and JKE Design, we entered into a power purchase
agreement with Better Energy. By virtue of this agreement, we
have contributed to the construction of a new solar park at
Stevning on Als.
The new solar park adds an additional 35 gigawatt hours of
renewable energy to the Danish electricity grid annually. This is
enough to cover the typical daily energy consumption of 22,500
Danes.
“AS MANUFACTURERS, WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSTANTLY FINDING NEW APPROACHES TO REDUCING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF OUR BUSINESS”
— Henrik Gade Andersen, Director of Strategic Purchasing at Kvik
More than just a power purchase agreement
Groundwater protection with solar parks
The solar cell park acts as a protective shield for the groundwater. Unlike traditional agricultural land, it covers the land with grass and protects the groundwater.
Pet friendly zones
Local plans provide the opportunity to maintain areas with grazing livestock.
RECYCLED MATERIALS
The solar park has a positive impact on nature and wildlife because no pesticides and fertilizers are used.
A KITCHEN WITH GOOD INTENTIONS
– safeguards workplace safety
We produce your dream kitchen. And we do so with a careful
focus on details and craftsmanship and on protecting our
employees and their safety. Over the years, we have gained
valuable knowledge through dialogues with our internal teams.
Through new and innovative initiatives we have made both our
production and storage facilities a good and safe place to work.
– contributes to a diverse and inclusive workforce
We want to have a diverse and inclusive workplace with optimal utilization of all our various strengths. It is not only the right thing to do, but also crucial for us to continue our growth. We are therefore constantly trying to create an environment characterized by innovation, cooperation and development opportunities. We have set specific goals for gender balance and employee satisfaction. We are not on target yet, but we are working on the matter.
Gender distribution and goals
Gender distribution in production
If you visit our production facilities in Vildbjerg, you will notice that this traditionally male-dominated sector also employs some women. Pr. August 2023, 39% of our employees in production and in the warehouse are women, while the remaining 61% are men. We have made various investments in automation and technology to ensure better ergonomics and reduce the physical burden on employees.
We want to bridge
It is our ambition that the gender distribution in the management at Kvik A / S must reflect the rest of our modern and diverse company. We are proud that our production facilities break down barriers and promote an inclusive environment, but we also know that we have some way to go in relation to gender distribution. There is a marked under-representation of women in leadership positions in the organization. We will work hard to change that.
Our ambition for gender distribution in leadership positions
Our total gender distribution is 43% women and 57% men. We have set a goal that there should be at least 33% of a gender in our board. Today we have three men and no women on the board. We expect to achieve this goal by 2025. We have set a target of having at least 40% women and men at other levels of management. The gender composition at the other levels of management is currently 6 women and 27 men. We expect to achieve this goal by 2026.
We are on a journey
A KITCHEN WITH GOOD INTENTIONS
– has reliable certificates in the back
There are a lot of different labels on the market that cover widely different standards. — However, not all labels are official and verified by third parties. Our certificates are therefore a great tool and your guarantee that our products meet certain standards. Our certificates are an independent confirmation of our efforts in key areas, including sustainable forestry, workplace satisfaction and a clean indoor climate.
– provides support for local projects
Our internal employee association Quick Up supports various local initiatives every year. We know that our company is about much more than creating Danish design at surprisingly low prices. We will actively support and make a positive difference for our communities.
We support selected projects proposed by our employees. This means that we typically support activities and clubs that involve our own employees – and a host of other projects that make a difference in employees’ communities. We really appreciate that.
In 2023, we had the pleasure of supporting 21 different projects – including:
- Drying Sports Association – financial support for life-saving first aid courses.
- Auxiliary track – Christmas gifts for vulnerable families
- The weaving mill Randbøldal – publishing a book with the weaving’s own patterns as inspiration for budding weavers.
– supports the United Nations World Sustainable Development Goals
You’ve probably seen the colorful palette of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.The 17 goals have been adopted by all UN member states to ensure peace and prosperity for people all over the world and care for our planet. Both businesses and consumers have a shared responsibility for our planet and its inhabitants, and with our commitment to the UN’s world goals, we commit to ensuring, that our activities contribute to achieving the goals set by 2030.
No one can do anything. The same goes for us. And while all 17 goals deserve our undivided attention, we have chosen to focus on the four goals where we can make the most effective effort and make the biggest difference.
Gender distribution and goals
Objective 8: Decent jobs and economic growth
Diversity and inclusion are important pillars in our approach to leadership. Unfortunately, we are not in goal in relation to gender diversity in management. We have therefore set concrete goals for greater diversity and inclusion in the workforce. We continuously measure how well we are doing as a workplace, through annual employee surveys and personal interviews, because we believe in continuous improvement – which has also given us our Great Place to Work ® certification.
Objective 12: Responsible consumption and production
We have been on a complex journey to improve our waste management through prevention, reduction, recycling and recycling. Our share of non-recyclable waste has fallen from more than 25% in 2022 to around 5% in 2023. And the goal is to get even further down. We will also be better at reporting on our goals, actions and progress. And as part of Ballingslöv International AB, we publish an annual sustainability report.
Objective 13: Climate action
We are not perfect. We are aware that our activities affect the environment. But we want to do better, which is why we have endorsed this goal. We will reduce our environmental impact, increase the proportion of recycled materials where possible, and at the same time find opportunities to recycle and recycle waste from our operations. However, we not only impose strict requirements on ourselves, but also on our suppliers throughout the supply chain, including our suppliers' subcontractors.
Objective 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
As part of Ballingslöv International AB, we will promote and support non-discriminatory laws and policies in our organization. We will fight corruption and unethical behavior by creating and maintaining inclusive communities without discrimination.
Ballingslöv International AB – Sustainability Report 2023
We are part of the Swedish group Ballingslöv International AB. Ballingslöv International AB publishes an annual sustainability report describing all the initiatives and initiatives undertaken by all the Group’s companies.
