Intervju | Nilörn

Driving progress through responsible and transparent supply chains

Madeléne Wallin — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:52:18 +0000

Part of a series:
Inside the Specialist Departments

Driving progress through responsible and transparent supply chains

A conversation with Beatrice Kristoffersen, Group CSR Manager at Nilörn.

Inside the Specialist Departments is our series spotlighting the people behind the labels — the experts advancing innovation, sustainability and compliance across Nilörn.

In this edition, we speak with Beatrice, Group CSR Manager, about her role within Nilörn’s global sustainability function, strengthening supply chain transparency, and navigating an industry increasingly shaped by new legislation, digitalisation and rising expectations for traceability.

Continue reading: 3 min read

From textile engineering to global CSR leadership

Beatrice’s journey with Nilörn began during her studies at the University of Borås, where she specialised in textile engineering. “My thesis was done together with Nilörn, developing the Tencel labels,” she explains. A year later, in November 2020, she officially joined the company.

After starting at the Borås office, Beatrice relocated to Nilörn’s sourcing office in Hong Kong — a move reflecting both her international outlook and Nilörn’s global presence. “Nilörn is a very global company, present in many countries,” she says. “I enjoy working with different cultures and people from around the world. The company’s strong focus on CSR and sustainability also aligns closely with my own values.”

Since joining, her role has evolved from CSR Coordinator to CSR Specialist, and today she leads the group function as Group CSR Manager.

Building a global sustainability function

When Beatrice started, the sustainability team consisted of just two people. Today, it has grown to seven specialists focusing on different areas within CSR, Compliance and sustainability.

Her role centres on managing the social and environmental aspects of Nilörn’s supply chain – combining global collaboration, supplier engagement and data management

Close collaboration across departments is key. “We work with all departments across Nilörn because sustainability is integrated into every process,” Beatrice says.

“Good collaboration is when everyone understands their role in creating a responsible supply chain.”

Navigating change in a rapidly evolving industry

The labelling and packaging industry is constantly developing – bringing new challenges and opportunities. Nilörn’s continued international expansion adds another layer of complexity.

Establishing operations in new countries requires adapting processes, managing risks and ensuring compliance – but the results are rewarding. “Once everything is set up and running, it’s incredibly satisfying.”

At the same time, the regulatory landscape is shifting rapidly. The European Green Deal and upcoming legislation are reshaping expectations across the industry. “The implementation of the Green Deal will mean significant changes for the work we do.”

To meet these demands, Nilörn’s CSR & Sustainability team has modernised its data management. What was once handled manually in Excel is now managed through digital platforms, enabling more efficient analysis, improved transparency and readiness for future reporting requirements.

Rather than viewing regulation as an obstacle, Beatrice sees opportunity:

“New legislation will push the entire supply chain to improve – leading to better environmental outcomes and improved working conditions.”

“It’s a privilege to be part of a company that values progress, collaboration and responsibility – and to help drive that forward throughout our supply chain.”

Deepening transparency through traceability

One of Beatrice’s key focus areas is strengthening product and material traceability through the Retraced platform.

“We’re working to map our supply chain more deeply, tracing where our raw materials originate,” she explains. “It gives us valuable insight and strengthens our ability to ensure materials are sourced responsibly.”

This work supports Nilörn’s broader goals around transparency, compliance and circularity — providing both clients and internal teams with the clarity needed to make informed, sustainable decisions.

Looking ahead, Beatrice expects the scope of CSR and sustainability to continue expanding. “The field is growing every year,” she says. “I believe our team will continue to develop, adding more specialists to meet new challenges and opportunities.”

This article is part of our series spotlighting Nilörn’s specialist departments. Join us next time as we highlight our expertise within our RIS (Retail Information Service) Department.

Connecting the physical label to data and digital experiences

Madeléne Wallin — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:18:22 +0000

Part of a series:
Inside the Specialist Departments

Connecting the physical label to data and digital experiences

A Conversation with Nilörn’s Business Area Manager for RIS, Martin Arvidsson.

Welcome back to Inside the Specialist Departments, a series that highlights the people and the expertise behind the labels. In this feature, we take a closer look at how Nilörn’s Retail Information Service (RIS) department adapts to digital transformation – helping clients become more fit for the future by connecting physical products with digital experiences.

We spoke with Martin, Business Area Manager for RIS, about his 25-year journey at Nilörn, the evolution of digital data solutions, and how technology continues to transform the way brands communicate.

Continue reading: 4 min read

From System Developer to Business Area Manager

When Martin joined Nilörn in the year 2000, it was, as he says, “a bit of a coincidence.” With a background in IT and systems development, and fresh from a few years in the tech field, branding and labelling were unfamiliar territory.

“I had little to no insight into branding, packaging and labelling,” he recalls.

“But I got a good impression of the company – and there was an interesting challenge to automate variable data processing and label production.”

That challenge soon became a long-term journey. What began as a solo and technical role gradually evolved over the years.

“In 2000 I was the only one working on variable data processing and client data integrations. Over time, as we launched our web order system, the team grew.

Eventually I became Product Manager for RIS, and later Business Area Manager when it became its own area in 2014.”It’s been a little over 25 years now – though it certainly doesn’t feel that long to Martin.

“What’s most rewarding is seeing how our area has developed – not just in what we deliver, but also in how we work together as a team and across teams within Nilörn.”

Technology and teamwork at the core

Today, Martin leads the RIS business area with overall responsibility for Nilörn’s offer within variable data and digital labelling solutions. His days are a mix of development, collaboration, and client discussions.

“I make sure we have an attractive offer within RIS and that we keep improving it together as a team,” he explains. “I’m also involved in meetings with clients as an expert in our digital solution, Nilörn:CONNECT™.”

For Martin, what makes the work rewarding is its mix of problem-solving and practicality. “We get to offer efficient variable data solutions for things brands often want to spend as little effort on as possible,” he says, smiling. “That’s where we can really add value.”

Right now, one major topic is the Digital Product Passport.

Collaborating – with shared goals and purpose

As technology, legislation and sustainability goals continue to evolve, so does Martin’s team. “We keep track in different ways – both internally and through external networks,” he explains. “Right now, one major topic is the Digital Product Passport. The detailed requirements for textiles are still to come, and something we’re following closely.”

The RIS team works across many functions within Nilörn – from sales and production to IT, compliance and sustainability. “We act as technical sales support for the sales teams when it comes to variable data labels and digital solutions,” Martin says. “We also provide our production teams with solutions for efficient processes and work closely with IT and compliance.”

They are also introducing AI where it can add real value. “We’re implementing AI for suitable tasks, for example to improve efficiency and quality control,” Martin adds. It’s another step towards working smarter while keeping people and collaboration at the centre.

Exploring what’s next – connecting information and experience

Looking to the future, Martin’s focus remains on developing Nilörn:CONNECT™ and exploring the potential of digital labelling.

“Digital labelling is very exciting – I’m sure we’ve just seen the beginning of this journey,” he says. “It’s not only about fulfilling current or upcoming regulations, but also for brands unlocking a channel for long-term communication and value-added services for consumers and other stakeholders.”

The next step for Nilörn:CONNECT™ is already on the horizon. Within the platform, a new feature is being explored to make product interaction even more direct – where consumers can “talk” to their garments.

The idea connects AI with product and brand information, turning static data into live conversations. It’s an interesting step in bridging physical labels and digital transparency in a more intuitive way. As Martin puts it, ”It’s about making information easy to access and genuinely useful – both for the brand and the end consumer.”

This article is part of our series highlighting Nilörn’s specialist departments. Next time, we’ll share more insights from across our organisation.

Trims and packaging with sustainability in focus

Madeléne Wallin — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:27:57 +0000

Part of a series:
Inside the Specialist Departments

Trims and packaging with sustainability in focus

A Conversation with Nilörn’s Sustainability Manager Anna-Karin Wårfors.

Inside the Specialist Departments is our series highlighting the people behind the labels – our specialists driving progress in innovation, sustainability, and compliance at Nilörn. In this edition, we speak with Anna-Karin Wårfors, Sustainability Manager, about her role, current priorities, and how her team is navigating a time of rising expectations and responsibility.

Continue reading: 3 min read

A Global perspective on sustainability

Since joining Nilörn in 2017, Anna-Karin Wårfors has played a key role in integrating sustainability across the company’s operations – from supply chains to product development and client collaboration. With a background in CSR at Gina Tricot and purchasing at Corporate Express Sweden, she also holds a master’s in international business from Linköping University. Outside of work, she lives with her family on a farm with Gotland sheep and miniature Shetland ponies, and she also serves as a national show jumping judge.

What initially attracted Anna-Karin to Nilörn was its international presence. “Working with global brands offers diverse perspectives and insight into how sustainability is approached in different markets and regions,” she explains. A key responsibility when she joined Nilörn was building the reporting structure for sustainability initiatives. “This involved developing frameworks to track and measure progress toward the company’s sustainability goals.”

Staying ahead of regulation and industry change

The field of sustainability has changed significantly since Anna-Karin started at Nilörn. “It’s a constantly evolving area,” she reflects. “Much of the development is driven by tightening regulations, but also by a genuine ambition to improve.”

To stay ahead, her team works closely with internal departments and the wider supply chain—sharing knowledge, adapting strategies, and aligning with industry expectations. “We want to remain a relevant supplier, which means being proactive and well-informed.”

Legislation like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the

European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) have already made a major impact.

“We’ve invested a lot of time to understand how these frameworks affect our operations and what data we need to collect,” Anna-Karin shares.

Traceability has also become a growing priority. “Our clients are at the heart of what we do,” she explains. “To continue being a preferred supplier, we need to understand their sustainability goals and deliver tailored solutions that support them.”

This includes in-depth supply chain mapping — a process that often demands substantial time and resources to gather the necessary data but is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability.

Another critical element is product certification. “Having the correct certifications demonstrates compliance and builds trust with clients and stakeholders,” she adds.

“It’s not just about staying aligned internally – we’re also responsible for keeping our suppliers informed. This includes sharing updates on regulatory changes, best practices, and technological developments. In doing so, we help them stay aligned with our standards, which ultimately strengthens the efficiency and reliability of the entire supply chain.”

Rapid technological advancements are transforming how we approach sustainability, offering new tools and solutions to help us reach our goals.

Technology as a driver of progress

Alongside regulatory adaptation and meeting clients’ needs, Anna-Karin highlights the importance of embracing emerging technologies to scale sustainability. “We’re constantly adapting to new platforms and client systems. When clients implement new tools to improve supply chain operations, we must stay agile and responsive. That includes delivering reliable and accurate data to support those systems,” she says.

When asked what excites her most, Anna-Karin points to innovation. “Rapid technological advancements are transforming how we approach sustainability, offering new tools and solutions to help us reach our goals. I believe artificial intelligence (AI), for example, will support us in better monitoring and managing data, particularly around our environmental impact.”

Cross-team collaboration

Effective collaboration is central to sustainability at Nilörn. “Each team member contributes unique skills, and we make a point of sharing knowledge regularly,” says Anna-Karin. “We work closely across departments through our CSR and Sustainability Advisory Team (CSAT), which brings together representatives from design, purchasing, sales, marketing, and CSR. This is how we ensure best practices are embedded across the company.”

An internal working group also focuses on preparing for upcoming regulations like the CSRD. “It includes representatives from senior management, HR, CSR, purchasing, and finance,” she explains. “In 2025, our primary focus is on implementing our enhanced reporting structure and moving forward with the double materiality assessment process. The group also addresses key areas such as managing ESG risks and identifying opportunities.”

Projects that make a difference

The company is also investing in  reducing emissions, moving toward renewable energy and improving efficiency to reduce its carbon footprint.

At the same time, ESG integration is becoming embedded in Nilörn’s strategy.

”It’s not only about compliance – it’s about building a more resilient and responsible organisation over the long term.”

Anna-Karin is optimistic about what lies ahead. “We’re committed to being a preferred supplier to clients by staying ahead of regulations and fostering a culture of sustainability,” she says. “We have a fantastic team dedicated to this mission and we’re actively exploring new technologies, such as AI and digital transformation, to improve our sustainability management and reporting.

As expectations grow, so does the need for seamless collaboration. “Working in silos is no longer viable.

What is required are integrated systems and partnerships across departments and the entire supply chain,” she concludes.

“In the near term, our focus is on tracking our environmental footprint and continuing to push forward with improvements that make a real difference.”

This article is part of our series spotlighting Nilörn’s specialist departments. Join us next time as we highlight our expertise within our RIS (Retail Information Service) Department.

The role of compliance in labelling

Madeléne Wallin — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:38:45 +0000

Part of a series:
Inside the Specialist Departments

The role of compliance in labelling

A Conversation with Nilörn’s Global Compliance Specialist Jennifer Elze.

Welcome to  Inside the Specialist Departments, a series that spotlights the experts behind innovation, sustainability, and compliance at Nilörn. In this first piece, we explore the important role of the Compliance department at Nilörn and how it ensures the company’s products and services align with global regulations. The department also plays a key part in supporting clients and the broader textile industry on their journey towards circularity. We spoke with Jennifer Elze, Nilörn’s Global Compliance Specialist to learn about her role, area of expertise and what the future holds for compliance in labelling.

Continue reading: 4 min read

From textile and clothing management to global compliance

With a Master’s degree in Textile Management from the Swedish School of Textiles in Borås and roots in Germany, Jennifer Elze has centered her career around the textile industry. Her journey reflects a blend of international academic pursuits and diverse professional roles, all of which have shaped her expertise in compliance.

“I call myself a textile professional with roots in Germany.” Jennifer says “When reflecting on my

experiences and decisions, it feels natural for me to work in compliance, within the textile industry. An unexpected, yet much important end of the value chain – and as part of a great team.”

Jennifer’s journey into textiles began with a transformative year in Wales. “That experience solidified my decision to study Textile and Clothing Management,” she explains. Her Bachelor studies in Germany led to an internship in Bangladesh, and connected her with the Swedish School of Textiles in Borås, where she earned her Master’s degree with a specialisation in Value Chain Management.

Her career spans roles in customer service, sales, translations, and product development. However, her entry into the shoe care industry introduced her to chemical and labelling compliance, laying the foundation for her current role.

“It was challenging but also super interesting – it shaped my approach to research, make use of information, problem-solving, and collaboration – all of which prepared me for the role I have today.”

What does compliance at Nilörn involve?

At Nilörn, Jennifer’s role as Global Compliance Specialist involves ensuring the company and its clients are prepared for the constantly shifting landscape of legal requirements.

“Basically, I need to know of and monitor any legal changes that concern the labelling of textile products and packaging, including obligations in connection to the labelling that will affect both our clients and Nilörn”, she explains. “This means I spend a lot of time conducting research and keeping a close eye on developments at both regional and global levels.”

In addition to research and monitoring, Jennifer also actively participates in industry organisations and working groups focused on legislative changes in areas such as CSR and sustainability. “The information we gather is shared internally and externally to ensure that Nilörn and our clients remain informed and compliant. Open discussions with clients are also a key part of the job, helping them navigate their specific challenges.”

Labels serve as a vital medium for sharing important information with consumers, authorities, and other business partners across the value chain.

Why is compliance critical in labelling?

While labelling and compliance may not always be the focal point in the textiles industry, Jennifer underscores their increasingly important role. ”Labelling and packaging are crucial touchpoints in a product’s lifecycle,” she explains. ”They serve as a vital medium for sharing important information with consumers, authorities, and other business partners across the value chain. This information ensures the safe handling, use, disposal, and movement of goods. Without them, businesses cannot operate efficiently or responsibly.”

For Jennifer, it’s the ongoing challenges and changing regulations that make the field exciting. ”New rules are constantly being introduced, and each one requires further exploration – in short, it never gets boring.“

What trends are transforming the compliance landscape?

The compliance landscape is evolving rapidly, and Jennifer sees plenty of changes on the horizon.

”Generally, it is important to aim for long-term compliance and not just short-term solutions. Everything that is done today should contribute to the aim of a circular economy”.

She identifies several key trends reshaping how businesses approach labelling and packaging in response to changing regulations. One major trend is the rise of  Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) “As EPR frameworks are implemented worldwide, businesses must ensure they comply to maintain seamless operations,” Jennifer says. This shift is pushing companies to take full responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, including disposal and recycling.

Packaging and material innovation is another area undergoing significant change.

Regulations like the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation are driving bus-inesses to rethink their packaging design and material choices.

“This will create demand for recycled materials and reusable yet recyclable packaging designs that minimise weight and empty space while still fulfilling their function,” Jennifer notes. This trend blends compliance with sustainability, reducing waste across the entire packaging lifecycle.

Equally transformative is the rise of digital labelling. “Digital labelling will be a fact. This is currently addressed in multiple legislative pieces, not only in the EU.” Jennifer explains. Digital labels will change how product information is communicated, offering a more dynamic and accessible way to provide details to consumers, businesses, and regulatory bodies.

As a result – the need for data handling and product knowledge is growing. “Businesses must excel in tracking every detail of a product’s lifecycle, ensuring accurate information for part-ners, consumers, and authorities,” Jennifer says.

“Clear, truthful and verifiable communication on labels is becoming essential, focusing on verifiable claims that consumers can understand and that are relevant and as specific as possible,” Jennifer emphasises. As consumers demand transparency, businesses must ensure compliance with rules for Green Claims and start revising current communication strategies.

Finally, Jennifer stresses the need for colla-boration and innovation to proactively prepare for future regulations, like the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and the Digital Product Passport. As Jennifer puts it;

“The path towards a circular economy will require rethinking on multiple levels, business structures, products, services – a challenge that everyone faces.”

How does Nilörn foster collaboration and innovation in compliance?

As collaboration is key to making compliance embedded in the textile industry’s labelling and packaging processes – It’s equally true for making it an integral part of Nilörn’s services. Jennifer works closely with other departments, conducting training sessions, participating in cross-departmental projects, and providing tools and resources through the company’s digital platforms.

To support Nilörn’s clients, Jennifer is deeply involved in the launch of a new webinar series in 2025 called Knowledge Hub.

“There’s a growing interest in accessing expert knowledge and having active discussions. Our webinar series will be a forum for sharing insights, recommendations, and solutions to the challenges our clients are facing.”

Given the rapid changes in the compliance field, Jennifer believes that compliance will continue to grow in importance. As regulatory shifts unfold, compliance experts will play an essential role in guiding businesses through these changes. “Everything that is done today should contribute to the aim of a circular economy,” Jennifer concludes. “It’s exciting to be a part of this process and to see how legislation evolves to enable such change.”

This article is part of our series spotlighting Nilörn’s specialist departments. Join us next time as we highlight our expertise within the Sustainability Department.

Meet our Material and Innovation Specialist

Madeléne Wallin — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:23:58 +0000

Meet our Material and Innovation Specialist

Interview, June 19, 2024

Introducing Christina Heines

As we prepare for the Future Fabrics Expo 2024 in London on June 25-26, we want to introduce you to Christina Heines, our Material and Innovation Specialist at Nilörn.

To gain a deeper insight into Christina’s role and expertise here at Nilörn, we asked her a few questions about her commitment to materials and innovation within the textile and fashion industry.

Could you please start by sharing some details about your background and how you came to be Nilörn's Material and Innovation Specialist?

With a background in fashion and textile design, I worked in various design fields before joining Nilörn in 2014. Initially, I worked with the design team focusing on creative concept development. I enjoy connecting great aesthetics with responsible product design. Eco-design principles, such as design for recycling, traceability and transparency are key to my work. In 2021, I was appointed as Nilörn’s Material and Innovation Specialist. My mission is to lever innovation at Nilörn, and to help our clients make informed decisions.

What do you find most rewarding about working in this field?

Sustainability is a natural part of my lifestyle, and I enjoy bringing this aspect into my professional sphere. I’m inspired by the Cradle-to-Cradle school of thought and find it fulfilling to integrate its principles into my work. Specifically, I aim to improve our products to better align with the concept of circularity.

How do you see Nilörn's focus on preferred materials contributing to shaping the future of labelling and packaging within the textile and fashion industry?

Envisioning the future of trims and packaging within the textile and fashion industry, Nilörn’s focus on preferred materials is integral to circular product design.

An internal LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) project on one of our core products, demonstrated that material production has the greatest impact on climate change, followed by energy consumption during production. By using recycled, renewable and traceable materials, we aim to substantially reduce the impact of our products. Likewise, when supporting our clients in choosing preferred materials, we foster sustainable consumption with a lower environmental footprint.

In our product design, we integrate circular thinking, aiming to create products that can be recycled at the end of their useful life. We acknowledge the current limitations in the recyclability of textile parts and accessories and continuously monitor advancements in the recycling industry to improve end-of-life options for our products.

Choosing recycled, renewable and traceable materials, and designing products with their end-of-life in mind, will be key for brands not only to reduce their environmental footprint, but also to comply with incoming legislation.

Lastly, what are you most looking forward to at the Future Fabrics Expo, and how can attendees connect with you during the event?

Since exchange, feedback and knowledge sharing are essential to my work, I am very much looking forward to connecting with industry professionals, material enthusiasts and potential partners during the show. For those planning to attend – I look forward to meeting you at Nilörn’s booth. Additionally, I will be attending the evening networking event.

Come meet Christina and learn more about our vision on new materials for trims and packaging at the Future Fabrics Expo 2024. Book your ticket here to join us in June

For more updates and insights:

Christina Heines

Christina Heines is the Material and Innovation Specialist at Nilörn. She is leading Nilorn’s Material Team – launched in 2021 – helping to accelerate and promote new material developments and innovation at Nilörn on a global level.

Christina’s background is Design. Before starting with the Material Team in her role as Material and Innovation Specialist, she has been working for seven years with Branding Design with a strong focus on sustainable innovation at Nilörn Germany.

Prior to Nilörn, Christina has worked in Design in several disciplines ranging from fashion design to textile and graphic design. Sustainability and a strong focus on material innovation has been at the heart of her work ever since. Christina is based in Nilorn’s german office in Hilden.

Connect with Christina on Linkedin