Using resources wisely supports both the longevity of our products and our environmental responsibility. We improve water and energy efficiency, reduce waste and develop processes that decrease our overall impacts. We also aim to advance toward circularity in our value chains.
Reducing water use across the value chain
Material choices have a direct impact on water use. Climate change is likely to further intensify water scarcity and its uneven distribution, which is why it is extremely important that we reduce water use in our value chain. Increasing the share of organic and recycled materials as well as new material innovations helps us reduce water consumption in our supply chains. Water-saving innovations can also help us lower the intensity of water use.
We reached an important milestone in 2024 when our target related to textile water scarcity was exceeded for the first time. In 2025, the water scarcity score of textiles sourced by Marimekko per sourced kilogram was an impressive 84% lower than in the 2019 target base year (target -50%). The water scarcity score takes into account blue water consumption in the cradle-to-gate production of textiles and the water scarcity of the area where the water is used. The main reason behind achieving the target is the increased share of organic and recycled cotton.
In addition to material choices, Marimekko aims to reduce the amount of water used in product manufacturing by selecting water-saving techniques.
Each of us can help reduce water use by washing products less often at home. Airing and local stain removal can help avoid unnecessary washing and reduce environmental impacts.
Efficient water use at Marimekko’s printing factory
We aim to use water efficiently at our own printing factory. At the printing factory, water is mainly used for steam production and for washing fabrics and tools. Water consumption varies depending on the fabrics being printed and the printing colors used; for example, some fabrics require two washing cycles instead of one. In addition, we recycle water in those printing processes where this is possible, for example in washing the belts of rotary and flatbed printing machines.
Our printing factory operates under an environmental permit that sets requirements, among other things, for wastewater monitoring and quality.
Material efficiency, recycling and partnerships
We minimize the amount of waste and maximize the recycling and reuse of materials in our operations. Our goal is to move toward a value chain in line with circular economy.
We continuously strive to improve the material efficiency of our production so that valuable materials are not wasted. Decisions made in the design phase influence material consumption. For example, we reduce cutting waste by taking into account the size and placement of prints on the fabric and by designing products of different sizes from the same fabric. We also measure material efficiency at our printing factory and headquarters: 100 percent of the waste collected from the printing factory and headquarters is recycled as material or utilized in energy production.
Turning cutting waste into new fiber
One important way for us to support waste reduction and textile-to-textile recycling is to advance a closed-loop production model. Closed loop is a special process in which waste materials generated in Marimekko’s production are used as part of the raw material for new Marimekko products. For example, the cutting waste from our classic Tasaraita shirt is collected, recycled and remade into yarn. This allows us to create new unique colors that can be transferred into products without re-dyeing. This saves water and also encourages our design teams to consider which products best bring out the strengths of recycled fibers and color variation – creating products that bring joy for a long time.
Our first products based on closed-loop production were launched in fall 2023. Since then, they have appeared season after season, not only in clothing but also in bags and accessories as well as home products, most recently in terry bath products in 2025. In Europe, for example, Marimekko has a partner network through which we produce closed-loop products, and we aim to continue expanding this network.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy use
At the Helsinki printing factory and headquarters, we currently use only renewable energy: renewable biogas, district heating and electricity. Part of the electricity used at the headquarters is produced by solar panels located on the roof of the headquarters. In 2025, 80% of all energy used at the headquarters, offices and stores was renewable.
A significant share of the greenhouse gas emissions generated over the lifetime of a long-lasting product comes from product care, meaning washing, drying and ironing. We recommend caring for our products in ways that save energy, and in our comprehensive online care guide we provide several practical tips for reducing the emissions caused by product care.
Chemicals management and compliance
We continuously strive to reduce the amount of chemicals used in our supply chain, because various chemicals are used in textile manufacturing processes such as bleaching, dyeing, printing and finishing to ensure the appearance and properties of textiles. The use of chemicals in production is strictly regulated in Europe, for example through the REACH chemicals legislation. Marimekko’s other markets, such as Japan and the United States, also have their own stringent chemical legislation.
To ensure compliance with both statutory requirements and our own, even stricter requirements, we have established principles for environmental matters and chemicals management for both our own printing factory and our supplier partners. We monitor compliance with our requirements through risk-based material tests or product-specific analytical tests carried out in external laboratories.
For its contract manufacturers, Marimekko has chemicals management principles that are specified in contracts and in the company’s Restricted Substances List (RSL). Compliance with the Restricted Substances List is also monitored through random testing based on risk assessment.
Chemicals management in production and printing
Ninety-eight percent of the fabrics printed at our own printing factory are certified according to the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® criteria. The certificate guarantees that the products or materials have been tested and shown not to contain chemicals defined in the criteria as harmful to people or the environment. The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification mark is also currently used, for example, for towels and bed linen produced for us by our contract manufacturers.
Marimekko’s own printing factory offers a unique opportunity to test innovative dyestuffs and other printing chemicals in the printing process. Our printing factory has its own environmental and chemicals management processes in place.
Product safety and regulatory compliance
We make sure that our products meet the applicable health and safety requirements and are safe to use for their intended purpose. Safety is a self-evident starting point for us and is considered from design all the way to the finished product.
PVC plastic and PFC compounds are not used in Marimekko products. Our products are not treated with flame retardants, nor do we use biocides in our products or to protect them during transportation, meaning active substances intended, for example, to protect against microbes.
The CE safety marking guarantees that the product meets EU health, safety and environmental requirements that ensure consumer safety. For example, reflectors, oven mittens and potholders must carry the CE mark.
Our dishes and tin cans are food safe. Legislation related to food safety protects human health from harmful substances that could migrate from a material or article into food.