PARTNERSHIPS

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT COMPANY FINDS NEW USES FOR TRANEMO FABRIC

Tranemo was asked by the Junior Achievement company Flameless if we would consider selling them waste fabric to support their business of making flame retardant aprons.

. The fledgling business was run by Jonathan Anderson, Peter Hörstedt, Vendela Palmqvist and Ida Andersson. This seemed to be a natural partnership for Tranemo, in line with our World Care vision. We were also curious about the company and took the opportunity to interview the young people behind the apron business.

How did you come up with this business idea?

We had access to some flame retardant waste fabric. So we thought, what can we do with this to make it useful? Someone suggested making aprons. It seemed like a good idea, easy to manufacture, and we can sell a lot.

How did you develop the design?

We called a number of chefs to ask them what features they would like in an apron. We learned that the aprons should have a pocket and a towel loop sewn on the front.

What’s unique about your apron?

Safety is the most important feature, but we also like to point out that each apron is unique. We combine them with a variety of different pockets and towel loops. If you buy an apron from us, every one is unique. And we only use waste materials – even the leather and packaging they come in. This makes it a very environmentally friendly product. It’s important to us that our products are environmentally friendly.

How is manufacturing working out?

The pieces are cut by Tranemo. Then the aprons are stitched together at Idésömnad in Borås. The pockets and towel loops are made of leather from Elmo. We sew these on ourselves. It’s important to us that all the manufacturing is done locally. We had the option of making them in Poland but we decided against that. Everything should be local. The image we are promoting is sustainability.

So who buys your aprons?

Right now a lot of them go to companies. We have marketed the apron to companies as a Christmas gift. We have also sold a large number to individuals through social media, trade fairs and Christmas markets.

What have you learned from running a Junior Achievement company?

That it’s important to have a vision and goal for the future. We have also learned a lot about production and regulations. We have gained insight into how to run a business – how you should conduct yourself and how you build a brand.

What are your thoughts on the future of the company?

Right now we only make aprons, but the plan is to start making gloves, pot holders and towels.