For over 170 years, Devold has built its business on wool – balancing quality with responsibility. But sustainability needs action, not just promises. 5WITHIN5 is Devold’s plan to deliver measurable progress across five key areas in five years.
Approved by the board in October 2024, the strategy holds leadership accountable, aligns with international standards on human rights and environmental responsibility, and integrates sustainability into core business practices.
Why five years?
Corporate leadership cycles average five to eight years. By setting a five-year timeline, Devold ensures those making the commitments also drive the results.
More than compliance - a competitive edge
5WITHIN5 isn’t about meeting minimum standards. It’s built on internationally recognised methodologies and standards, clear KPIs, and full transparency – turning sustainability into a strategic advantage, not just a regulatory requirement. Using third-party certifications or standards means raising the bar on transparency and accountability. We build trust, sharpen our competitive edge, and reinforce Devold’s leadership in responsible business.
5WITHIN5 Targets
From 2024 to 2029, Devold is focusing on five key sustainability priorities, that are measurable, time-bound and built for real impact.
Each target has clear KPIs and annual milestones to track progress. Many initiatives are already underway.
Supports SDG13 Climate action
In November 2023, Devold committed to setting science-based targets, aiming to halve greenhouse gas emissions from own operations by 2030 (baseline 2021) and to achieve net-zero by 2050.
Devold is on track to meet its climate targets. By investing in solar energy and transitioning heating systems at the textile mill, and the strategic use of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), operational targets (Scope 1 and 2) are expected to be met ahead of schedule. In 2023, Devold's Scope 1 and 2 emissions were 540 tonnes CO2e using the location-based method and 1,608 tonnes CO2e using the market-based method.
Key actions:
- Moving wool processing to low-carbon countries
- Investing in solar energy and low-emission heating systems
Targets by 2029:
- 100 % renewable electricity (Scope 2) by 2025. Status: In progress.
- 90% reduction in our direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) (vs. 2021-levels). Status: In progress.
- Shift wool processing to low-carbon electricity regions. Status: Achieved (95% in 2024).
Supports SDG12 Responsible consumption and production
The best way to reduce impact? Make products that last and are worn for years.
Devold’s overall focus is on ‘impact per wear’, as the more frequently a garment is worn, the lower its overall environmental impact. Therefore, stability in our collections is essential. A longer market presence demonstrates durable design and allows for thorough product development and testing – and does not drive overconsumption.
Key actions:
- Designing high-quality, timeless garments
- Expanding repair services and spare parts availability
Targets by 2029:
- 50%+ of products remain in collections for multiple seasons. Status: Achieved (59% in 2024/2025). Reported longevity may be understated due to product name changes and updates.
- Maintain return/claims ratio below 1 % (reflecting durability). Status: Achieved. 0.15% of sales in 2023
- Expand repair network and self-repair options. Status: Delayed.
Supports SDG13 Climate action, SDG14 Life below water, SDG15 Life on land, and SDG17 Partnership
Devold will continue to prioritise product design and fibres that prepare for recycling and decompose at the end of the product's life cycle. This means functional design principles and the primary use of natural fibres, alongside man-made cellulose fibres.
Key actions:
- Increasing the use of natural, biodegradable fibres
- Avoiding plastic-based fibres that contribute to long-term pollution
- Expanding the use of recycled wool where it maintains quality and performance
Targets by 2029:
- Interim target: Establish a baseline for biodegradable materials and assess alternatives. Status: In progress. Delayed.
- 100 % FSC-certified and/or recycled cardboard packaging. Status: Achieved.
- 10% pre-consumer recycled wool in products. Status: In progress, piloting in 2025.
Supports 11 of the 17 SDGs
Devold will adopt ISO 14024 Type I ecolabelling schemes (the EU Ecolabel for merino wool products and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel for Originals) to effectively document environmental credentials. This target will strengthen our collaboration within the supply chain and help establish harmonised requirements across the industry.
The type 1 Ecolabels are awarded to products that demonstrate environmental excellence within their respective categories. Their objective is to reduce the overall environmental impact of consumption. To achieve this, the assessment for ecolabeled products covers the entire product life cycle – from raw materials to production, use, disposal, and recycling. The processing requirements also minimise risks to the health of factory workers and surrounding communities.
This target aligns with our target for fibres. To ensure garments decompose effectively, Devold prioritises the avoidance of harmful chemicals in additives and dyes that could persist in the soil or water after the fibres have degraded.
Key actions:
- Expanding certified product lines
- Securing the most credible and rigorous sustainability labels
Targets by 2029:
- 90% of Originals products Type 1 ecolabel-certified. Status: Near completion.
- 100% of eligible workwear Type 1 ecolabel-certified. Status: In progress.
- 70%+ of Outdoor products Type 1 ecolabel-certified. Status: In progress.
Supporting KPIs:
- 100% of products certified under Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Status: Not yet achieved (74,5% in FW24 and 80.5% in SS25).
- 100% of eligible workwear certified under Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Status: Near completion at 97.4%. (Overall, 79% of workwear is Oeko-Tex certified, with 9 out of 10 non-certified products unable to be certified due to technical requirements.)
Support SDG 1 No Poverty and SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG5 Gender Equality, and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
A fair supply chain starts with ensuring workers earn a living wage, not just minimum wage. At Devold, due diligence is embedded in the business strategy: Devold maintains vertical integration and source directly whenever possible as part of the quality control and risk management approach. This ensures oversight of the production process and enables Devold to provide a living wage to our workers and negotiate fair terms with our wool growers.
Key actions:
- Strengthening direct partnerships with wool growers
- Supporting worker representation and union engagement
Targets by 2029:
- 100% direct wool sourcing from New Zealand. Status: Achieved in 2018 with direct sourcing model ‘Sheep to Shop’.
- All Devold employees in the vertically integrated supply chain receive a living wage. Status: Achieved.
- 100 % living wage coverage in external Tier 1 suppliers. Status: 93% achieved in 2023 (Anker methodology). All workers were compensated at or above the minimum wage.