our Own production
Since 2001 we have our own workwear production at our factory Stritex in Ukraine. In the past few years, Stritex has both seen increased production efficiency and remarkable growth. Now the factory also aims to be in the forefront when it comes to environmental responsibility.
The Stritex factory is in Stryi in western Ukraine and has been running for over 70 years, from the beginning producing school uniforms for the Soviet Union. For the last 20 years the factory has been producing workwear – specialising in more advanced garments such as multinorm and flame-retardant clothing. Stritex also plays a critical role in our work to close the loop on our production, as the factory produced our first circular product in 2023.
Energy-saving ventilation
The factory has an upgraded ventilation system, saving energy and cleaning and disinfecting the air inside.
Cutting down on transports
By moving some key functions, like Stritex’ marker maker office, technical support team and purchasing to the factory in Stryi to get them closer to production, the number of transports has decreased..
Waste handling
All waste is separated and almost everything is recycled – paper, plastic and fabric. Small fabric parts are reused as insulation and filling for pillows and sofas. All the fabrics and trims are sourced from Riga and other parts of Europe and the factory generates very little waste.
New sewing machines
In 2021, Stritex started to replace the engines on its sewing machines with quieter, more energy efficient models, a project that will continue during 2022.
LED lighting and solar panels
The next project on the list is to exchange all lights to LED and install rooftop solar panels to further lower the energy consumption of the factory.
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, with disastrous consequences. While the war has affected the mental health of many employees, it has also increased the sense of togetherness and urgency of working towards a common goal: victory. From the management to every single worker, the commitment has been unwavering. By going to work, receiving a salary, and paying taxes – which in turn fund the army – our Ukrainian colleagues feel like they are making an important contribution to the defense of their country.
The war has not changed Fristads’ long-term commitment to remain in Ukraine and expand the production, since having a strong hub in Eastern Europe is strategically important to us. Should Stritex’ management team at some point decide that it is too dangerous to keep the factory open, a contingency plan developed by Fristads’ global task force will go into effect. Keeping the employees and their families safe is, and will always be, our first priority.
Several Stritex employees have been mobilised by the Ukrainan Army since the start of the war. Of those who were deployed, at least one had been injured and one had been killed as of the end of 2023. For Fristads, the role of wartime employer has necessitated a new level of social and corporate responsibility, and at this difficult time, we are supporting our employees to the best of our ability, for example by giving financial assistance to workers that have been mobilised for the army and to employees whose close family members have been injured or killed in the war.
“The war touches everyone because we all have a neighbor or family member who is deployed. We are scared and worried about our children, but as humans we have somehow learned to adapt to the war.”
Galina Kreminets, CEO of Stritex
More content for you:
At our office in Hongkong, professionals from all over the world work together to improve the operation and quality of the products, and ensure good working environments.
High-quality products and long-term partnerships are closely connected. Our suppliers are thoroughly screened to ensure that they meet our requirements.
Our sustainability strategy aims to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals by setting targets to align with the 1.5°C warming pathway in the Paris Agreement.