In the early 2000s, we chose to be certified under Svensk Miljöbas (a Swedish environmental certification framework) as a way to structure and clarify our environmental work. What initially focused on our own operations has since evolved into a comprehensive system covering the entire value chain, including social responsibility in our supplier network. We work with clear goals for areas such as purchasing, transport, recycling, and waste management, and we review progress annually through internal checks and numerous external audits.

A low price also has a price

Already in 2004, we published our first sustainability report. We were early pioneers in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), actively addressing issues that were far from standard in many production countries at the time — such as safe fire exits, reasonable working hours, and correct overtime compensation.
As part of this work, we developed our own CSR handbook based on our Code of Conduct and shared a clear message: “A low price also has a price.” To ensure it truly reached its audience, we translated the handbook into Chinese. For many years, we worked intensively with internal inspections, cultural awareness, and long-term improvement efforts.

In 2011, we carried out our first third party external social responsibility audit, and since then we have reviewed our factories annually — both through internal follow-ups and independent external controls. In recent years, this work has been further strengthened through our membership in BSCI/amfori, where our suppliers are evaluated according to international guidelines for working conditions and ethical responsibility.

When testing chemical content we even anticipate future regulations

The next major step came in 2014, when we completed a full inventory of our product stock based on chemical content. Together with our chemical consultant, we have since actively tested our products in professional laboratories — not only according to standard requirements, but through tailored analyses based on each product’s unique materials and risk profile. We work with a deep and preventive approach, considering not only today’s regulations, but tomorrow’s as well.

Our long-term efforts also began to receive external recognition. In 2015, we were named Supplier of the Year by the promotional products industry.

In 2017, we received the “Initiative of the Year” award from the Municipality of Jönköping, Sweden. Part of the motivation stated:

“AD Company is a company of our time that clearly demonstrates that it is possible to build commercial success on sustainability and social responsibility.”

We continued in the same direction and deepened our work on traceability. Most of our suppliers have partnered with us for decades, which makes it easier to meet rising demands for transparency. At the end of 2022, we extended our responsibility to include not only main producers, but also the actors behind raw materials and components. This gives us better insight, stronger control, and greater ability to influence every step — from raw material to finished product.

We monitor our complete carbon footprint

In 2023, we began a complete carbon footprint calculation for our entire business using the GHG method (Greenhouse Gas Protocol). We now track the climate impact of each individual product annually across scopes 1, 2 and 3 of the GHG Protocol.

During 2024, we started phasing out standard materials and instead choosing recycled materials for all new purchases — a concrete effort that reduces our climate footprint and takes our responsibility one step further.

In 2025, we took another important step: we became the first importer in Sweden — and likely in Europe — to stock a wide range of PFAS-free products made from recycled materials. Research leaves no doubt: PFAS poses documented risks to both human health and the environment — and we take that extremely seriously.

In January 2026, we were awarded the “Sustainability Award of the Year” with the following motivation:

“The Sustainability Award of the Year is presented to an organisation that consistently leads the way in environmental and sustainability work. As a team, you take responsibility for the environment we all share, with truly ambitious goals. You work continuously with a genuine focus on a long-term strategy to improve the products brought to market – most recently with the objective of becoming PFAS-free.”