In 2022, the Norwegian company Stokke signed the Science Based Target Initiative to measure and reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and committed to the responsible sourcing of wood for its worldwide recognized children’s products. The company wants all its wood products to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council by 2030. It is also committed to implementing fair practices in its supply chain and in 2022 became a member of SEDEX, a global membership organization that connects businesses all over the world to improve business practices.
The report also highlights the company’s comprehensive Child Development and Sustainability Strategy based on five of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which includes a three-year partnership with the University of Copenhagen signed last April.
Through the partnership with the university, Stokke has committed to funding a three-year long PhD study on learning and social development at the dining table. Through this collaboration, it will gain unique scientific-evidence-based insights to ensure Stokke’s business strategy and new product development (NPD) continue to be informed by cutting edge research into child development.
“Early childhood development is one of the most critical paths in a child’s life, and we believe we have an important role to play in how families come together around mealtimes. This partnership aligns well with our mission to strengthen the connection between parent and child, and to promote child development,” explains CEO at Stokke, Jacob Kragh.
Jacob continues, “Our overall sustainability strategy aspires to make Stokke the obvious choice for parents who want to see change. We believe that the most sustainable products are the ones you never have to replace. Our products are not only designed with superior functionality for comfort but also to bring children closer to their parents – and importantly, they have been proven to last.”
The three-year partnership focusing on child development is welcomed by the University of Copenhagen, and of great importance to the institution’s future work.
As Dr. Johanne Smith-Nielsen, Associate Professor Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist and supervisor of the partnership project explains; “The early years of life have impact on our development throughout our lives. Every interaction is a window of opportunity for learning and development”.
