African cotton makes first foray in Norway with new partnership with Kid Interior
CmiA, Cotton made in Africa foray into Norway through its new partnership with KID INTERIOR, specialized in home textiles with a typically Scandinavian modern and minimalistic design touch. The company is the first CmiA Demand Alliance Partner in Norway. KID INTERIOR by cooperation with CmiA supports fair working conditions for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and helps to protect the environment
All home textiles by KID INTERRIOR that carry the CmiA quality label are produced on the African continent and thereby create job opportunities within the African textile value chain.
By sourcing CmiA certified cotton for its products Kid Norway sets an example for sustainable textiles in Norway. With Cotton made in Africa they have voted for a well-recognized sustainability standard that offers several added values for their customers and they as a company can profit from CmiA who helps them to engage hundred thousands of smallholder farmers in Africa who produce the high-quality fibre for their products.
Stian Brandhagen, Head of CSR at KID INTERIOR said that they additionally protect their precious natural resources and can offer their customers products in the same high quality and style KID is known for.
For its production, KID INTERIOR works with MNS Manufacturing Plc in Ethiopia. The Turkish-based textile company has opened its vertically integrated factory in Ethiopia in 2013 and has thereby created job opportunities for several hundred Ethiopians.
For Tina Stridde, Managing Director of CmiA, the cooperation with KID INTERIOR marks a decisive step within the history of CmiA. Scandinavian textiles are known for its quality and style. KID shows us now that companies can adhere to quality as well as design values while engaging for sustainability. It is the best proof that sustainability in fashion is possible and the new trend.
CmiA cotton is cultivated under strict ethical standards. Independent organizations regularly monitor whether fair working conditions are ensured for CmiA smallholder farmers. Trainings enable them to increase their yields and thereby income. As CmiA farmers only practice rain-fed cultivation, a t-shirt produced with CmiA-cotton saves more than 500 litres of water.
Kid Interiør established in 1937, in Norway have more than 130 company-owned store. It has a vision to have 100 % more sustainable cotton by 2020 in all cotton products having implemented sustainable cotton in all cotton products.