Fjällräven is turning leftovers into treasure with Samlaren project

This Spring and Summer 2023 (launching April 18), Fjällräven introduces a second collection of clothing and equipment from its Samlaren project, designed to give leftover fabrics new life.
All products are based on classic Fjällräven designs with time-proven constructions and functionality using upcycled materials and an elevated design.
2021 saw the launch of the immediately popular Samlaren collection with many of the limited styles selling out quickly. Samlaren (the Swedish word for Gatherer), is a capsule collection of Fjällräven products with one-of-a-kind designs and colour combinations.
“Our production processes don’t create large amounts of leftover materials, which is good, and which is why Samlaren is a limited collection. But until we get so efficient that there simply aren’t any leftover materials at all in our processes, Samlaren is an inspiring way for us to turn the leftovers we have, into treasured pieces,” said Henrik Andersson, Global Creative Director
A Fjällräven legacy of innovation and sustainability
The idea for the Samlaren project, as far as Fjällräven is concerned, is not new. In 1964 founder Åke Nordin stowed away a roll of fabric that just didn’t make the cut during the development of his ground-breaking Thermo Tent. A few years later, that very roll of fabric was deemed perfect for making the first Fjällräven garment – the iconic and legendary Greenland Jacket. This pragmatic approach to resources has been part of the Fjällräven DNA ever since.
“In the broad scope of our work with sustainability, minimizing waste is a crucial part and Samlaren is an effective and elegant way of doing that. The leftover materials have already been produced according to our strict requirements on sustainability and durability, so Samlaren products, like all Fjällräven products, are long term investments, ready for many many years of outdoor use,” said Saskia Bloch, Global Sustainability Director
New limited and hand-numbered Samlaren jackets, shirts, dungarees and shorts will be available on the Fjällräven website and in selected stores on April 18, 2023. New limited Samlaren Kånken and Samlaren Haulpack will follow on June 6, 2023.
Q&A
Fjällräven Samlaren
Saskia Bloch, Global Sustainability Director and Henrik Andersson, Global Creative Director
What is the idea behind Samlaren?
Henrik: It’s an initiative to use waste and leftovers from production and turn it into timeless, functional and durable outdoor equipment. That way, we turn a problem into an opportunity. I like the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and with Samlaren we are turning our leftover materials into iconic and treasurable pieces.
Saskia: The production of a fabric or garment accounts for a large share of the co2 footprint. We are constantly working to improve the production process. Samlaren allows us to find new use for existing leftover material and not let anything go to waste.
How does the concept differ from your core collections?
Henrik: It is completely designed around what fabrics and colours we have in stock, in other words we start with what we have, not what we’d want, and then try to be as clever as possible when putting the fabrics together. For some fabrics we have very small quantities meaning the production run will be very limited. The process is both simple and complex at the same time, a little challenging but very rewarding.
How does the concept manifest Fjällräven’s heritage of innovation and sustainability?
Henrik: I would say that it’s a manifestation of having a pragmatic approach to resources, using what we have in the best way we can.
Saskia: Yes, resource efficiency runs deep in the company and always has. The materials used for Samlaren are already produced according to our strict requirements on sustainability. Adding to that, we of course also work on a design level to ensure Samlaren products are durable, timeless and functional with a long life span.
So, the products offer the same high level of quality and performance as the main collection?
Henrik: Yes, the products are constructed to the same high standards as the main collection, we are not sacrificing any quality or durability in these products. How do you envision this concept developing over time?
Saskia: The long-term vision is actually to eliminate the need for this concept to start with, by minimizing waste and leftover fabrics in the production. This may, however, take some time so in the meanwhile we will use Samlaren as a way to turn hard-to-use leftovers into want-to-use products.
How often will you release new products?
Henrik: We review the stock levels on leftover fabrics regularly, and will launch products depending on both what leftover fabrics get stocked, and how we can work with them. In April 2023 we will release hand numbered Samlaren Jackets, Shirts, Shorts and Dungarees which will be joined by some limited Samlaren Kånken and Samlaren Haulpack later in June.
What is your favourite product in the new Samlaren collection?
Henrik: I love how the team created again great products overall, with the restrictions of the colours providing new and unplanned opportunities. To choose one, I pick the shorts. Because I love shorts days, and because the colour blocks emphasize the very useful pocket setup.