Kimood is committed to protecting nature and employee well-being
The brand Kimood is proud of its Franco-Indian partnership with the Kariwala bag factory and their joint progress over the last few years. Step by step, they are moving forward based on the shared values of ethics and respect for human rights and the environment. By collaborating in synergy, Kimood and Kariwala are leading multiple actions for people and the environment. This collaboration allows us to implement sustainable initiatives, reduce our environmental footprint, guarantee fair working conditions and improve employee well-being. It aims to foster cultural exchange based on mutual understanding, reinforcing ethical values and a commitment to a positive future for all.
These projects have a positive impact on both the well-being of the factory's employees and on the local ecosystem. This mutually beneficial partnership model demonstrates a virtuous approach that supports the brand's expansion with total respect and a progressive vision.
Successful completion of promising projects
Préservation de l’eau
Thanks to the collaboration and support of Kimood, Kariwala Industreis Ldt was named winner in the SME category for its efforts to promote responsible business practices in industrial water management. This prize was awarded by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce during the Sustainability Innovation Awards 2022.
The aim of the award is to highlight the innovative solutions offered by companies assessed on the basis of their management, economic, environmental and social impact qualities. However, it is also intended to raise awareness of the importance of conserving and sustainably using water in production processes.
Who are the people and organisations involved in the project?
This water recycling project was launched internally by the factory's maintenance and back office team. Committed to protecting the environment and collective improvement, they took this initiative before requesting LEED* (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council**.
What are the aims of the project?
The aim of recycling wastewater is to be able to use the water itself for planting, rather than flushing it down the drain. This ultimately reduces water wastage and preserves natural resources.
By treating and using wastewater, freshwater resources are protected and the amount of water discharged into the River Ganges in India is reduced, helping to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems.
This is achieved by means of a wastewater treatment plant that follows a three-step process. First there is the initial filtration of the water, followed by the biological treatment of the wastewater. Finally alum and chlorine are added to enhance water quality. The recycled water is then used, generally limiting the need for traditional water supplies for irrigation, except for a few days in summer.
Additional resources: Linkedin article by the IGCC (Indo-German Chamber of Commerce)
Tree planting
Plant a tree for every $1,000 in sales –a remarkable project set up in partnership with theGram Samriddhi Foundation (GSF). The Gram Samriddhi Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in India. "Gram Samriddhi" literally means "rural prosperity" in Hindi.
This foundation generally focuses on projects and initiatives aiming to promote rural development, the empowerment of local communities, education, health and other areas related to improved living conditions in rural India.
The partnership between GSF and Kariwala / Kimood is proving to be fruitful. The GSF commits to tree planting in remote rural areas with a strong governance mechanism to oversee operations on the ground, while Kimood and Kariwala contribute by offering their support. These combined actions have a significant impact on the earth and generate a huge number of jobs. By October 2023, this partnership had helped plant 441 trees and create 9,606 jobs,demonstrating their shared commitment to sustainability and economic growth.
Additional resources: www.gramsamriddhi.org
Relaxing moments
Yoga, which literally means union, is a way of improving the human experience. It is the union of mind, body and consciousness which, in turn, promotes the union of our thoughts, words and actions.
Kariwala stands out for its innovative approach to well-being in the workplace. By offering its employees a day of yoga, it shows a deep commitment to their physical and mental health. This initiative demonstrates how the company promotes employee well-being by encouraging practices that foster relaxation, concentration and balance. This yoga day not only strengthens ties between employees, but also demonstrates the importance of cultivating a healthy and fulfilling professional environment.
By working together to protect the environment and promote employee well-being, Kimood and Kariwala have charted an exemplary path to a lasting, harmonious collaboration. The happiness they share stems from their shared commitment to essential values: respect for nature and genuine concern for the improved well-being of the individuals who contribute to their success. This alliance transcends borders and offers a shining example of the way in which a responsible approach can produce positive results at every level, while inspiring others to follow this commendable example.
Kariwala looks after the physical and mental health of workers. To mark the summer solstice and International Yoga Day, the entire team at Kariwala took part in a yoga class.
*LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is an internationally recognised rating and recognition system for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of sustainable, environmentally-friendly buildings. LEED is used to assess the environmental performance of buildings and promote construction and management practices that are resource-efficient, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. LEED-certified buildings are evaluated according to various criteria, such as sustainability, water management, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, sustainable materials and other environmental considerations.
**The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organisation based in the United States and founded in 1993. It is best known for developing and managing the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system, which assesses and recognises the environmental sustainability of buildings and construction projects.
The USGBC plays a key role in promoting and raising awareness of sustainable and environmentally-friendly construction practices. The organisation provides resources, tools and training to construction industry professionals to help them adopt more sustainable practices in their projects. The USGBC has been a major player in the global push for more environmentally friendly buildings and contributed to making building standards and practices more sustainable.
