A leap forward in sustainable design
Etac’s mission is to improve quality of life through innovative assistive devices, while prioritising environmental responsibility. The Swift shower stool/chair exemplifies this commitment.
The design, production methods, and packaging for this well-known and recognised user-centric product have been improved, resulting in reduced environmental impact.
Transitioning to European production to reduce CO₂ emissions
To reduce our carbon footprint, we relocated Swift's production from Asia to Europe, making a decisive move towards a more sustainable and responsible manufacturing process. Plastic components are now manufactured and assembled in Sweden, eliminating the need for long-distance shipping while ensuring stringent quality control. Additionally, its aluminium legs are sourced from a Spanish supplier that operates entirely on renewable energy, significantly reducing reliance on carbon-intensive production methods.
"By relocating our production closer to our main markets and selecting suppliers committed to renewable energy, we have significantly reduced the Swift's carbon footprint."
– Marie Rudenvall, Sustainability Specialist at Etac
At Etac, sustainability is about rethinking how we design, manufacture, and deliver products to minimise our environmental impact while creating meaningful change that enhances quality of life. Moving Swift’s production to Europe was not just a logistical decision – it was a major step towards a cleaner, more responsible way of working.
A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) confirmed the impact of this transition, revealing an initial 26% reduction in CO₂ emissions* per chair when we moved plastic manufacturing from Malaysia to Sweden. The second step, nearshoring the aluminium legs, reduced the climate impact by another 39%! Collectively, these changes ensure that every Swift we produce carries a 65% smaller environmental footprint.
*Cradle-to-gate is an LCA model that assesses a product's environmental footprint from raw material extraction until it leaves the factory “gate”.
Optimising packaging and material use
Sustainability goes beyond the product itself – it extends to every step of its journey. That’s why we reimagined Swift’s packaging, making it lighter, more efficient, and better for the environment.
For bulk shipments of 28 chairs, we have reduced packaging material by 43% in surface area (m²) and lowered weight by 9%, making packaging easier to handle and recycle. These adjustments ensure a more sustainable approach to packaging without compromising product protection or handling convenience.
Even the smallest details matter – plastic handles have been removed, and tape has been replaced with locking tabs, simplifying waste treatment and recycling for the customer. Jenny Andersson, International Product Manager at Etac, explains, "By streamlining our packaging and reducing material usage, we've not only reduced our environmental impact but also improved logistical efficiency."
Designing for longevity and adaptability
The Swift is designed to last, with a service life of at least ten years, reducing waste and supporting long-term sustainability. Its modular design allows for adjustments over time, extending its usability and reducing the need for replacement. By prioritising durable materials and thoughtful design, Swift ensures both reliability and adaptability, meeting the evolving needs of users.
Meeting future demands sustainably
With the global population aged 80-plus expected to triple by 2050*, the need for durable, high-quality assistive products will only grow. By integrating sustainability into our production and design processes, we aim to ensure that Swift meets these future demands while minimising its environmental impact.
*World Health Organisation
To put our CO₂e 1 savings into perspective, consider this example:
The CO₂ savings for every 100,000 Swift chair/stools is equivalent to the emissions of:
- 371 average Swedish houses in one year 2
- 9065 round-trip flights for a passenger between Stockholm and Gothenburg 3
- More than 242,000 meatballs 4
- More than 10 football fields of cardboard saved with volume packaging 5
Key facts
Production moved to Europe
- 10 kg CO₂ savings per Swift stool/chair
- 53% emissions reduction in climate change, in chair production phase1
- 75% emissions reduction in climate change, in production phase of legs with components2
Use of volume packaging
- 9% reduced weight in packaging material
- 43% reduction of square metre packaging material
References:
- A CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) is a unit of measurement that is used to standardise the climate effects of various greenhouse gases.
- 20000kwh 400kg/year: Electricity, heating and household emissions. Sources: The Swedish Energy Agency and Environmental Protection Agency.
- International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
- https://apps.carboncloud.com/climatehub/product-reports/id/122433795113
- Based on savings of 0,76m2 of cardboard and FIFA’s recommended field size of 7140m22
Etac Swift
The Swift is a prize-winning shower stool/chair designed with functionality and adaptability in mind. The Swift’s modular design allows for easy transformation into a complete shower chair by adding arms and back supports, adapting to users' evolving needs.