Here you will find thoughts and insights about sustainable development from various Swedish business personalities.
Mikael Salo, Chief Editor at Miljöaktuellt
“Both the legislators and consumers have begun, and will continue, to demand products that are sustainably designed. This will be one of the key factors determining whether a company is successful and competitive in the future. Designers and product developers are the ones who will create new and revolutionary ideas that will be developed into products that can save the world."
“I hope that both business management, as well as designers, understand the responsibilities, threats and opportunities that are awaiting us in the coming decades.”.
(SVID English translation of citations)
Jan Andersson, Business Manager in the Municipality of Åre, Sweden
“ The Municipality of Åre, together with local industry, has developed a Vision 2020 to describe future developments: Åre will become the most attractive alpine, all-year-round destination in Europe and our responsibility for the environment will be an important element."
“Today, Åre is already a destination that places a moderate load on our climate since 35% of our winter guests travel by train. The proportion of train passengers will increase to 55% in 10 years.”
(SVID English translation of citations)
Christina Lugnet, General Director of the National Agency for Growth (Tillväxtverket)
“The National Agency for Growth is working insistently to achieve sustainable growth across the whole country by facilitating entrepreneurship."
“Economic growth is a prerequisite for the development of society. We are striving for sustainable growth, as our society is developing at the same time as human resources are developing and ecological values are being preserved”.
(SVID English translation of citations)
Anna Valtonen, Principal at the University of Design in Umeå
Hi Anna, what is the University doing to contribute to sustainable development? 
“Above all we aim to highlight the work that is already being carried out in the environmental field in various programmes, at both undergraduate and masters level, so that it appears in the curriculum. This makes it clear what is being done and what direction the various courses take.”
What is sustainable development for you?
“Sustainable development for me is developing products and services that are as good as possible: that way they will also be used for a longer time.”
What can design accomplish when it comes to sustainable development?
“Design can and should contribute to what gives us a more sustainable development in the long term. That includes everything from shopping habits to recycling, the use of materials, durability and even providing input in elementary school curricula to develop insights among young people.”
(Photo: Aino Huovio) (SVID English translation of citations)
Tomas Ekström, Quality- and Environmental Manager at Kinnarps
“Environmental work must be characterized by a holistic approach where the goal is to achieve sustainable development. This work is best done through close cooperation between suppliers, customers and partners combined with internal measures to ensure success."
“The work is as much about product design and choice of materials as it is about production methods and work processes. By focusing on sustainability today, both businesses and products can contribute to a better tomorrow.”
Robin Edman, CEO, SVID
“Since 80% of the environmental impact of a product or service is determined in the early stages of the development process, it is extremely important that sustainable thinking is incorporated from the beginning. Only then can we use design as a tool to ensure a sustainable society.”