Meet Lene, Sustainability Manager
Sustainability at Heart
Meet Lene Wildfang: Sustainability Manager at Schou
Lene Wildfang is one of the driving forces behind Schou's sustainability efforts. "My work is about developing and implementing our sustainability strategy in collaboration with management and colleagues," she explains. Since joining Schou in October 2021, she has been focused on the company’s chosen Sustainable Development Goals and sustainability initiatives, including ensuring that all workers producing Schou’s goods enjoy fair and decent working conditions.
From Large Corporations to Family-Owned Schou
Lene brings over 20 years of experience from major Danish companies like ECCO and LEGO, and this expertise is invaluable to Schou. "The advantage of a slightly smaller company is that ideas can be implemented quickly. Here, I feel I can truly make a difference." Lene is proud that Schou, as a family-owned company, takes sustainability seriously – it’s part of their DNA.
“We’re One Step Ahead”
A significant part of Lene’s role involves staying ahead of legal requirements in the field and ensuring compliance with regulations. She has been a frontrunner in Schou's work on the new EU CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). By attending courses on these requirements, she ensured, together with management, that Schou is already gathering and analyzing the extensive ESG data that must be reported in 2025. "It’s rewarding to see how we are already one step ahead," she says.
Collaboration that Adds Value
Another key part of her role is collaborating with customers. For instance, Lene has been in close dialogue with Jem & Fix about their efforts in ethical supplier management. "I invited their CSR representative for a visit, where I explained how we ensure proper conditions for our suppliers through Amfori BSCI. Sharing knowledge with our customers strengthens our collaboration and accelerates progress."
On a Mission to Reduce Plastic
Raising awareness about sustainability among her colleagues is one of the most exciting aspects of Lene’s work. A concrete example is the initiative to reduce plastic packaging. "We held a workshop for the design and purchasing teams, where we reviewed specific products and explored ways to reduce packaging without compromising quality. What started as a challenge ended in great enthusiasm as we found solutions for many products, such as parasols, where we saved 3,750 kg of plastic packaging in one year. It shows that even small initiatives can make a big difference."
“I Can See the Pride”
Lene observes that her colleagues value the sustainability efforts and take pride when Schou presents its social and environmental initiatives. "I can feel that everyone here takes the task seriously and works together as a team. It motivates me to see the pride we all share."
As an active member of Schou’s health committee, Lene also helps organize runs and events. "It brings us closer together and makes Schou an amazing place to work. I’ve never been in a workplace with so many initiatives to support employees’ health and well-being."