Fjällräven began in one man’s basement and then branched out all over the world. But our original goal hasn’t changed: to inspire and enable more people to walk with nature. Follow our journey from backpacks and tents to sustainable development and events.
Fjällräven Kånken Art ‘21
by Fjällräven SEA
About 71% of the earth´s surface is covered by oceans. They produce over half of the oxygen on our planet and are home to over one million species of animals and even more plants. Furthermore, the oceans are the key regulators of the climate. It is safe to say that every living thing on Earth is dependent on the health of our seas.Tragically, estimates indicate that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish, unless we seriously change our habits and the way we handle our waste. The 2021 edition of Kånken Art aims to increase awareness around these problems, but also hopes to inspire change: Since 80% of ocean plastics come from land, our immediate surroundings are a good place to start. Let’s do it together, one piece of plastics.
What can a single backpack achieve?
After two successful annual releases, the third Kånken Art edition aims to draw attention to the problem of ocean plastics. Launching on June 8, 2021 – World Ocean Day – this year’s Kånken Art products will feature a design in two colour palettes: Ocean Surface and Ocean Deep. The unique twist was developed by Swedish illustrator and animator Linn Fritz, who seized the opportunity to help raise awareness about plastic waste and the health of our oceans. The Kånken Art '21 is a small step in the right direction. Its fabric consists of Fjällräven’s G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco, which is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton. Furthermore, all Kånken Art products contribute to the Arctic Fox Initiative. One percent of every purchase goes directly to the Arctic Fox Initiative’s support for organisations working to keep plastics out of the oceans. Kånken Art is a limited-edition collection of backpacks and accessories designed in collaboration with a different Swedish artist each year. Kånken has been world famous for its iconic and uncompromising design since 1968, but Kånken Art is a special expression of creativity. Each item highlights the artist’s unique connection to nature and the environment.
Working together against ocean plastics
Fjällräven is committed to eliminating single-use plastics in its operations and has signed the Plastic Impact Alliance. In parallel to these efforts, the brand continues to engage in the issue through other initiatives like Kånken Art. In 2021, Kånken Art will support two organisations via the Arctic Fox Initiative: The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (Leave No Trace) and The 2 Minute Foundation. Both focus on educating people about reducing and properly handling plastic waste, and also clean up what is already out there. Fjällräven has teamed up with Leave No Trace and the 2 Minute Foundation to support their work, as well as share a series of useful tips about what each of us can do to keep nature and the oceans free of plastic. Piece by piece.
Furthermore, every Kånken Art '21 product purchased on the Fjällräven website or selected stores comes with a complimentary waste-picking bag (while supplies last). Ideal for picking up plastics and other litter from nature. One piece at a time. With or without a Kånken Art '21 waste-picking bag, Fjällräven is encouraging everyone to spend two, or more, minutes collecting litter outside. Participants can share a photo on Instagram of how much litter they have collected for a chance to be featured on fjallraven.com. They simply need to tag it @kankenofficial and #IRespectNature. When it comes to reducing plastic in nature and the oceans, each of us can do a lot. But together we can do more.
Arctic Fox Initiative targets ocean plastic in 2021
The Kånken Art program is part of Fjällräven’s Arctic Fox Initiative. In 2021, it is focussing on working with organisations that support the reduction of plastic waste and clean up what is already out there.
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an American non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the outdoors by teaching people to enjoy it responsibly. Leave No Trace provides cutting-edge research, education, and initiatives to motivate more people to act respectfully in nature.
“Plastic are everywhere. But they don’t have to be. It is up to each and every one of us to make the conscious decision to reduce single use plastics in our daily lives. Fjällräven has been on the forefront of the Leave No Trace Center's work for the past several years, because we work with brands that share our passion for the outdoors and help to inspire their community to get outside and protect nature. With Fjällräven, we are helping protect natural areas, strengthen our volunteer network, and enhance Leave No Trace education efforts. Together we are bringing Leave No Trace Ethics to outdoor enthusiasts across the globe and leading stronger protections for natural resources.” – Dana Watts, Executive Director
The 2 Minute Foundation
The 2 Minute Foundation is a UK-based registered charity devoted to cleaning up the planet two minutes at a time. They believe that simple, achievable acts can add up to make a great difference. The organisation is responsible for the initiatives #2minutebeachclean, #2minutelitterpick, and #2minutestreetclean.
“Tonnes of plastics wash up on our beaches every single day. The greatest challenge we are facing is stopping further unnecessary plastics from entering our oceans. Corporations and organisations contributing to this need to be held accountable and change their ways to achieve a cleaner and greener world. The next challenge is education. Our upstream campaigns highlight that all rivers and streams lead to the ocean, so a plastic bottle thrown from a car or left on the street can find its way to the seadown a storm drain. It’s about realising that connection and understanding the part that we all play. Here, The 2 Minute Foundation and Fjallraven have a common goal: to protect nature and inspire people to spend time outdoors. With the brand’s support, we rolled out the Guardian Angel Networkpilot, and set up the infrastructure to prepare for the project’s regional rollout.” - Nicky Green, Chief Operating Officer
Art that highlights the depth of the ocean plastic problem.
Fjällräven is proud to collaborate with talented Swedish illustrator and animator Linn Fritz for the 2021 edition of Kånken Art.
Can you describe the Kånken Art design process?
“For this project, I worked a little bit differently, using cut-out plastics as a reference, rather than people. I sketched using Photoshop before finalising the pattern in Illustrator. I had a generous timeline of about two months, which allowed me to revisit old sketches and rediscover new ideas. It also allowed me to step back, breathe, and shift my focus onto something else, before coming back to the pattern with fresh eyes.”
What do you hope can be achieved with your Kånken Art Edition?
“This project was challenging as it was my first time creating something that would be printed on a product. I felt such a huge sense of reward the first time I got to see the bag with my pattern printed on it, and it feels even more special knowing that Kånken will team up with organisations in order to create awareness around ocean plastics. I hope Fjällräven will continue to use this platform for good and create awareness for different environmental causes in the future.”
How would you describe the collaboration?
“It’s been a very pleasant journey to develop this artwork together with someone (Fjällräven) that listens, understands and explains their feedback in a very beneficial way. We share a strong value: that our future and the future of nature are intertwined. Therefore, we need to take care of it better. We need to value what we have before it’s too late.”
To learn more about Linn, her enthusiasm for the outdoors, and Kånken Art '21 watch the behind-the-scenes video. For more information, high resolution images and a Q&A with Linn, visit the Press Room. Arctic Fox Initiative targets ocean plastic in 2021
The Kånken Art program is part of Fjällräven’s Arctic Fox Initiative. In 2021, it is focussingon working with organisations that support the reduction of plastic waste and clean up what is already out there.
