The Norwegian Army is to kit out its fighting forces with organic underwear.
The Norwegian Army’s Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO)has just signed three contracts with locally based eco-companies for the supply of organic shirts, pants and bras. The Army expects to buy around 50,000 units of organic clothing a year.
DLO spokesperson Simen Rudi told the Norwegian tabloid VG: “We think is a very good outcome. We’ve done tests showing that these underpants are great to wear – and that’s important for soldiers in the field.” He said that buying organic will be more expensive but added “we are not talking about a lot of money per unit”.
The organic underwear contract has gone to eco clothing brand Freya Toya, whose products carry the Swan mark – Norway’s national eco standard. The bras will be made by Milrab AS.
Maiken Sele, an advisor at leading Eco organization, Oikos, commented: “This is awesome! When defence buys organic cotton it is contributing to a reduction in pollutants, and preventing farmers and producers from being exposed to hazardous substances. So, I think the Army is acting very responsibly.”
Camilla Kohlr of Freya Toya also had words of reassurance about personal comfort for Norway’s fighting men and women. “This underwear is comfortable to wear, so I think the soldiers will be very satisfied.”
• Natural Products Scandinavia and the Nordic Organic Food Fair take place on 1-2 November 2015 at Malmomassan, Malmo, Sweden.
