Leasing model for Coveralls in Norway
In Norway outdoor coveralls for children are essential during the cold winter months, yet these are both costly and resource intensive to produce. Parkdressen aims to challenge the high consumption of these coveralls by offering a leasing model for high-quality, durable coveralls.
Published: 07.March, 2025 Last updated: 07.March, 2025
The initiative Parkdressen estimates that parents of kindergarten children acquire between 600,000 and 1,000,000 outdoor coveralls each year. This includes new, second-hand, and hand-me-down coveralls, contributing to an estimated annual carbon footprint of 18,000 to 22,500 tons of CO₂. Introducing a leasing system allows children to always have the right size while significantly reducing the demand for new overalls.
A Circular Model
Parkdressen's circular model starts with local municipalities. With them as a partner, parents within the municipality can order outdoor coveralls free of charge due to the municipality covering the cost of leasing. Parents can order coveralls trough Liis.com, and the coveralls will be delivered straight to the kindergarten. After delivery, the coveralls can be used by the kids just like their personal clothing, and can be exchanged and returned as needed.
This model helps reduce social inequality by providing all children with the same high-quality coveralls, while also incentivizing producers to make clothing of higher durability. This shift pushes lower quality coveralls out of the market, extending the lifespan of each coverall.
Environmental Impact – Key Facts from Liis.com
- Each outdoor coverall produced has an estimated carbon footprint of 20-40 kg CO₂-equivalents.
- If each coverall lasts four years, the demand for new ones would drop to 25% of the current level (150,000–250,000 new overalls per year).
- This would reduce CO₂ emissions from production to 4,500–7,500 tons, compared to today's 18,000–22,500 tons.
- The potential savings amount to 9,000–15,000 tons of CO₂ annually—equivalent to the yearly emissions of 4,500–7,000 gasoline-powered cars.
Municipalities as the Driving Force
Several municipalities are eager to make Parkdressen available to all children in kindergarten, ensuring equal access to outdoor activities. This is particularly important for families that are unfamiliar with the unpredictable Norwegian weather, and low income families.
Andreas Kagiavas Torp, Mayor of Krødsherad Municipality, shares his perspective:
"From one mayor to another, I would highlight both the environmental and social benefits of this initiative. I believe [Parkdressen] could be a great success in many other municipalities as well."
