Sveriges Konsumenter
About
The Swedish Consumers' Association (Sveriges Konsumenter) is a federation consisting of 21 member organisations representing a wide range of consumer groups as well as organisations for sustainable consumption, housing, animal protection and education.
Sveriges Konsumenter publishes the consumer test magazine "Råd & Rön – Advice and Results" and provides a local consumer advice service. Since the organisation was founded in 1992 it has strengthened its’ position and is now the only recognised, broad consumer voice in Sweden. The Swedish Consumers’ Association has since the start identified working at European level as crucial in representing Swedish consumers and is a proud member of BEUC. The organisation works mainly, but not exclusively, on five prioritised areas: sustainable and healthy food, consumer rights, financial services, digital rights and chemicals.
Success Stories
Fair Finance Guide, our tool for more socially responsible banks, has had a significant impact on the bank sector in Sweden since 2015. Through research and a ranking system, we provide consumers with clear indications on how their banks perform in sustainability issues – if their savings are used to support sustainable development or not. 50 000 Swedish consumers have so far sent letters to their banks through the tool and over the years we have seen that the pressure from consumers leads to change in the banks’ sustainability policies.
We have an impact on Swedish politics. Our political demands have been reflected in many parliamentary motions over time. And we take part in governmental investigations to help create new legislation that supports consumers’ everyday life.
We have run several projects on sustainable consumption over the years. In Omskaparna (Reshapers) we involved artists all over the country to work with children aged 10–12 years old on sustainable consumption, environmental effects and climate change. Previously we also ran a project on sustainable textiles, Stilmedveten, that reached 200,000 consumers under the age of 25. Currently we are engaged in projects on hazardous chemicals and how to reduce the use of plastics.
We are also proud of our work on accurate, readable and not-too-lengthy user contracts and on various digital issues such as loot boxes, unequal conditions for users of digital services etcetera. These campaigns have in part been linked to both our Nordic sister organisations and with BEUC.
Facts
- Founded in 1992
- A BEUC member since 1993
- 25 staff, including magazine editorial
- Members in 2023: 21 organisations
- Subscribers to member magazine Råd & Rön: 53,000
- Consumers advised last year: 1,500