Responsibility in the supply chain

We sell both globally recognised branded products and products from our own brand company. Supplier relationships are a central component of our actions. Together with our suppliers, we are committed to protecting and strengthening labour and human rights throughout the entire supply chain. 

Our attitude is clearly defined - in our Code of Conduct, the Supplier Code of Conduct and our Declaration of Principles on Human Rights. These documents form the binding framework for our own actions and cooperation with our partners.

Our goals

For our own brands

• We will agree a supplier code of conduct based on the standards of the amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) with all new contractual partners as part of the contract.
• We continue to carry out regular social audits and intensify the follow-up of audit results. This includes the creation and implementation of action plans together with the respective production sites.

For our external brands

As part of the annual supplier screening in accordance with the requirements of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), we will endeavour to ensure that suppliers with increased human rights or environmental risk potential provide a contractual assurance. This is intended to ensure compliance with our expectations in the areas of human rights and the environment.

Involvement in industry initiatives

In order to fulfil our global responsibility, we are involved in leading industry initiatives:

• Responsible Business Alliance (RBA): As a member of the RBA, we are committed to complying with the industry-recognised standards and principles of the RBA Code of Conduct. This forms the basis for responsible business practices in global supply chains.
• amfori BSCI: Our subsidiary IMTRON, which is responsible for the private label business, has been a member of the amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) since 2014. The initiative is committed to upholding labour rights in production facilities worldwide.

Both standards - RBA and amfori BSCI - are central elements of our supplier relationships. They help us to ensure and continuously improve more sustainable and fair conditions throughout the entire supply chain.

Standards for human rights and environmental protection

We want to protect human rights and the environment not only in our own business area, but also along the supply chain.

Established guidelines and policy documents form the basis for this: our Code of Conduct, the Declaration of Principles for the Observance of Human Rights and the Supplier Code of Conduct commit us and our business partners to ethical behaviour, transparency and sustainable business practices

We have implemented comprehensive processes to fulfil both the requirements of the German Supply Chain Duty of Care Act (LkSG) and our own standards. These are continuously reviewed and further developed.

Our central measures include

1. Development and integration of risk management: All human rights and environmental due diligence obligations are anchored in a systematic approach aimed at identifying potential risks at an early stage and managing them effectively.
2. Regular risk analyses: Both our own business area and our entire supply chain are continuously reviewed for human rights and environmental risks - as a basis for early, targeted measures.
3. Preventive and remedial measures: We implement responsible purchasing practices and binding minimum standards in our supplier contracts. Sustainability becomes an integral part of our supplier selection, evaluation and management. In addition, we carry out training and awareness-raising programmes and are actively involved in industry initiatives - to promote compliance with human rights and environmental standards together with other companies.

Further information on our due diligence approach can be found in the Human Rights Policy Statement. This is reviewed, updated and approved by the Executive Board on an annual basis.

The most important elements of our declaration of principles at a glance

• Our clear commitment to respecting human rights and protecting the environment
• An insight into our strategy and objectives with regard to human rights and the environment - both in our own business area and along the supply chain
• Our internal processes for protecting human rights and the environment, particularly in the areas of risk management, risk analysis and preventive and remedial measures
• Information on available complaint mechanisms
• Documentation and reporting of our human rights due diligence activities

We see the legal requirements not only as an obligation, but also as an opportunity to go beyond existing standards. Our goal: a more sustainable and responsible supply chain that meets the social and environmental challenges of our time.

Complaints procedure for human rights and environmental protection

In accordance with the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, we are obliged to set up a complaints procedure that enables both internal and external persons to report information on human rights or environmental risks or violations. Further information on the procedure can be found in the rules of procedure.