As part of our sustainability programme, we work together with our production partners to identify social and environmental risks along the supply chain at an early stage, prevent them where possible, and mitigate or remedy existing risks. The programme applies to all production partners manufacturing STRAUSS apparel and footwear and provides the binding framework for our collaboration.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Our Supplier Code of Conduct forms the foundation of the programme and is an integral part of the agreements with our production partners. It highlights our requirements for fair and safe working conditions as well as the responsible use of natural resources.
Key areas covered by our Code of Conduct include:
- Management practice
- Reasonable hours of work
- Fair compensation
- Prevention of child labour
- Employment is freely chosen
- Freedom of association and collective bargaining
- No discrimination
- Occupational health and safety
- Environmental protection
Our Code of Conduct is generally displayed throughout the production facilities and is accessible to employees in English and in other local languages. We regard our partners’ compliance with these standards as the basis for an ongoing business relationship.
The Code is based on the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and internationally recognised environmental standards. It also incorporates the labour standards set out in Fair Wear’s Code of Labour Practices.
SELECTING AND WORKING WITH PRODUCTION PARTNERS
We select new production partners carefully. Recognition of our Code of Conduct is a prerequisite for entering into a business relationship. Self-assessments, existing audit reports and facility visits help us assess production conditions at an early stage. We support our existing business partners in implementing social and environmental standards.
AUDITS, TRAINING AND GRIEVANCE MECHANISMS
Regular independent third-party audits are an important element of our sustainability programme. These audits assess the extent to which production facilities comply with the requirements set out in the Code of Conduct. Where deviations are identified, we work with the facilities to develop concrete corrective action plans and support their implementation.
Training is another key component of our programme. It raises awareness of fair and safe working conditions, provides knowledge about rights and standards, and enables employees and management to actively contribute to improvements in everyday working life. We offer both internal training and programmes delivered by external partners.
It is also important to us that all employees at production facilities have the opportunity to raise complaints or concerns. In addition to internal grievance mechanisms, they have access to an external grievance mechanism and as well as STRAUSS’ whistleblowing system. Reports may be submitted anonymously upon request and help us identify, investigate and address potential grievances at an early stage.
RESPONSIBLE PURCHASING PRACTICES
Our sustainability programme does not end at the factory gate. Our purchasing practices also influence conditions on the ground. Long-term, direct business relationships, predictable orders and sufficient lead times are intended to provide production facilities with greater planning certainty, reduce time pressure in production and help prevent excessive overtime.
The sustainability performance of our production partners is incorporated into our production and purchasing decisions. Our objective is to achieve improvements together and actively support our partners in their further development.
„Our fundamental aim is to further develop social and environmental standards in the manufacture of our products.”
Henning Strauss