Jack Wolfskin publishes social report on suppliers
German outdoor equipment and clothing manufacturer Jack Wolfskin has published its first social report on suppliers, thereby taking a step towards transparency in its corporate activities concerning “labour conditions at production sites”. The company joined the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) just over one year ago.
“We set ourselves a list of goals for 2010 and achieved a great deal,” said Christian Brandt, CFO of Jack Wolfskin, summing up the core statement of Jack Wolfskin’s first social report on suppliers. “In this respect, I’m delighted that our activities and efforts are now available in a detailed report for everyone to see for the first time.”
Jack Wolfskin began monitoring its suppliers in 2008, laying the groundwork for its first social report on suppliers, and in 2010 the company joined the FWF, a multi-stakeholder initiative and independent non-profit-organisation with the aim of creating and promoting humane labour conditions along the textile supply chain.
Jack Wolfskin’s report addresses topics such as its manufacturer management process, purchasing strategy, manufacturer monitoring system and training and promotion activities.
Jack Wolfskin claims it acquires more than 99% of its purchasing volume for all three divisions (apparel, footwear and equipment) from independently audited manufacturers and has set itself the goal of incorporating all its manufacturers into the auditing system in 2011.
“Even though we already work with our suppliers to a high standard, we would nevertheless still like to proactively work with the FWF and our suppliers and promptly resolve any problems, just as we have done in the past,” said Mr Brandt.
Since its first audit, Jack Wolfskin says it has managed to improve results with more than 40% of it manufacturers. Where serious discrepancies occurred and improvements seemed unlikely, Jack Wolfskin terminated its relationship with the supplier in question.
