Jack Wolfskin, manufacturer of outdoor equipment and clothing, has published its first social report on suppliers, thus taking a further step towards transparency in its corporate activities concerning “labour conditions at production sites”.
Jack Wolfskin began monitoring its suppliers in 2008, laying the groundwork for its first-ever social report on suppliers, and in 2010 the company joined the Fair Wear Foundation, a multi-stakeholder initiative and independent non-profit-organisation that has set itself the goal of creating and promoting humane labor conditions along the textile supply chain. The Fair Wear Foundation requires its members to publish a social report on suppliers once a year. Jack Wolfskin's social report addresses topics such as its manufacturer management process, purchasing strategy, manufacturer monitoring system and training and promotion activities. In addition, Jack Wolfskin takes a look at the results of 2010 and provides an outlook for 2011.
Jack Wolfskin already acquires over 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 this year. “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,” Christian Brandt explained.
Since its first audit, Jack Wolfskin 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. For the company, the principles of fairness, mutual respect and responsibility are key to achieving satisfactory results.
Jack Wolfskin is the leading provider of functional outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment in Europe and the largest franchisor in the German specialist sports retail market. Jack Wolfskin products are currently available in more than 400 franchise stores and at 4,000 points of sale across Europe and Asia. In the 2009 calendar year, the company recorded sales revenues of €304.2 million in Europe, up 21 percent on the previous year. Jack Wolfskin GmbH & Co. KGaA is headquartered in Idstein im Taunus and employs more than 460 people.
Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) is an independent, non-profit organisation that works with companies and factories to improve labour conditions for garment and textile workers. The more than 60 member companies represent around 100 brands, and are based in six European nations. Production is monitored in 15 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa.
