Sustainability | marc-cain.com/en

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RETHINKING TOGETHER FOR MORE SUSTAINABILITY

OUR RESPONSIBILITY. OUR OBJECTIVE. OUR FUTURE.

For over 45 years now, with passion, dedication and great attention to detail, we have been creating unique fashion in Germany, including impressive knitting highlights, unusual patterns and brilliant colours that make every fashion heart beat a little bit faster. From the very first day of the company's foundation, in every area of our business, Marc Cain company policy has been defined by the highest standards. For us, taking an holistic view has always been a matter of course, informing the basis of our actions. We do not compromise on sustainability either, but aim for the best possible success.

RETHINK TOGETHER

In the future, all our sustainable products will receive our quality label “Rethink Together”. We find the idea of “Rethink Together” important, because we all have to rethink, act mindfully and take responsibility together - for our common future and to preserve our planet for future generations. In addition to our usual cross-product sustainability activities along the supply chain - from materials, to equipment - our “Rethink Together” products are particularly environmentally friendly. All "Rethink Together" products follow a holistic approach - they are made of more sustainable materials and go through innovative, resource-saving production processes, which means, for example, that less water and fewer chemicals are used. Through the appropriate labelling, in the form of a hangtag on the article and a sewn-in woven label, the customer can see directly that it is a product made from sustainable materials.

Therefore, our approach includes not only the highest quality of our products, but also the continuous pursuit of innovative, environmentally friendly raw materials and production processes. In addition, we attach great importance to a clear understanding of the origin and production methods of our clothing and to partnership-based business relationships with our suppliers. In doing so, we acknowledge our responsibility to harmonise corporate activity with the welfare of humans, animals and nature and to make a contribution to preserving our world for future generations.

OUR WORLDWIDE PARTNER COMPANIES Absolute specialists in their field.

We are aware of our responsibility along the supply chain, which is why we are constantly working to make the processes in our company even more sustainable. In doing so, we always keep our high-quality standards in mind, never compromising. This is also the reason why we are constantly looking all over the world for partner companies that can meet our quality standards.

70% Production in Europe

Marc Cain is one of the few German clothing manufacturers that still has its own production facilities in Germany. The Marc Cain clothing production chain is a predominantly European process. The fabrics, woven fabrics, jerseys and knitting yarns come mainly from Europe, especially Italy. This has the advantage that the routes are not only faster, but also shorter, thereby protecting the environment. As Europe is also our main sales market, we are able to say: We primarily produce where we also sell. In Europe, there are also legal regulations on social and ecological standards, which we ensure are implemented through careful monitoring.

30% Production outside Europe

In addition to production in Germany, Marc Cain also manufactures in other production facilities in Western, Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as in countries close to Europe and in Asia.
Cooperation with non-European countries is important to us because of the high-quality standards and expertise available there. That's why, in whichever country it is, we always work together with the local specialists in each industry, true to our motto: Top quality from top companies. For example, China is very well-known for the high-quality processing of silk, which is why we have many of our silk products manufactured by Chinese specialists.

“It is also important for us to take a strategic and holistic approach to the issue of sustainability. We do not compromise on sustainability either, but aim for the best possible success.”

BUSINESS RELATIONS

We cultivate long-term and appreciative business relationships with our suppliers – with 50% of them for over 10 years and 25% for over 20 years. Our buyers and travelling technicians make regular on-site visits to the production facilities. Our Corporate Responsibility Team also makes sure that the working conditions in the companies are appropriate.

Our employees are the heart of our company.

The core of our success is our employees. We are very keen on retaining them within our company in the long term. We achieve this through providing optimal working conditions and a dynamic environment with exciting tasks, an open working atmosphere, modern, ergonomic workplaces and interesting development training programmes. We also find the compatibility of work and family very important. We therefore offer our employees various part-time models and home office options. Furthermore, in coordination with the municipality of Bodelshausen and the Kinderhaus Oberwiesen, we provide guaranteed childcare options. Guaranteed places are available, after prior notice, to all children who are at least one year old. Sport and health are also important to us. Our yoga courses are open to all interested parties and we offer subsidies for selected fitness studios. In the in-house canteen, our chefs conjure up fresh, healthy dishes every day, from traditional fare to international cuisine.

We also find the compatibility of work and family very important. We therefore offer our employees various part-time models and home office options. Furthermore, in coordination with the municipality of Bodelshausen and the Kinderhaus Oberwiesen, we provide guaranteed childcare options. Guaranteed places are available, after prior notice, to all children who are at least one year old. Sport and health are also important to us. Our yoga courses are open to all interested parties and we offer subsidies for selected fitness studios. In the in-house canteen, our chefs conjure up fresh, healthy dishes every day, from traditional fare to international cuisine.

WORK

During our breaks, we relax in the extensive company garden that features two lakes. And in summer and at Christmas, all employees celebrate an atmospheric party together. Work should be fun and deliver success - this attitude not only determines the Marc Cain working environment, but is lived by the Marc Cain Family - every day anew.

“Animal and species protection are central principles of our sustainability philosophy. That is why all our articles have been free of real fur since 2016. Instead, we use various high-quality faux fur products in our Collections.“

ANIMAL WELFARE What we pay attention to

The handling of animals in a responsible manner, as well as the keeping of animals in a species-appropriate way are matters that are both very close to our heart. For this reason, we are committed to respecting the internationally recognised Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare. Animals should therefore be free from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury or disease, fear and distress, and be free to behave normally. Marc Cain requires its suppliers to use only products from animals that are bred and kept in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In particular, we refer to the EU Species Protection Regulation EC No. 338/97, which, among others, implements the requirements of the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as the German Federal Nature Conservation Act and the German Federal Species Protection Regulation.

FUR

All our articles have been fur-free since as early as 2016. Instead, we use various high-quality fake fur products (fun fur, fake fur) in our Collections. As a fur-free brand, we are also listed by the German Animal Welfare Association and the Fur Free Retailer Initiative. You can find further information at: furfreeretailer.com.

FEATHERS & DOWN

We only use certified feathers and down from animals (Responsible Down Standard) that were slaughtered exclusively for meat production and that were neither plucked alive, nor kept for Foie Gras production. In addition, we use 3M Thinsulate™ featherless insulation, which is made from 75% or 100% certified recycled material. This insulation protects against moisture and humidity and is extremely flexible and lighter than most natural alternatives.

EXOTIC SKINS

We do not use any exotic animal skins in our products. Marc Cain does not use exotic skins, such as the skins of snakes, crocodiles, lizards, stingrays or sharks (Galuchat). They often originate from endangered species and from countries of origin that are negligent in the implementation of animal protection laws.

ANGORA

Angora wool comes from the angora rabbit. Angora production has been under criticism for many years. Animal and species protection are central principles of Marc Cain's sustainability philosophy, which is why, for ethical reasons, Marc Cain has not used angora in its products since 2014.

LEATHER

Any leather used by Marc Cain has to be a by-product of the food industry. It is important to us that livestock is bred responsibly, in a way that respects animal welfare and the environment. We are aware that transparency in the leather supply chain is crucial for this, which is why we work closely with our suppliers.

MERINO WOOL, MOHAIR & CASHMERE

Did you know? Merino wool comes from the merino sheep, mohair wool from the Angora goat and cashmere precious hair from the cashmere goat.
Compared to synthetic fibres, merino, mohair and cashmere are sustainable fibres: They are naturally occurring, renewable, fully compostable and durable in use - sustainability criteria which, of course, must be backed up by a responsible procurement process that is free of animal suffering and that does make use of environmentally friendly pasture farming. Through exchange with other companies, trade associations and standards organisations, we would like to increase the availability of animal welfare certified materials and create awareness of these issues among our suppliers.

HEAT RECOVERY
We heat less

Excess energy is captured and reused through heat recovery. The steam generated by steam boilers in production condenses to hot water and is used to heat water in the buildings at the headquarters. The exhaust air from the ventilation systems is also reused for heat recovery, with the result that less heating is required.

PHOTOVOLTAICS & RAINWATER
We save electricity and water

Our new logistics building has a photovoltaic system that feeds the electricity it produces into the company's internal system, so that the building is partially self-sufficient. This allows a significant amount of CO2 emissions to be saved. In the new logistics building, rainwater is collected in a cistern that has a capacity for 100,000 litres of water, after which it is used to irrigate the gardens on the company premises.

PLASTIC BOXES We reduce waste

We use reusable and thus environmentally friendly small load carrier plastic boxes. In practice, this means that the boxes are shipped folded down on pallets to suppliers and companies, so that they can be returned with finished goods. This means that cardboard boxes can be dispensed with, which considerably reduces waste. The small load carrier boxes have a long shelf life and can therefore be used for many years. The boxes are used for the ingredient warehouse and already demonstrated their advantages.

E-CHARGING STATION

As part of the new energy concept, our Marc Cain Outlet in Bodelshausen also has an electric charging station for our customers who arrive in their electric car. This allows customers to conveniently recharge their car for free for the duration of their visit.

FSC® CERTIFICATE We support responsible forestry

All our paper products are FSC certified. This demonstrates our commitment to the environment. Wood and paper products bearing the FSC quality seal come from responsible forest management, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation of the forests. The awarding of this environmental label is under strict control and not only covers the end product, but also the processing chain.

Rethinking together – our first Sustainability Report

Our Sustainability Report for 2020 reveals what drives us, what goals we have set ourselves and what we have already achieved. With our Sustainability Report, we also make transparent the challenges that we, as an internationally active company, have to face in this context and that spur us on, at the same time. You will learn a lot about how we are committed to environmental protection at our headquarters, which sustainable materials we use or why animal welfare is close to our hearts. The table of contents gives you an overview of all the exciting topics included in the report. We are often already asked about the Supply Chain Act, which will become mandatory for Marc Cain from 01.01.2023. We, too, find everything to do with the supply chain very important, which is why we have dedicated an entire chapter to the topic in our Sustainability Report.

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Sustainability Report.pdf

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RETHINKING TOGETHER FOR MORE SUSTAINABILITY

OUR RESPONSIBILITY. OUR OBJECTIVE. OUR FUTURE.

RETHINK TOGETHER

OUR WORLDWIDE PARTNER COMPANIES Absolute specialists in their field.

70% Production in Europe

30% Production outside Europe

BUSINESS RELATIONS

Our employees are the heart of our company.

WORK

ANIMAL WELFARE What we pay attention to

HEAT RECOVERY
We heat less

PHOTOVOLTAICS & RAINWATER
We save electricity and water

PLASTIC BOXES We reduce waste

E-CHARGING STATION

FSC® CERTIFICATE We support responsible forestry

Rethinking together – our first Sustainability Report

Downloads

Fast delivery

Free return

Flexible payment

Stores near you

Your query

Your customer account

You do not have a customer account yet

Select delivery country & language

Your cookie settings

Shopping cart

RETHINKING TOGETHER FOR MORE SUSTAINABILITY

OUR RESPONSIBILITY. OUR OBJECTIVE. OUR FUTURE.

RETHINK TOGETHER

OUR WORLDWIDE PARTNER COMPANIES Absolute specialists in their field.

70% Production in Europe

30% Production outside Europe

BUSINESS RELATIONS

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Our employees are the heart of our company.

WORK

ANIMAL WELFARE What we pay attention to

HEAT RECOVERY We heat less

PHOTOVOLTAICS & RAINWATER We save electricity and water

PLASTIC BOXES We reduce waste

E-CHARGING STATION

FSC® CERTIFICATE We support responsible forestry

Rethinking together – our first Sustainability Report

Downloads

Fast delivery

Free return

Flexible payment

Stores near you

HEAT RECOVERY
We heat less

PHOTOVOLTAICS & RAINWATER
We save electricity and water