SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023
Find out exciting details about how we are committed to using more sustainable materials, protecting animal welfare, ensuring fair working conditions along the supply chain and reducing our environmental impact.
Find out exciting details about how we are committed to using more sustainable materials, protecting animal welfare, ensuring fair working conditions along the supply chain and reducing our environmental impact.
OUR VISION – SUSTAINABILITY
From the very first day of the company's foundation, the Marc Cain company policy has been defined by the highest standards in every area of our business. We have also firmly anchored our sustainability requirements in our corporate strategy and are working to integrate them into all areas of the company. For us, taking an holistic view has always been a matter of course for us, informing the basis of our actions.
OUR VISION – SUSTAINABILITY
From the very first day of the company's foundation, the Marc Cain company policy has been defined by the highest standards in every area of our business. We have also firmly anchored our sustainability requirements in our corporate strategy and are working to integrate them into all areas of the company. For us, taking an holistic view has always been a matter of course for us, informing the basis of our actions.
At Marc Cain, we think premium quality fashion for the women of today and tomorrow together, integrating our values into innovative and more sustainable solutions, for environmentally conscious progress and social justice.
At Marc Cain, we think premium quality fashion for the women of today and tomorrow together, integrating our values into innovative and more sustainable solutions, for environmentally conscious progress and social justice.
OUR VISION – A MIRROR IMAGE OF OUR VALUES
Our sustainability vision is guided by our values and serves as a guide as we rethink together. Our corporate values include not only the demand for the highest quality and the resulting longevity of our products, but also innovative thinking, the pursuit of complete transparency in our supply chain and dialogue on an equal footing with our long-standing business partners.
OUR VISION – A MIRROR IMAGE OF OUR VALUES
Our sustainability vision is guided by our values and serves as a guide as we rethink together. Our corporate values include not only the demand for the highest quality and the resulting longevity of our products, but also innovative thinking, the pursuit of complete transparency in our supply chain and dialogue on an equal footing with our long-standing business partners.
WHAT DOES RETHINK TOGETHER MEAN?
We find the idea of "Rethink Together" important, because we all have to rethink, act attentively and take responsibility together. For our common future and to preserve our planet for future generations.
In this context, "Rethink Together" not only describes the understanding with which we live sustainability at Marc Cain, but also our more sustainable products.
WHAT DOES RETHINK TOGETHER MEAN?
We find the idea of "Rethink Together" important, because we all have to rethink, act attentively and take responsibility together. For our common future and to preserve our planet for future generations.
In this context, "Rethink Together" not only describes the understanding with which we live sustainability at Marc Cain, but also our more sustainable products.
Rethink Together awarded products are particularly environmentally friendly in addition to our cross-product sustainability activities (e.g. our social requirements), from materials to equipment. The corresponding marking takes the form of a hangtag on the article and a sewn-in woven label.
Rethink Together awarded products are particularly environmentally friendly in addition to our cross-product sustainability activities (e.g. our social requirements), from materials to equipment. The corresponding marking takes the form of a hangtag on the article and a sewn-in woven label.
WHEN DOES AN ARTICLE RECEIVE OUR "RETHINK TOGETHER" LABEL?
WHEN DOES AN ARTICLE RECEIVE OUR "RETHINK TOGETHER" LABEL?
MATERIAL
The items are made of at least 50% more sustainable main material, which is produced according to a certified standard accepted by us for sustainable materials.
The items are made of at least 50% more sustainable main material, which is produced according to a certified standard accepted by us for sustainable materials.
LESS CHEMICALS
The products go through an environmentally friendly production process. This means that the wet process, e.g. washing, dyeing, printing, has to meet strict requirements for the chemical management and that innovative, resource-saving production methods are used.
The products go through an environmentally friendly production process. This means that the wet process, e.g. washing, dyeing, printing, has to meet strict requirements for the chemical management and that innovative, resource-saving production methods are used.
SOCIAL
In addition, our producers, i.e. the companies that sew our goods together, have been audited for compliance with our social standards. This is the standard we set for all our producers.
In addition, our producers, i.e. the companies that sew our goods together, have been audited for compliance with our social standards. This is the standard we set for all our producers.
Material
The items are made of at least 50% more sustainable main material, which is produced according to a certified standard accepted by us for sustainable materials.
Less Chemicals
The products go through an environmentally friendly production process. This means that the wet process, e.g. washing, dyeing, printing, has to meet strict requirements for the chemical management and that innovative, resource-saving production methods are used.
Social
In addition, our producers, i.e. the companies that sew our goods together, have been audited for compliance with our social standards. This is the standard we set for all our producers.
OUR WORLDWIDE PARTNER COMPANIES ARE ABSOLUTE SPECIALISTS IN THEIR FIELD
We are aware of our responsibility along the supply chain, which is why we are continuously working to make the processes in our company more sustainable. In doing so, we always keep our high quality standards in mind, never compromising. This is the reason why we check our producers for compliance with our social standards and work together with our suppliers on improvement measures.
OUR WORLDWIDE PARTNER COMPANIES ARE ABSOLUTE SPECIALISTS IN THEIR FIELD
We are aware of our responsibility along the supply chain, which is why we are continuously working to make the processes in our company more sustainable. In doing so, we always keep our high quality standards in mind, never compromising. This is the reason why we check our producers for compliance with our social standards and work together with our suppliers on improvement measures.
67 % PRODUCTION IN EUROPE
We are one of the few German clothing manufacturers that still has its own production facilities in Germany.
In addition, the production chain for our clothing is a predominantly European process. The fabrics, woven fabrics, jerseys and knitting yarns also come mainly from Europe, especially Italy. As Europe is also our main sales market, we can say: We primarily produce where we also sell.
The following world map shows the countries of our partner companies, including the companies we work with for the procurement of raw materials.
67 % PRODUCTION IN EUROPE
We are one of the few German clothing manufacturers that still has its own production facilities in Germany.
In addition, the production chain for our clothing is a predominantly European process. The fabrics, woven fabrics, jerseys and knitting yarns also come mainly from Europe, especially Italy. As Europe is also our main sales market, we can say: We primarily produce where we also sell.
The following world map shows the countries of our partner companies, including the companies we work with for the procurement of raw materials.
CURRENT LIST OF COUNTRIES:
Romania, China, Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Italy, India, Germany, Morocco, Albania, Spain, Austria, Japan, Hong Kong, Netherlands, South Korea, France, Belgium
Romania, China, Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Italy, India, Germany, Morocco, Albania, Spain, Austria, Japan, Hong Kong, Netherlands, South Korea, France, Belgium
33% 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 selected facilities in Asia. Cooperation with non-European countries is important to us because of our high quality standards and the expertise available there. That's why, in whichever country it is, we work together with the specialists in each industry, true to our motto: Top quality from top companies.
33% 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 selected facilities in Asia. Cooperation with non-European countries is important to us because of our high quality standards and the expertise available there. That's why, in whichever country it is, we work together with the specialists in each industry, true to our motto: Top quality from top companies.
CURRENT LIST OF COUNTRIES:
Romania, China, Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Italy, India, Germany, Morocco, Albania, Spain, Austria, Japan, Hong Kong, Netherlands, South Korea, France, Belgium
Romania, China, Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, Turkey, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Italy, India, Germany, Morocco, Albania, Spain, Austria, Japan, Hong Kong, Netherlands, South Korea, France, Belgium
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
We maintain long-term and respectful business relationships with our suppliers. On average, we work with our suppliers for 12 years. Over a third (38%) have even been with us for more than 15 years. They are all outstanding specialists in their field, with whom we have built up a wealth of knowledge over the years. This expert know-how combined with trusting, open cooperation on an equal footing is important for perfecting quality.
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
We maintain long-term and respectful business relationships with our suppliers. On average, we work with our suppliers for 12 years. Over a third (38%) have even been with us for more than 15 years. They are all outstanding specialists in their field, with whom we have built up a wealth of knowledge over the years. This expert know-how combined with trusting, open cooperation on an equal footing is important for perfecting quality.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We are a member of amfori, the world's leading business association for open and sustainable trade, and have been participating in the amfori BSC (Business Social Compliance Initiative) since 2019. We are thereby committed to the values and principles of the amfori BSCI Code of Conducts for human and workers' rights and the social objectives of the textile and clothing industry.
We have also adopted this Code of Conduct for our supply chain as part of our supplier contracts and added further principles in the areas of human rights and environmental protection in 2023, making it our own Supplier Code of Conduct. This is available in the languages relevant to our suppliers. We have set ourselves the goal of auditing all production facilities of our direct business partners for compliance. In addition, our buyers and travelling technicians are also regularly on site at the production facilities.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We are a member of amfori, the world's leading business association for open and sustainable trade, and have been participating in the amfori BSC (Business Social Compliance Initiative) since 2019. We are thereby committed to the values and principles of the amfori BSCI Code of Conducts for human and workers' rights and the social objectives of the textile and clothing industry.
We have also adopted this Code of Conduct for our supply chain as part of our supplier contracts and added further principles in the areas of human rights and environmental protection in 2023, making it our own Supplier Code of Conduct. This is available in the languages relevant to our suppliers. We have set ourselves the goal of auditing all production facilities of our direct business partners for compliance. In addition, our buyers and travelling technicians are also regularly on site at the production facilities.
OUR EMPLOYEES ARE THE HEART OF OUR COMPANY
Because they are the core of our success. 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.
OUR EMPLOYEES ARE THE HEART OF OUR COMPANY
Because they are the core of our success. 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.
As knitters, we acknowledge our special responsibility in dealing with animal materials. A respectful and species-appropriate attitude of the animals is very close to our hearts. For this reason, we are committed to respecting the internationally recognized Five Domains Model.
As knitters, we acknowledge our special responsibility in dealing with animal materials. A respectful and species-appropriate attitude of the animals is very close to our hearts. For this reason, we are committed to respecting the internationally recognized Five Domains Model.
ANIMAL WELFARE – THAT'S WHAT WE PAY ATTENTION TO
We require our suppliers to use only products from animals that are raised 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 other things, implements the requirements of the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), as well as the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Species Protection Ordinance.
In addition, we have defined for the individual materials corresponding animal welfare requirements and are in close contact with other companies, trade associations and standard organisations. In this way, we aim to raise awareness of these issues and increase the availability of animal welfare-certified materials.
ANIMAL WELFARE – THAT'S WHAT WE PAY ATTENTION TO
We require our suppliers to use only products from animals that are raised 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 other things, implements the requirements of the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), as well as the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Species Protection Ordinance.
In addition, we have defined for the individual materials corresponding animal welfare requirements and are in close contact with other companies, trade associations and standard organisations. In this way, we aim to raise awareness of these issues and increase the availability of animal welfare-certified materials.
Animal welfare and species protection are central principles of our sustainability philosophy. That is why we do not process fur, angora or exotic skins. In addition, the leather we use is always a by-product of the food industry.
Animal welfare and species protection are central principles of our sustainability philosophy. That is why we do not process fur, angora or exotic skins. In addition, the leather we use is always a by-product of the food industry.
HEAT RECOVERY – WE SAVE ENERGY
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.
HEAT RECOVERY – WE SAVE ENERGY
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.
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 therefore environmentally friendly Euro container 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 ingredient storage shipping and have already proven their benefits.
PLASTIC BOXES – WE REDUCE WASTE
We use reusable and therefore environmentally friendly Euro container 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 ingredient storage shipping and have already proven their benefits.
E-CHARGING STATION
New energy concept. 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.
E-CHARGING STATION
New energy concept. 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.
WE PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY
All our paper products are labelled with an environmental certificate. This is a clear signal in favour of the environment. Wood and paper products bearing this seal of quality originate from responsible forest management, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation of forests. The award of the environmental seal is subject to strict controls and covers not only the end product, but also includes the processing chain.
WE PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY
All our paper products are labelled with an environmental certificate. This is a clear signal in favour of the environment. Wood and paper products bearing this seal of quality originate from responsible forest management, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation of forests. The award of the environmental seal is subject to strict controls and covers not only the end product, but also includes the processing chain.
