Social Responsibility

Sustainable business that generates value for future generations lies at the heart of Marimekko’s business idea. The main goal set for social responsibility, based on shared values and goals, is its incorporation into all of the company’s activities. Compliance with laws determines the minimum level of social responsibility; the company continuously strives towards a higher level by improving its responsible practices. The commitment to responsibility is supported by the company’s social responsibility training and development programme, internal guidelines and the obligations included in cooperation agreements. The company encourages its employees to adopt responsible working practices.

Marimekko’s Board of Directors confirmed the company’s social responsibility principles in December 2008. The principles apply to all of the Group companies. A social responsibility steering group monitors and coordinates the implementation of the principles and reports the results to the Board of Directors annually. Business units and functions are responsible for accountability, supervision, information collection and reporting concerning their own area. An internal working group consisting of representatives of different functions works under the supervision and coordination of Group communications.

The Group applies the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting framework’s G3 guidelines. Reporting complies with the division into financial, social and environmental responsibility as provided in the guidelines. Marimekko regards compliance with laws and regulations and responding to the expectations of its key stakeholders as the essential principles in reporting. The company’s key stakeholders are the customers, personnel, shareholders, cooperation partners and the media. Marimekko has identified sourcing, design, production and quality control as well as warehousing, distribution and logistics as the key areas for the development of social responsibility within the next few years.