Social Responsibility

Social responsibility includes caring for the wellbeing of Marimekko’s personnel and requiring the company’s partners to be socially responsible. Information on Marimekko’s personnel is given under Personnel.

Marimekko has three production plants of its own, all located in Finland: a textile printing factory in Helsinki, a sewing factory in Kitee and a bag factory in Sulkava. In-house production has the effect of conferring a considerable competitive edge, and it is very important for Marimekko to have its own manufacturing in Finland today and in the future.

Of the products sold in 2009, nearly half were manufactured in Marimekko’s own factories. The share of in-house production has diminished over the past few years, and Marimekko uses subcontractors to an increasing extent for manufacturing its products. Changes in the product range will also be reflected in the supplier pool. Subcontracted Marimekko products are manufactured both in Finland and abroad. A number of factors, such as production volumes, manufacturing costs and any special expertise required, influence the choice of manufacturing location. The most competent manufacturer is the primary choice for each product, and the starting point is that new partners are committed to the unified Marimekko practice from the beginning. In 2009, the value of subcontracted goods and services amounted to EUR 16.7 million. The geographical breakdown of subcontracting was as follows: Finland 29.4%, other EU countries 57.4%, and non-EU countries 13.2%. All Marimekko products carry a country of origin label to enhance transparency in the production processes.

Whenever possible, Marimekko aims to use certified suppliers with valid standards or certificates that are internationally recognised or important in Marimekko’s branch of business. These include the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards, the Social Accountability SA 8000 standard, the Öko-Tex Standard 100 certificate and the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) monitoring system. Of these, the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards and the Öko-Tex Standard 100 are the most common in Marimekko’s supplier companies. The validity of the standards and certificates of Marimekko’s suppliers and their products is verified and the origin of raw materials as well as production conditions are regularly monitored. In accordance with objectives, cooperation agreements were reviewed and updated in 2009. In the agreements, the parties commit themselves to adhering to internationally recognised social and ethical norms. Sourcing agreements require partners to follow the fundamental rules laid down by the ILO. They relate to forced labour, freedom of association, promotion of employment, social security, discrimination, minimum age and working conditions. Marimekko, or its authorised representative, has the right to check compliance with the agreed processes and the ILO’s fundamental rules. Furthermore, Marimekko has the right to require a partner to correct any detected shortcomings. Suppliers must also be able to ensure that their respective subcontractors operate in a responsible manner.

The impact of globalisation on Marimekko’s business will increase further, continuously bringing up new challenges for the operations. Because of the complexity of supply chains, Marimekko cannot guarantee that the operating models of all suppliers in its supply chains fully meet the company’s requirements. The management of the supply chain is one of the focus areas for Marimekko’s development work concerning social responsibility. In the long term, the goal is to enhance transparency throughout the supply chain, minimise the risks associated with procurement and further improve the management of supplier relationships. With regard to these efforts, a sufficient exchange of information and open dialogue with the various suppliers are of primary importance. In 2009, Marimekko organised training for its purchasing personnel in quality, environmental and social responsibility issues. As part of the development of its sourcing process, Marimekko participates in the multidisciplinary GlobeNet globalisation research project for Nordic universities and companies, launched in 2009. The subjects of the research include the impacts of changes in the business environment on the production network.