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.

In manufacturing, the proportion of subcontractors increased further in 2008. The majority of the company’s foreign suppliers are located within the EU area. There are few subcontractors in developing regions. Marimekko has several long-standing supplier relationships. In 2008, approximately 70% of all of Marimekko’s purchases were made from 20 major suppliers, most of whom are located within the EU. However, the effect of globalisation on Marimekko’s business has become stronger, and this imposes new requirements on the company’s 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 company aims to deploy responsible operating models throughout the supply chain. Marimekko’s awareness of the different parties in the supply chain has increased, which has enhanced the company’s readiness to intervene in the case of possible defects. All Marimekko products carry a country of origin label to increase 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.

Marimekko has identified supply chain management as one of the key areas in the development of social responsibility. In the long term, the goal is to enhance transparency throughout the supply chain, minimise the risks associated with sourcing and further improve the management of supplier relationships. With regard to these efforts, the exchange of information and open dialogue with the various suppliers are of primary importance. Suppliers must be able to ensure that the operations of their respective subcontractors are responsible.

Cooperation with suppliers will be reinforced and Marimekko’s buyers will receive training in quality, environmental and social responsibility issues. One of the 2009 goals set for sourcing is reviewing the company’s cooperation agreements. By 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. Changes in the product range will also be reflected in the supplier pool. The company aims to secure the commitment of new partners to the Marimekko practice from the beginning.