Social Responsibility Principles

Sustainable business that generates value for future generations lies at the heart of Marimekko’s business idea. The main objective 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.

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.

Financial responsibility

Marimekko has set clear financial objectives for its operations. The company seeks to grow and evolve in a controlled manner, thus ensuring the smooth continuity of its business and steady, long-term returns to its stakeholders. Good corporate governance, open communication and shouldering environmental and social responsibilities ensure that the company’s financial performance is based on responsible practices.

Environmental responsibility

Marimekko is aware of the environmental impact of its business operations and strives to take environmental aspects into consideration in investment and operational planning. The company seeks to save energy by developing its production methods, investing in energy-efficient machinery and equipment, and monitoring energy consumption. Marimekko aims to minimise the amount of mixed waste and to enhance waste recycling and sorting. In the long term, the company strives to continually reduce its direct environmental impact in proportion to the volume of operations. Marimekko also requires its partners to observe environmentally friendly practices.

Social responsibility

Social responsibility includes caring for the well-being of Marimekko’s personnel and requiring the company's partners to be socially responsible. The company aims to be a desirable, valued employer that respects a creative corporate culture and competence. Exemplary management of occupational safety and health is of primary importance with regard to employee well-being. Occupational safety and well-being at work are monitored and enhanced in cooperation with the workplace safety committee and occupational healthcare.

Marimekko bears an indirect responsibility for the well-being of the individuals involved in its supply chain. The company’s goal is for its partners, subcontractors and suppliers to familiarise themselves with Marimekko’s principles and to observe the same level of social responsibility in their own operations. 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. The company strongly aims to enhance the transparency of supply chains by increasing monitoring and interaction with subcontractors. Marimekko wishes to ensure that the working conditions of those involved in the supply chain comply with the principles of national legislation and the international conventions of the United Nations. Achieving these goals may take time, yet each individual improvement is a step towards socially sustainable development.

All Marimekko products, regardless of their origin, must meet the current requirements for physical, social and environmental quality, and product safety.

Scope of the principles and endry into force

These social responsibility principles apply to all of the Group companies. Marimekko’s Board of Directors confirmed the principles on 16 December 2008. A social responsibility steering group monitors and coordinates the implementation of the principles and reports the results to the Board of Directors annually.