‘The s.Oliver Group is a member of the working group on forced labour. The group discussed in detail current difficulties with eliminating forced labour in the supply chain. We at s.Oliver Group appreciate the opportunity to share with other companies our experience of and insights into the risks in deeper supply chains. Forced labour remains one of the most serious human rights violations, one which is not always visible due to different national regulations. Without this exchange, it can be difficult for companies to identify workable best practices.’

Dr. Gurgen Petrossian, Senior Consultant Sustainability Global Sustainability, s.Oliver

‘On the initiative of the expert group on gender-based violence and harassment, 33 members of the Textiles Partnership signed a joint letter to Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, and Federal Labour Minister, Hubertus Heil, on 8 March 2022. In it they called upon the German Government to ratify without delay Convention No. 190 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. We are therefore very pleased that Germany began the ratification process in December 2022. This is also a victory for us and sends out an important signal in favour of good working conditions and gender equality worldwide. It establishes a clear framework for action to end discrimination and violence in the workplace.’

Christina Stockfisch, policy officer for European and International equal opportunities policy on the Federal Management Board of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB)

‘We are delighted that Formesse is part of the Partnership Initiative on Organic Cotton in India. It has long been a concern of ours to establish a fair, environmentally friendly and economically viable supply chain for our cotton. Until recently, our efforts failed because we were unable to guarantee a reliable supply of the high-quality sustainable cotton we need. Now, thanks to our direct exchanges with all those involved, our approach is not only highly transparent and attractive, but also hitting all targets in terms of our cotton yarn requirements. We eagerly await the first delivery and look forward to developing long-term partnerships.’

Matthias Jaschke, Managing Director, Formesse

‘One of the most significant milestones in our cooperation has been to set up the working group on responsible purchasing practices. Intensive dialogue with other companies on this is of particular value. The development of purchasing practices is not only a statutory requirement in Germany, but also a first point of reference for eliminating human rights violations in the supply chain. It is particularly important that the working group has an international dimension, since it enables many companies to pool their different experiences.’

Dr. Gurgen Petrossian, Senior Consultant Sustainability Global Sustainability, s.Oliver