We advance sustainability in our products and for people and the planet as a continuation of our sustainability strategy work. Under our People focus area, we concentrate on respecting human rights in our value chains, fair working conditions and pay, and an equal, safe and inclusive work community at Marimekko. Our work is guided by international human rights principles.
We believe that long-term sustainability work for people requires both the continuous development of our own practices and collaboration with suppliers and other stakeholders. We aim to build long-term partnerships with suppliers, and our goal is to have our products made with the most suitable and capable partner for each product category. We select our contract manufacturers carefully and, in addition to commercial criteria, pay particular attention to working conditions, occupational safety and other human rights considerations.
Our human rights and principles
We are committed to respecting and promoting human rights both in our own operations and across our value chains. This commitment is included in the company’s Code of Conduct and Supplier Code of Conduct. Our approach is based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and key international human rights and labour standards, such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and ILO conventions.
Our human rights due diligence process covers all groups of people our operations may affect, including our own employees and actors in our value chains. This due diligence work includes identifying and assessing human rights impacts, preventing and mitigating risks, and monitoring actions. We continuously develop our processes as part of our sustainability work.
In our industry, the most significant human rights impacts are linked to global supply chains, which is why our due diligence work focuses particularly on impacts related to our sourcing chain. As part of ongoing collaboration and monitoring, we identify and seek to prevent and mitigate potential adverse human rights impacts in our suppliers’ operations. We work closely with our suppliers and require them to commit to ethical practices, including workers’ rights, safe working conditions and non-discrimination.
Human rights due diligence in our value chains
Our human rights due diligence work in the value chain is based on impact mapping, careful supplier assessment and selection, contractual obligations set for suppliers, and ongoing dialogue and monitoring. As part of this work, we also assess how we at Marimekko can continuously improve our own operations, for example our purchasing practices.
All Marimekko contract manufacturers are required to commit to complying with the company’s Supplier Code of Conduct. In addition to suppliers, this requirement also applies to their subcontractors and other parties connected to the operations, regardless of where they are located.
At the same time, we recognize that human rights impacts are not limited to direct contract manufacturers but also extend to raw material production. This is why we continuously develop our ways of working to identify and prevent such impacts at different stages of the value chain.
Read more about human rights in the supply chain ›
Living wage in the value chain
Fair pay is a key part of the realization of human rights. Both the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct and Marimekko’s Supplier Code of Conduct include a requirement for a living wage that enables a worker and their family to earn a decent livelihood.
We recognize that statutory minimum wages or wages based on collective agreements are not sufficient in all countries to meet this objective. Advancing a living wage is a complex issue that requires collaboration among companies, legislators, worker representatives and other stakeholders. Marimekko promotes this work as part of amfori BSCI initiatives and develops its approach together with partners.
Reporting channels and corrective actions
Identifying and addressing potential human rights violations also requires functioning reporting channels and clear operating models. Marimekko has a whistleblowing channel through which inappropriate conduct can be reported confidentially. A corresponding channel is also available through amfori BSCI.
We also continuously develop channels suitable for workers in value chains so that any concerns can be raised and addressed appropriately together with suppliers.
Continuous improvement
Human rights work in value chains is continuous and long term, and it requires collaboration and openness. Our long-term aim is to improve value chain transparency and identify human rights impacts ever deeper in the chain, all the way to the origin of raw materials.
We publish key sourcing-related documents, such as the list of contract manufacturers, the Supplier Code of Conduct and our sustainability policy, on our principles and policies page.
Marimekko’s work culture
We want to offer an inspiring and caring workplace where everyone can feel valued and grow in their work. Our work culture is based on integrity, courage, collaboration and an open, low-hierarchy way of working.
Read more about Marimekko’s culture and wellbeing at work ›
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
Diversity, equity and inclusion are an essential part of Marimekko’s culture and the way we operate. Any form of discrimination is prohibited, and we want to ensure that everyone can be encountered as their authentic self.
We advance DEI work through clear principles, operating models and continuous learning. These perspectives are visible in everyday work, leadership, as well as in communications and marketing.
Read more about our DEI work ›
Collaboration and initiatives
Many human rights- and working conditions-related challenges in global value chains are structural and cannot be solved through isolated actions. That is why we advance our sustainability work in collaboration with suppliers, industry initiatives and other stakeholders.
Long-term collaboration, openness and dialogue are key ways to create a positive impact in value chains and advance fairer practices.
Read more about collaboration and initiatives ›
Working with people is a continuous journey of development
Our work related to people is grounded in continuous development. We evolve our human rights, working life and DEI practices in response to changes in our operating environment, legislation and stakeholder expectations. Our aim is to strengthen transparency, impact and collaboration over the long term, always with respect for human dignity.