SUPPLIERS

We benefit from a high level of supply chain transparency because we operate our own shoe production facility in Dortmund. Research and development, sole assembly, logistics, sales, administration, marketing and management are all located at our Dortmund-Wickede site, which enables maximum transparency regarding working conditions. We adhere to the OECD Guidelines on Due Diligence, the UN Charter of Human Rights and the relevant ILO conventions. Our Code of Conduct, which applies to all stakeholders, has been approved at the highest corporate level.

TIER 1 – DIRECT SUPPLIERS

For value-added steps that we cannot implement in Dortmund, we rely on long-standing partnerships. Our relationships with suppliers have often existed for decades, which promotes trust and continuous improvement. An important Tier 1 supplier is our subsidiary ATLAS Brasil, which manufactures shoe uppers from primary materials and delivers them to Dortmund. We also maintain close business relationships with our European Tier 1 suppliers for chemicals, shoe boxes and shoelaces, giving us deep insight into their business.

TIER 2 –INDIRECT SUPPLIERS

Our Tier 2 suppliers, such as tanneries that supply leather and materials for shaft production, have been partners for many years. We ensure geographical proximity to ATLAS Brasil to enable regular visits, during which we can check the quality of the materials and working conditions.

CAREFUL SUPPLIER SELECTION

New suppliers are subject to strict screening processes. Our Code of Conduct is provided with the expectation that it will be integrated into their processes. In 2024, it will also be publicly available on our website. We value certifications from our partners in order to comply with voluntary guidelines for greater sustainability. Tanneries must be audited by the Leather Working Group (LWG) and achieve at least a ‘silver’ rating. When reviewing suppliers, we focus particularly on the weakest. Decisions are based on experience and visits by trained employees, primarily from purchasing, in collaboration with our CSR manager. To improve supply chain transparency, we have been a member of amfori BSCI since November 2023 in order to achieve progress through risk analyses and social audits.