MR SCHOFFER, WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY MEAN FOR YOU AS A
SUPPLIER?
As a supplier, sustainability means integrating and reviewing the social, environmental and economic aspects of m y actions. If I put it in more concrete terms, sustainability entails that my employees have fair working conditions, I adopt an ethical approach to people and the environment in the manufacture of my products, and at the same time naturally provide secure jobs and strengthen the economic development of the location.
ARE YOU ABLE TO NAME SOME ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES TO SHOW HOW IMPORTANT SUSTAINABILITY IS FOR YOU?
Let’s take the example of education. As far as I am concerned personally, the social responsibility I bear for my employees is a particularly important priority. There are also important aspects like fair pay and a safe workplace environment. However, providing support for personal issues is also important, particularly the opportunity to build up knowledge. I believe that education is the most important key on the journey to overcoming poverty.
ARE YOU ABLE TO NAME SOME ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES TO SHOW HOW IMPORTANT SUSTAINABILITY IS FOR YOU?
Let’s take the example of education. As far as I am concerned personally, the social responsibility I bear for my employees is a particularly important priority. There are also important aspects like fair pay and a safe workplace environment. However, providing support for personal issues is also important, particularly the opportunity to build up knowledge. I believe that education is the most important key on the journey to overcoming poverty.
For example, people who have been educated are much less likely to be affected by unemployment and they will find new employment much more quickly if they have to change jobs. They frequently have much more self-confidence and they are more independent in their approach to work. Educated people are also well aware of their rights as an employee. We are suffering from a skills shortage in Egypt — and this is especially acute in production. That’s why we are currently planning a project which enables us to offer young people the opportunity to undergo a training leading to a qualification, for example as a tailor or pattern-maker. Both sides benefit from this.
WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE?
I think that sustainability has long since developed from a trend theme into a mainstream enabler for future-oriented business activity. Today, all the stakeholder groups of a company expect a responsible approach to people and nature. Consumers in particular are increasingly keen to make clothing produced under environmentally benign and fair conditions a top priority. It is therefore important to present customers with comprehensible and transparent information on where an item of clothing has been produced and under what conditions.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE INTERVIEW.
WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE?
I think that sustainability has long since developed from a trend theme into a mainstream enabler for future-oriented business activity. Today, all the stakeholder groups of a company expect a responsible approach to people and nature. Consumers in particular are increasingly keen to make clothing produced under environmentally benign and fair conditions a top priority. It is therefore important to present customers with comprehensible and transparent information on where an item of clothing has been produced and under what conditions.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE INTERVIEW.
