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08 June 2021 From blue man to fabric bag: Impulses for sustainable purchasing

Companies in Germany are increasingly setting themselves ambitious sustainability goals. This applies to environmental goals such as climate neutrality, as well as social goals such as the preparation for the Supply Chain Act.

Sustainability has long been the focus of companies, regulatory and social requirements are growing. In the meantime, procurement management is part of responsible behaviour for many companies. Purchasing has an enormous leverage effect. It is a multiplier that can change the management of suppliers, but also of one's own company and provides added value for the environment, economy and society.

At the digital talk ‘More sustainability for workwear, promotional items and more: Buy textiles eco-fair’ on 20 May 2021, To which FEMNET and the Global Nature Fund had invited, the focus was therefore on responsible textile purchasing.

After a short insight into the results of a company survey, which the two partners had started last year at the start of the joint project FAIR WEAR WORKS, the participants expected compact practical knowledge. In her presentation, FEMNET consultant Mara Mürlebach was able to remove many factors perceived by companies as stumbling blocks, such as the lack of information on seals and standards. Mürlebach explained which requirements credible sustainability standards should meet and showed examples of how purchasing can proceed in market research.

Mariska Prcycleenk from Transfair Germany complemented the view into procurement practice. As a sealer for products that meet the Fairtrade standard, the textile sector is also a field of activity for Transfair. Prcycling presented the standards for cotton and textiles and the Fairtrade licensing partners relevant for corporate and work wear. Three best practice examples illustrated the motivation and approach of companies to change their textile purchasing.

At the end of the webinar for beginners, FEMNET and the GNF pointed out the extensive support for companies within the framework of the consulting project FAIR WEAR WORKS. This includes, for example, the joint analysis of existing purchasing requirements, help with market research, the selection of sustainability criteria, recommendations for requirements for suppliers or information on seals and standards. In addition, the project portfolio includes impulse workshops: Apprentices and vocational students can also take part early on in the path to sustainable corporate engagement.

The digital roundtable, which was shown by the feedback survey afterwards, convinced the majority: More than 70% of the participants felt inspired to follow the path to a fair textile shopping. The conclusion is that procurement is an important building block for strategically setting the course for sustainability.