Our supply chain
We own two of our factories and thus cover a large part of our supply chain, but despite this, we still have suppliers like everyone else, and we have a long-term partnership with most of them.
All our suppliers must sign an acknowledgement that they have received and understood both our Chemical Requirements and our Supplier Code of Conduct. This also forms the basis of gaining approval as a new supplier to Arbesko and Oksebra do Brasil.
Requirements and follow-up
Arbesko and Oksebra do Brasil’s Supplier Code of Conduct describes fundamental principles for all collaboration with our suppliers, such as requirements for working conditions and human rights, zero tolerance for child labour, and requirements for minimum age and wage.
The requirements set are based on internationally recognised principles such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
During the financial year 21/22, our goal was for the proportion of suppliers who had signed our Code of Conduct to be 100% in terms of spend. The outcome was slightly lower (97.5%), but we are working hard to achieve even better results in the coming years.
Goal for 2022/2023
98% of our suppliers must have signed our Code of Conduct.
Goal for 2025/2026
100% of our suppliers must have signed our Code of Conduct.
Chemical Requirements
Our shoes have strict demands when it comes to safety and function, but also chemical content. We strive to maintain control over all the chemicals used in the manufacturing of our products, and we work constantly to avoid the use of harmful chemicals. We do this because we care about the environment, our employees, our suppliers and our customers’ health and safety. Now and in the future.
We have a long list of chemicals that we do not permit in our own operations or those of our suppliers. The list is based on SEMCo, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and the Textile Importers Association in Sweden’s chemical guide, as well as on customer requirements and expectations. In addition to statutory requirements, Arbesko has chosen to lead the way and also limits substances that are on the SIN list. The SIN list follows the criteria for SVHC substances, but not all substances have yet been included in the REACH candidate list.
If a component does not meet the requirements, a notification must be made to Arbesko/Oksebra do Brasil for that product to be replaced by an alternative.
Whistleblowing service
Our stakeholders, both internally and externally, play a key role in capturing any deviations from our values and business ethics guidelines. In order to facilitate work to capture these deviations, Arbesko has implemented a so-called whistleblowing service via our owners (Bergman & Beving AB). The whistleblowing service offers an opportunity to report suspected irregularities anonymously and is important in order to reduce risks and promote high business ethics.
Transport
As part of our responsibility – and our ambition to be as sustainable as possible – we source materials from subcontractors located as close to our production units as we can. Our factory in Brazil, Oksebra do Brasil, purchases the majority of its materials locally, and the same approach applies to Arbesko in Sweden.
We continuously monitor our transport operations and strive to avoid air freight as far as possible. At times, temporary disruptions in the transport system may mean we need to use air freight for a limited period, but our focus is always on proactive planning and prioritising sea and land transport. A long-term agreement with our logistics partners allows us to book sea freight with better forward planning and thereby reduce the need for air transport.
