On a journey to make sustainability the new normal.
To continue on our journey to sustainability, we have defined 10 pathways. Each pathway reflects a specific area for which we have formulated relevant action steps and targets.
01 JOURNEY - 10 PATHWAYS
01 SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

An affinity for natural materials is part of our brand essence. We use sustainable materials and innovations as a matter of course. For MARC O’POLO, our target of offering nothing but sustainable products* by 2023 is the next logical step in implementing this philosophy.

* The percentage refers to all the main fibres (shell, filling, lining), which must consist of at least 80% sustainable materials.

WHERE WE STAND
2023 OBJECTIVES
02 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
It is our responsibility to play an active role in promoting fair working conditions within our supply chain in conjunction with partner organisations. To achieve this, we regularly have audits and independent sustainability performance checks conducted.
WHERE WE STAND

- Member of amfori BSCI since 2009
- Joined the Fair Wear Foundation in September 2020

2023 OBJECTIVES

- Rated ‘Good’ in a brand performance check by the Fair Wear Foundation
- Training our direct partners in the supply chain on the subject of human rights
- Developing a policy statement concerning human rights
- Introduction of the FWF complaints procedure for workers

03 ENVIRONMENT
We take a proactive approach to reducing negative environmental impacts throughout our supply chain. We concentrate primarily on lowering water consumption, limiting the use of hazardous chemicals and minimising waste.
WHERE WE STAND

- Member of the LWG (Leather Working Group)
- Developing „Our Cleanest Jeans Project“ with the aim of reducing environmental impacts from the use of water, energy and chemicals
- Minimum requirements of chemical parameters

2023 OBJECTIVES

- Sourcing 100% of leather from LWG-certified tanneries
- ‘Our Cleanest Jeans Project’ – 100% denim with a low-impact wash
- Measuring the social and environmental performance of all wet processing plants (tier 1)
- Ensuring our direct suppliers comply with the ZDHC MRSL and training them in chemicals management

04 TRACEABILITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Significant increase in the quantification and assessment of environmental data throughout our supply chain. We provide tools for our customers which allow them to trace products transparently.
WHERE WE STAND

- Advancing digitalisation in our merchandise management system

2023 OBJECTIVES

- Partnership with Fashion Tech Incubator
- Increasing digital resources enabling consumers to trace each product’s origins and journey

05 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Continuing the transparent communication and solidarity with stakeholders which are key to the trust and success that hallmark our long-standing collaboration. We pursue and foster a co-creative approach.
WHERE WE STAND

- Regularly sharing sustainability updates with our sales team

2023 OBJECTIVES

- Sustainability webinar every two years
- Training for the Fair Wear Foundation
- Holding a sustainability event for members and partners

06 CLIMATE PERFORMANCE
Our aim is to become a climate-neutral brand. To achieve this, we are eliminating, reducing and offsetting our CO2 emissions both at our own sites and in the supply chain. (Scope 1, 2 and 3)
WHERE WE STAND

- Contributed to the planting of more than 85,000 trees with the Plant-for-the-Planet initiative

2023 OBJECTIVES

- Commitment to the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi)
- Climate-neutral brand
- Developing and rolling out a climate-neutral collection

07 TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
We are significantly reducing our emissions by no longer using air freight, optimising B2B and B2C logistics, and improving the mobility system for staff.
WHERE WE STAND

- Company car pooling system
- 10–15% air freight
- BahnCard100 option for staff

2023 OBJECTIVES

- Significantly reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
- No air freight
- Completing a 100% sustainable mobility concept

08 PACKAGING
We use sustainable packaging solutions both at bricks-and-mortar stores and online. We implement new concepts and innovations if they meet our sustainability standards.
WHERE WE STAND

- Reducing the volume of packaging and choosing recyclable options
- Sustainable returns service for the online shop and cooperation with TEXAID
- Avoiding laminated cardboard for online orders

2023 OBJECTIVES

- Launching a new packaging strategy after a successful pilot phase

09 ENERGY
We are consistently forging ahead with our use of renewables. We are improving our energy efficiency by means of a long-term energy management system.
WHERE WE STAND

- Annual energy programme
- Energy management system with regular audits at HQ and the stores
- Sourcing green electricity

2023 OBJECTIVES

- Optimising energy efficiency, e.g. via avoidable server activity
- Strengthening the link between energy management and our carbon footprint
- Using 100% renewable energy nationwide and ramping up its usage internationally

10 PEOPLE EMPORMENT
The MARC O’POLO philosophy rests on a liberal, open-minded ethos. We unite and promote internationality, individuality and diversity. These are essential elements of our corporate culture.
WHERE WE STAND

- Fifth place in the TW study ‘Working in Fashion’
- Guidelines for mobile working

2023 OBJECTIVES

- Regular in-house seminars on sustainability
- Implementing a strategy for a corporate culture in which the topic of sustainability is firmly embedded and which makes it possible to experience what a sustainable fashion brand has to offer

MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
Our mission
Sustainable materials
Our partnerships
Sustainable products for women


Sustainable products for men