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
Supplier Code of Conduct
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 goal to be as sustainable as possible, we source materials from subcontractors as close to production as possible. Our Brazilian factory (Oksebra do Brasil) purchases most materials from its local area, and the same applies to Arbesko in Sweden.
We follow up continuously on our transport operations and try to avoid air freight as far as possible. Unfortunately, during 21/22, we had to use more air freight than we would have liked, due to container shortages in South America. Looking ahead, we see a better forecast, as we have recently signed an agreement that makes it possible to book containers on ships with better advance planning. This will enable us to reduce air shipments in the years ahead.
Goal for 2022/2023
A maximum of 5% of the total weight of transported material from Oksebra do Brasil may be transported by air.
Goal for 2025/2026
A maximum of 2% of the total weight of transported material from Oksebra do Brasil may be transported by air.