Code of conduct on social responsibility and sustainability

The CHARLE – premium haberdashery brand stands for elastic and non-elastic organic ribbons that are developed in Germany and produced in Austria. We use certified organic cotton (kbA), TENCEL^TM Lyocell and natural rubber (REACH, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, FSC) to manufacture our ribbons.

We have a partnership-based relationship with our producers, suppliers and customers, built on mutual trust.

When sourcing our raw materials and other materials, we ensure that transport distances are as short as possible. Harmony between people, nature and the environment is a matter close to our hearts.

As a young, independent family business, it has been a matter of course for us from the very beginning to assume social and ecological responsibility towards society. We therefore act in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct. In doing so, we are committed to a holistic understanding of corporate responsibility that encompasses human rights, the environment, labour and social standards, responsible corporate governance, fair competition practices and transparency.

Our guide to a future fit for our grandchildren is the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted in a global future agreement. In particular, we are pursuing the following six goals.

In accordance with the principles of the UN Global Compact, we oppose all forms of forced labour and child labour. Through our membership of Fair Rubber e. V., we aim to improve the working and living conditions of primary producers of natural rubber by putting the principles of fair trade into practice, and to support environmentally sound production.

We reject all forms of discrimination against employees and job applicants and promote a working environment characterised by respect, equal treatment and diversity.

Throughout the entire value chain, protecting resources and the environment is important to us. When sourcing materials, we ensure that transport distances are as short as possible. For example, some of our cotton comes from the Aegean region (Turkey). Due to the increase in our cotton consumption, we have been sourcing a further portion from India since 2025. The TENCEL™ Lyocell yarn comes from Austria. Natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) grows only at the equator – which is why our rubber threads from Malaysia and Vietnam travel the longest distance. We strive to reduce our carbon footprint continuously, among other things by supporting a privately organised reforestation project in the Franconian Forest and by making carbon offsetting payments for transport.

Our production processes are designed to minimise waste. Production waste and fabric swatches are collected and made available to various organisations, such as Froebel e.V., for further use. At our Berlin head office and warehouse, we do not even need a commercial waste bin. Our Austrian production sites use renewable energy – water and heat from our own power stations and photovoltaic systems. Our Berlin studio uses 100 per cent green electricity generated in Germany.

We are consistently committed to conserving resources and support the circular economy approach, in accordance with the OECD Guidelines for Sustainable Production and Consumption.

We take a firm stand against any form of corruption, extortion or bribery in our dealings with our business partners, suppliers, customers and employees.

We are committed to transparency, fair business practices and a corporate culture based on integrity and trust.

As an owner-managed company, we view management not merely as the coordination of business processes, but as a responsibility towards people. We run CHARLE with the aim of promoting fair working conditions, opportunities for staff involvement and a respectful working environment – both internally and throughout our value chain.

We cultivate an open, respectful culture of communication that fosters trust, initiative and personal development. We make decisions transparently and based on dialogue and cooperation.

In our supply chain relationships, we ensure that our partner companies also comply with minimum social standards. We favour long-term, collaborative partnerships based on fairness, reliability and shared responsibility.

Furthermore, we support work-life balance, diversity and equal opportunities. We are guided by the principles of sustainability, humanity and integrity – to create a working environment that combines economic success with social responsibility.

Please direct any questions, suggestions or complaints relating to social responsibility and human rights to our email address ethics@premium-haberdashery.de. All correspondence will be treated in confidence – we will process your enquiry and respond within 14 days.