Fair Wear Foundation

In October 2008, Mammut became the first outdoor company to join the Fair Wear Foundation. Since then, numerous improvements have been implemented.

In 2009, Mammut stepped up the pace: 73% of clothing suppliers (measured according to purchase volumes) were integrated in the new internal monitoring system. Mammut has therefore gone far beyond the FWF’s requirement of just 40% for member companies in their first year. The initial results of the annual FWF Management System Audit (MSA) were also very positive.

The following year, the focus was on consolidating and improving the internal management system. The main actions involved optimising processes to ensure the continuous maintenance of the supplier register as well as the improvement action plan. In 2011, the monitoring system was extended to include producers in the backpacks and climbing harnesses product groups. Each year, MAMMUT issues transparent reports on implemented and planned actions, challenges and successes. Social Annual Report 2010.

Despite comprehensive monitoring procedures, no absolute guarantee can be provided against breaches of the Code of Labour Practices. The Swiss company views its commitment more as a long-term process and a never-ending path.

How does the Mammut control system work in practice?

The FWF Code of Labour Practices sets out the conditions under which MAMMUT products must be produced in the supply chain. To ensure the effective implementation of this standard, MAMMUT relies on an internal management system and continuously monitors working conditions at manufacturers using the following tools:

1. Factory visits: Mammut purchasing teams, developers and managers make regular on-site visits to examine working conditions as well as discussing day-to-day business.
2. Audits: Mammut appoints independent local expert teams to conduct factory audits. The audit report is then used to discuss any deficiencies with the supplier and define the improvements to be put in place.
3. Internal processes: An internal management system helps to provide an overview, track all actions and systematically monitor improvements.

Who is the Fair Wear Foundation?

The Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) is a “multi-stakeholder” initiative which is supported by companies and textile associations, trade unions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). As an independent verification body, it checks that the actions taken by member companies are effective and coherent. To do this, it uses the following tools:

1. Verification audits: The FWF carries out its own audits to countercheck and verify the improvement process locally
2. Grievance mechanism: Factory employees can send grievances directly to the FWF and Mammut on an anonymous basis
3. Performance Check: Each year, the FWF examines the basic internal monitoring processes and flows at Mammut.