MARC O'POLO STRENGTHENS ITS COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE ZDHC FOUNDATION AND CASCALE

Marc O'Polo is taking a significant step to further expand on its sustainability strategy and minimise its environmental impact with regard to the use of harmful chemicals. The casual lifestyle brand is strengthening its commitment to the ZDHC, a multi-stakeholder initiative with over 320 signatory companies from the textile, apparel and footwear industries.

Marc O'Polo is now a ZDHC Signatory Brand. This is an important addition to the brand’s existing membership in Cascale, a global alliance committed to more equitable and restorative business practices. Since the very beginning, the use of natural materials has been an integral part of Marc O'Polo's brand essence, laying the foundation for today's environmentally conscious behaviour.

ZDHC Signatory Brand: for more responsible chemical and wastewater management

The increased cooperation with the ZDHC is a result of Marc O'Polo's high standards of responsible chemical and wastewater management. The fashion label is part of the global ZDHC network, which is committed to the elimination of hazardous chemicals in the textile, clothing and footwear industry. As such, Marc O'Polo reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing processes and promotes sustainable practices to protect workers, consumers and the planet's ecosystems.

The company first became a ‘Friend of the ZDHC’ in 2022 and is implementing the ZDHC's ‘Roadmap to Zero’ programme in its supply chain. 

“In 1967, our founders started out with the claim ‘Only Nature's Material,” says Susanne Schwenger, CPO of Marc O'Polo SE. “Partnerships such as those with the ZDHC and Cascale are part of our comprehensive environmental strategy. They enable us to work with other companies to improve the environmental conditions in our supply chain, achieve an even greater impact and contribute to positive change throughout the industry. They are an important step towards greater sustainability. Only together can we master the challenges of our time and make a positive contribution to a more environmentally friendly future.”

Cascale candidate membership: working together for fairer and more restorative business practices

In parallel with its increasing cooperation with the ZDHC, Marc O'Polo is sending out a strong signal with its candidate membership in Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, SAC). Campaigning for fairer and more restorative business practices, the global non-profit alliance brings together members from the clothing, footwear, home textiles, sports and outdoor industries.

Membership in Cascale provides access to the Higg Index tools, a system for standardised measurement and assessment of the environmental and social impact of products and services. The Higg Index makes it possible to recognise potential for improvement and implement systematic changes along the entire value chain.