FIRST MARC O'POLO SUPPLIER SUMMIT IN INDIA - A New Era of Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Under the motto "In sustainability: We collaborate, not compete", the company gathered its key international strategic partners around one table to jointly develop solutions for a more sustainable future. In keeping with Marc O'Polo's enhanced sustainability strategy "IT'S ON US 2030+", the summit focused particularly on raising awareness around greater traceability, transparency and durability. Participants paid considerable attention to environmental and social aspects of the supply chain as well as to materials strategy.

"Our goal is not only to talk about sustainability but actively to implement it across all areas of our supply chain," explained Susanne Schwenger, CPO Marc O'Polo SE. "We're all about collaboration, not competition. We want to give everyone a deeper understanding of the origins of the supply chain and  how to optimize challenging topics," added Isabelle von Watzdorf, Director Buying & Production Marc O'Polo.

The three-day summit in Indore, dubbed "India's Cleanest City", offered a wealth of workshops, exciting lectures and panel discussions, moderated by Marc O'Polo experts in the fields of sustainability, sourcing and buying, as well as by representatives from various NGOs and sourcing partners. The exchange around raising awareness for more transparency in the supply chain, the empowerment of women, longevity, biodiversity, the procurement of sustainable materials and responsible purchasing provided much food for thought and resulted in the recognition that sustainable goals require joint commitment.

"We greatly appreciate the lively professional exchange within the industry in this country and are convinced that this cooperative approach should also include our suppliers and agencies.  The impetus cannot come only from us as a brand. Together, we have the power to steer the industry into a more sustainable, responsible future," said Lissa Erlenkötter, Division Head CSR & Product Sustainability Marc O'Polo, when welcoming the international guests.

A special highlight of the summit was the visit guests paid to the world's first regenerative organic cotton plantation, located in the heart of India. The relationship among nature, people, animals and the environment is of the utmost importance on the farm. The delegation was able to see this for themselves, gaining fascinating insights into the sustainable economic practices of Indian farmers. The experience gave participants a new perspective on, and a deeper understanding of, the challenges and opportunities of regenerative cotton cultivation.

At the conclusion of the summit, the suppliers and agents agreed on the spot to join forces directly and form a platform for more social responsibility and sustainability in the fashion industry. With its first Supplier Summit, Marc O'Polo has initiated a new era and planted the seeds for greater transparency and social responsibility.