Sustainability and social responsibility

The BSCI is based on three fundamental pillars: 

• The annual* audit of production facilities to check the degree of implementation of the BSCI Code of Conduct using independent test institutes (e.g. TÜV) 
• The training of members and their suppliers in order to improve understanding and the implementation of the social requirements in the BSCI Code of Conduct
• The continuous dialogue with stakeholders (governments, trade unions etc.) in order to influence the political, economic and cultural conditions that restrict the sustainable improvement of working conditions

The BSCI Code of Conduct includes: 

1. the right to freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining
2. no discrimination
3. fair remuneration
4. reasonable working hours
5. safety in the workplace
6. no child labour
7. special protection for young workers
8. no precarious employment
9. no forced labour
10. environmental protection
11. ethical business practices 

Taking responsibility is important for us. Nowadays, people are constantly being faced with toxic substances - whether they be in the workplace or outside. At the same time, the legal requirements regarding these substances and consumer awareness of them are increasing. State authorities and private organisations now monitor compliance with laws and standards. Particular attention is paid in this context to products that constantly come into contact with the skin: i.e. gloves.

Very cheap gloves in particular have been found to contain high levels of harmful substances in the past (chromium IV, AZO dyes etc.).

Kerbl has set itself the goal of taking on this challenge. Working with the Europe-wide accredited testing institute Bureau Veritas, we have developed inspection catalogues for pollutants. These inspection catalogues are tailored to each product group. The criteria go far beyond legal requirements. For example, the inspection catalogue for clothing (incl. gloves) below.

Ongoing compliance with certified qualities is confirmed by the regular inspection of samples.

Our gloves only pass the inspection because we work extremely carefully when selecting materials. All leather gloves from Kerbl are labelled with a batch number (EB-…). This means that the gloves can be identified and traced at all times.

It is expected that the requirements regarding freedom from harmful substances will get tougher in future, not just in Germany but throughout the whole of Europe (REACH, etc.). Thanks to the collaboration with Bureau Veritas, Kerbl is ideally equipped for this.