In our second newsletter, we want to share our latest progress in the implementation of the Good Fair-Trade Practices and reconfirm our commitments.
Best;
Nátaly Fonseca
General Manager
OUR MISSION
We aim to provide exceptional sales and service of high-quality blankets and accessories to national and international markets. We use the best natural fibers that respect the environment while helping us run a leading business in the sector. Likewise, we aim to create value for our shareholders and all individuals directly or indirectly involved with our organization. Furthermore, we are committed to applying and promoting fair trade practices as part of our dedication to our employees, suppliers, customers, and the community.
OUR VALUES
SCOPE
The scope for the application of the GFTP includes all company processes, which includes the management of the production of flat-woven products (fabric, blankets, shawls, and scarves, among others) made of alpaca and sheep wool, the management commercial at a national and international level and administrative management.
COUNTRIES WHERE WE EXPORT
We export to the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and the rest of Europe through our headquarters in Denmark.
COMMITMENT TO FAIR TRADE
Being conscious of our responsibility to our stakeholders, we adhere to the 10 principles of Good Fair-Trade Practices (GFTP).
1.Creating opportunities for the community.
2.Internal and external transparency.
3.Good business practices.
4.Strengthening capabilities.
5.Skill development.
6.Promotion of Fair Trade.
7.Equal treatment (without distinction of gender, religion, sexual option, political affinity, etc.).
8.Better working conditions.
9.Preventing Child Labor.
10.Respect for the environment.
These principles guide our activities and actions, which enrich and motivate us to share with you.
AVERAGE COST STRUCTURE OF SILKEBORG PRODUCTS
As part of our commitment to transparency with our stakeholders, we make available our product cost structure.
In addition, meetings were held with suppliers to review and validate that their cost structure at least covers their production costs.
POLICIES IMPLEMENTED AND PROMOTED BY THE COMPANY
We make public our commitment to the following policies:
INSTANCES OF PARTICIPATION
At Silkeborg Uldspinderi SAC, we welcome your suggestions, comments, and complaints via email: info@silkeborg-peru.com or submit anonymously through our mailbox: https://forms.office.com/e/3SNuzfGiGx
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE GFTP…
Creation of opportunities for the community
Two workshops were held with neighbors of the company to teach the basic concepts of crochet and knitting, through the elaboration of scarves. In these workshops we provided yarn, crochet hooks, knitting needles and didactic material to introduce them to the world of knitting and, if they wanted to, they could start a business.
Additionally, Silkeborg is a sponsor of Alpaca Fiesta 2024 and has been part of the organization, leading the academic committee in charge of the event’s conferences.
Fair-Trade promotion
As part of the promotion of fair trade, 2 articles have been published in Silkeborg’s blog: The 10 principles of fair-trade and Child labor prevention. In addition, information on fair trade, with emphasis on the prevention of child labor and the promotion of gender equality, was shared in workshops with neighbors and through this newsletter at Alpaca Fiesta 2024. Within the organization, 4 trainings on GCPF have also been carried out with all workers.
Providers
We have defined the following criteria to evaluate our raw material suppliers: Quality, Price, Legal Compliance and Sustainability.
PROMOTION OF GENDER EQUALITY
Although the world has made progress in gender equality, there is still a very large gap to close, especially in a country with such high rates of violence against women as Peru. Below are 12 actions that contribute to equality:
CHILD LABOR PREVENTION
Fast fashion has pushed companies to look for cheaper sources of labor: children. Their involvement in the textile value chain can range from raw material sourcing (cotton picking), spinning and garment manufacturing in factories. This is mainly seen in countries such as China, Bangladesh and India. However, it is important that textile companies around the world promote a child labor-free production chain and that consumers can obtain information about the brands they buy from. Consumers have power when deciding on their purchases, so they can promote the prevention of child labor by not buying from fast fashion brands and by choosing companies that show a commitment to the prevention of child labor.
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
At Silkeborg, we are committed to environmental protection throughout our entire production cycle.
From the sourcing of the alpaca fiber, we ensure that this is a cruelty-free process by working with responsible suppliers such as Michell, which is Fair-Trade and OEKO-TEX certified.
We are also RAF (Responsible Animal Fiber) certified for some of our sheep and alpaca wool products. This certification covers all our processes and seeks to ensure animal welfare, ecosystem health and social well-being.
The timeless designs of our stock service and the use of high-quality natural fibers seek to promote responsible consumption with products that will last for generations.
Finally, we promote environmental care actions in our office, including the collection of recyclable materials such as paper and cardboard, which will be delivered to Aldeas Infantiles Perú.
Thus, as in the prevention of child labor, consumers can also contribute to environment protection by making a responsible consumption. Here are some things you can do as a consumer to reduce your environmental impact:
