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the material concerned is ecologically
safe and harmless to humans. Indeed,
many A&E customers have taken this a
step further and developed their own
restricted substance lists to reflect an
even
higher
level
than
the
aforementioned,
globally-approved
criteria. In these instances, the company
works directly with them to ensure its
manufacturing operation complies.
ECO-DRIVEN EDUCATION
AND INVOLVEMENT
A&E offers access to emerging
industry trends, promotes involvement
in industry organisations and supports
company and manufacturing-related
training. It does this as it believes this
leads to well-informed and productive
employees who will generate quality
products in an efficient and
environmentally-sound manner. It also
actively shares data and knowledge
with supply chain partners, policy
makers, industry trade organisations
and key stakeholders to pursue its
sustainability mission and avoid any
potentially negative operational impact
on the environment.
It in fact believes so strongly in eco-
driven education and involvement that
it has committed financial and
personnel resources, created strategic
partnerships and participated in
industry information exchanges to
improve technology, advance technical
expertise and develop measurement
methodology. Furthermore, company
personnel have also been encouraged
to undertake leadership roles on the
AAFA’s environmental, product safety
and CSR committees.
CSR IN ACTION
As part of its CSR strategy, the
company is committed to integrity and
high standards of conduct in its business
at all of its operations around the world.
Business partners must follow the same
standards. Programmes, policies and
goals reflect an effort to act in an ethical
and socially responsible manner that
benefits communities, customers and
employees.
Standards of conduct are published in
a global code of conduct, the current
issue of which has been in place since
2007. All A&E facilities worldwide are
required to comply with this code and
with the company’s health and safety
policies and procedures too. For
instance, the global accident target
including lost time as well as medical
accidents is zero. As a direct result of its
efforts, the company has received
business ethics awards, two of the most
recent being awards for the plants at
Ludhiana and Perundurai in India.
Implementing and operating a truly
effective CSR and sustainability
programme is neither easy nor can it
happen overnight. It is this fact that has
caused many companies to step back
from the brink once they come to
realise the degree of commitment
needed. That they are shortsighted is
amply demonstrated by the ever
increasing number that do undertake
that commitment and go on to make a
success of it both socially and
commercially. Having used American
& Efird as an example, it is perhaps
appropriate to let A&E’s chief
executive Fred Jackson, outline the
company philosophy.
“As a global leader with operating
31 manufacturing facilities and 76
distribution locations in 41 countries,
we know our continued success is
dependent upon on the individual
decisions we make every day. From
fiercely protecting our natural
resources to showing care and
concern in all our relationships,
integrity and ethical conduct are
embedded within the very fabric of our
organisation. While we have done
much, we recognise there is much
more to do. We hope you will partner
with us on our journey to make this
planet a more sustainable world.”
And, that is what CSR and
sustainability are all about.
26
WORLD FOOTWEAR | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012
CEO Fred Jackson (second left foreground) is shown sample results from the zero liquid
discharge process at Perundurai.
CREDIT: AMERICAN & EFIRD
Vaccinations were one of many treatments available at a medical camp run at Ludhiana
in India as part of A&E’s CSR programme.
CREDIT: AMERICAN & EFIRD