Grüner Knopf: We Set the Industry’s Highest Supplier Requirements

We are proud that Nybo Workwear, as one of the few textile brands, has achieved the Grüner Knopf certificate. This is not just a symbol of our commitment to sustainability but also proof that we now adhere to the industry's strictest supplier requirements and actively work to ensure a responsible supply chain from start to finish. 

Grüner Knopf is a state-recognized certificate introduced by the German government, setting stringent requirements for both social and environmental standards throughout the supply chain. This means that all parts of our production and supply network are scrutinized thoroughly to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. The Grüner Knopf certificate evaluates not only our products but also our responsible business practices. 

Strict Supplier Requirements and Due Diligence 

By achieving the Grüner Knopf certificate, Nybo Workwear has now implemented the strictest supplier requirements, also known as “due diligence.” The due diligence process is the cornerstone of our efforts to ensure that all our suppliers meet the requirements set by Grüner Knopf for both working conditions and environmental considerations. We conduct systematic assessments and checks of our suppliers, which include: 

• Ongoing supplier evaluations: We assess our suppliers based on their practices regarding occupational health, environmental management, and social conditions. This includes evaluating their working conditions, ensuring safe workplaces, and protecting labor rights. 
• Commitment to sustainability: We work closely with our suppliers to ensure environmentally responsible practices, including proper chemical handling and reducing waste and CO2 emissions. 
• Transparency and control: We ensure our supply chain is transparent and accessible for audits. This means we know the origin of the materials we use and can document the working conditions at our partners. This is part of our active effort to ensure responsible sourcing and sustainable conditions. 

Enhanced Opportunities with Grüner Knopf 

The Grüner Knopf certificate provides us with enhanced opportunities to collaborate systematically with our suppliers. The certificate serves as a framework that makes it easier for us, in collaboration with our suppliers, to ensure living wages, anonymous grievance mechanisms for employees, and targeted efforts against environmental pollution. This structure helps us maintain a responsible supply chain and makes it easier to implement improvements that positively impact both working conditions and the environment. 

First Step Towards Living Wages for Textile Workers 

The Grüner Knopf certificate is the first step towards ensuring that all our suppliers pay textile workers a living wage, not just the minimum wage. As part of Grüner Knopf, we have already helped a Chinese supplier document living wages, and we have developed both a calculation template and a method guide that all our suppliers must follow. This work ensures that employees receive a fair wage that covers their basic needs and ensures they are not dependent on overtime and additional jobs to live a decent life. 

A Future with Responsibility and Transparency 

At Nybo Workwear, we see the Grüner Knopf certificate as an important milestone, but not the end goal. We continuously work to improve our supply chain and create even more sustainable products. For us, it’s not just about obtaining a certificate; it’s about actively participating in shaping the textile industry of the future to be more responsible and transparent.