Ethical Sourcing Requirements

It is a central part of the Society of Lifestyle company values that we do business with a high sense of moral and ethics. It is important to us, that no human or animal is harmed during or related to the production of our goods. Be it at the cottonfield, the factory or our warehouse. Therefore, we ask all suppliers working with Society of Lifestyle to commit to the below listed Sourcing Requirements as well as to act with the highest level of ethics and moral in their own business.

This document is an addition to the Society of Lifestyle Code of Conduct, not a replacement. By signing the Code of Conduct, the supplier accepts this policy on Ethical Sourcing and all requirements listed here below.

This document is updated regularly when/if we become aware of more supply chain issues that needs to be banned or where compliance should be ensured.

Textiles, Furniture and home decor

Sourcing cotton from Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan and Xinjiang Province, China:

• To limit the risks, that the cotton used in our products come from areas that do not respect Human Rights and the Right of the Child, we cannot allow the sourcing of cotton from these countries.

Sourcing from spinning mills with Sumangali Scheme:

• Suppliers will not source from spinning mills supporting “Sumangali schemes” and similar forms of bonded- or child labor.

Sourcing wood from endangered forests:

• Society of Lifestyle does not accept sourcing of wood from endangered forests. Supplier must ensure through responsible sourcing practices and documented traceability that wood is sourced from certified responsible forestry. Adherence to EUTR and Lacey Act is required.

• Three step Due Diligence procedure

Data doc. Collection

Risk analysis

mitigation

Conflict minerals

Society of Lifestyle supports and aligns our approach with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.

Society of Lifestyle only accept mined raw materials deriving from legal mining and quarrying activities.

Food products

Palm oil

The palm oil industry is contributing to widespread deforestation, harm to biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and displacement of small farmers and indigenous peoples around the globe. To ensure that palm oil plantations do not further harm natural environments and indigenous communities, it is of utmost importance that farming and production practices are improved.

Therefore, all palm oil used to manufacture Society of Lifestyle products must be sourced responsibly and from origins that:

• Comply with local laws and regulations.
• Protect natural as well as ancient and endangered forests.
• Respect local and indigenous communities’ rights to free, prior and informed consent.
• Protect HCS land.
• Protect peatlands.
• Comply with the principles and criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, the industry-wide certification body that promotes the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products.

Suppliers must be able to disclose region/country of origin, upon request. RSPO segregated certified palm oil is preferred in Society of Lifestyle products.

Soy

Same as the palm oil industry, the soybean industry is contributing to widespread deforestation, harm to biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and displacement of small farmers and indigenous peoples around the globe. To ensure that soybean farming does not further harm natural environments and indigenous communities, it is of utmost importance that farming, and production practices are improved.

Therefore, all soy used to manufacture Society of Lifestyle products must be sourced responsibly and suppliers must be able to disclose country of origin, upon request. Products sourced through and produced according to RTRS or Pro Terra principles (e.g., crop rotation, reduced-till or no-till, water and nutrient management, precision farming technology and cover crops) are preferred.

Cocoa and coffee

Coffee and cocoa production are traditionally linked to unsustainable practices, like poor soil fertility management, improper use of chemicals and fertilizers, deforestation and poor working conditions. Therefore, it must be assured that all cocoa and coffee (based) products supplied to Society of Lifestyle must be produced responsibly, with care for people and the environment, e.g. with appropriate and modest use of fertilizers, pesticides, water and energy, as well as decent working conditions and respect of labour rights.

UTZ certified cocoa is preferred in Society of Lifestyle products.

Nuts

Environmentally friendly cultivation practices and participation in SNI is encouraged.

If nut (based) products are originating from  risk countries and/or regions, e.g. Turkey (labour conditions for migrant workers) this information must be given to Society of Lifestyle upfront.