WE CARE -
SUSTAINABILITY AT FALKE

Sustainability has always played a central role for FALKE. As a family business in its 4th generation, it goes without saying that FALKE always considers the consequences for future generations in its decisions.
Our high-quality, durable products are designed to give long-lasting pleasure and thus make the world a little better. But that is only one part of our sustainability strategy, because we approach this issue in the same way as we do our products: holistically, with great enthusiasm and full of passion.
Here we want to give you an insight into where we are on our path to a sustainable future, what measures we have already implemented and what steps we want to take next.

FALKE - WE CARE

WE CARE - FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION __________________________	WE CARE - FOR ANIMAL WELFARE __________________________	WE CARE - FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY __________________________

The entire production process, from the manufacture of raw materials to the sale of the finished product, is influenced by our aim of minimising energy consumption, waste, and rejects. The high quality of FALKE products ensures a long life-span. Packaging, which - nowadays - is often made using plastic, is gradually being replaced by alternatives made using organic materials.	The wool processed by FALKE is subject to strict quality criteria, also in terms of animal welfare. For example, all of our sheep's wool suppliers must demonstrate that the practice of mulesing, a painful treatment used to prevent sheep from becoming infested with certain fly maggots, is not used. The angora wool we use is certified with the Caregora^TM hallmark, which guarantees compliance with strict guidelines to protect animal welfare.	Unlike many other fashion companies, FALKE has not outsourced production but continues to operate its own production facilities in Germany and Europe, where around 90% of our leg-wear garments are manufactured. These production locations are regularly visited and audited by our own specially-trained employees as well as external and independent institutes. Particular attention is given to working conditions, the payment of fair wages, and compliance with safety regulations.

OUR COMMITMENT

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

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Step by step, the FALKE range is being converted to sustainable materials. We started with our customers' favourites such as FALKE Family and FALKE Pure Matt 50. This ensures the change achieves the greatest possible effect right from the start. We are already planning to transition the next products, so the proportion of sustainable products under the "WE CARE" label is constantly growing.

ENVORIMENTALLY FRIENDLY PACKAGING

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Wherever possible, we reduce the amount of packaging materials we use or substitute alternatives made from organic materials. The packaging for FALKE Ergonomic Sport System sports underwear has already been completely converted to recycled paper. We have successfully reduced the use of plastic film in the packaging of our fine goods by 20%. The polypropylene film currently still in use can be fully recycled.

RESOURCE-FRIENDLY PRODUCTION

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Since 2021, we have been continuously recording our carbon footprint in order to identify suitable measures to avoid and reduce emissions. In this context, we have taken a major step in the area of energy supply: since 2022, all FALKE locations in Germany have been procuring electricity from renewable sources.

WOOL

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Wool is one of the most important raw materials for our product range. To avoid unnecessary animal suffering, we only use mulesing-free wool from sheep that are kept in accordance with the IWTO Guidelines for Wool Sheep Welfare. The angora wool we use is Caregora™ certified.

SPECIES PROTECTION

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One project that gives us all great pleasure is the bee colonies that have been established in open spaces on company property. These not only contribute to the preservation of flora and fauna, but also provide variety in our daily work and promote teamwork.

OUR OWN PRODUCTION FACILITIES

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Our production facilities are regularly visited and audited by our own specially trained employees and by independent external institutes. Particular attention is given to working conditions, the payment of fair wages, and compliance with safety regulations.

SUPPLIERS

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Direct suppliers in BSCI risk countries are regularly audited with regard to working conditions, environmental protection and chemicals management. Based on the audit results, we support our suppliers in implementing our high quality and safety standards.

INNOVATION

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In addition to quality, FALKE is known for its constant innovation. For example, we use yarns with innovative Beta Spun technology, where a core of merino wool and TENCEL™ Lyocell is wrapped in fine polyamide filaments to protect it from abrasion and prevent pilling. This makes ClimaWool an extremely durable premium product. In addition, TENCEL™ is a biodegradable fibre obtained from sustainably grown, FSC-certified eucalyptus. The result is a fine, elegant knit that offers exceptional comfort without pilling. Discover the products from the ClimaWool series and see for yourself.

TRANSPARENCY

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We strive for maximum transparency in the traceability of the materials we use. With this in mind, we work with long-standing, trustworthy business partners when procuring materials, we obtain precise information about the origin of each material and seek suitable certification to guarantee this. You can find out more about our certifications here.
Maximum transparency is also important to us when it comes to you, our customers. That is why we provide open and honest information here about the measures we have implemented and our set objectives. In our online shop, the new sustainability filter offers you a quick and easy way to find the products in the FALKE WE CARE range.

NEXT STEPS

		EXPANSION OF THE FALKE WE CARE RANGE _______________________________________ Steps are already underway to convert the next products to sustainable materials. Over the coming year, we want to add more series to our sustainable quality range, including FALKE Cool Kick and some of our Seasonal Basic and Seasonal items.

REDESIGN OF PACKAGING _____________________________ We aim to replace the plastic hooks used to hang our products in stores and are currently testing new organic-based materials. Some of these plastic hooks are already made using fully recycled material.

		REDUCTION OF EMISSIONS _______________________________________ The existing heating system at our logistics centre in Schmallenberg will be converted to a sustainable wood chip system. Previous CO2 emissions — corresponding to the annual consumption of 65 family homes — will be reduced by 75% thanks to this conversion.

TRADITION & FUTURE READINESS

“Sustainable corporate management has always been part of our company philosophy, and this is reflected in our corporate culture, processes and not least in our product design.”

		CREDENTIALS & CERTIFICATES
		FALKE has been certified according to the Organic Content Standard (OCS) and the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) to ensure complete traceability of the organic and recycled materials used.
		FALKE is a member of amfori BSCI, an initiative aimed at improving working conditions in global supply chains. FALKE is committed to complying with the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct and to carrying out regular audits.
		FALKE is a partner of OEKO-TEX®, an independent testing and certification system for textile products. FALKE submits its products for testing according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which ensures that they are free of harmful substances.