Sustainability at Salming

Our products are produced mainly in China, Vietnam and Turkey. The suppliers we are working with are carefully selected and pledge to follow our Code of Conduct, including working conditions, human rights, child labor, ethical and environmental guidelines, quality assurance and more. We are also members of amfori BSCI, a global organization who, through their network, perform both announced and unannounced audits at our production sites to ensure that all guidelines are being followed. It is important for us to keep a good and transparent relationship with our suppliers in order for them to have confidence in us and vice versa. They are also required to sign our chemical contract to ensure that no restricted or harmful chemicals are present in our products – and on top of that, we perform spot-checks. We visit our factories regularly (although this has not been possible during the pandemic).

Transparency is key. Production is always prone to risks throughout the whole supply chain. We do not own any factories of our own, meaning our suppliers are working together with different companies. Risk assessment differs depending on country. One of the most common risks in Asia is overtime work. Salming Sports is a rather small company compared to other sporting goods companies and it is not possible for us to always be physically present in the factories, but what we can do, in addition to what has been mentioned above, is to ensure the quality of our part of the supply chain. That includes everything from starting our design processes on time, keeping deadlines, being vigilant in price negotiations (negotiate on material costs, should not affect workers wages) and making sure payments are transferred in time, to perform quality testing on products in an early stage. That way we give the supplier the foundation to perform their work in the most sustainable way possible.

Moreover, we are using more recycled materials in both our products and packaging. We are doing more production in nearby markets such as Turkey to decrease transportation emissions. The biggest environmental impact occurs in production, and that will be a focus area for us onwards. Material choices, dyeing techniques, lower purchase quantities, increase quality to prolong the life cycle and how we design the product for easier recycling are some examples of that.

Sustainability will always be an area in progress. Some parts are more difficult than others to change, but it is important for us to take that extra step and do what we can to contribute to a more sustainable industry and being a responsible brand.

Last updated 2021-12-09

PFAS Movement Member

Salming Sports has signed on to the environmental organization ChemSec's initiative the PFAS Movement. The movement aims to emphasize and educate about the harmful effects of PFAS substances, and fights to phase them out of production.

Salming Sports is committed to working for a more sustainable business on all levels. The goal is for the sustainability perspective to permeate the entire business and for the company to focus on what really makes a difference through knowledge and commitment.

2022-01-10