Social Responsibility

Social responsibility is something we take seriously in our approach to business. That’s why we have a social responsibility policy, the Exxel Outdoors Code of Conduct, which has guided us since 1995.

We want to ensure the most ethical practices, help improve working conditions, and protect the rights of people in factories around the world where our equipment and apparel is made. Being socially responsible is a huge priority—whether we’re partnering with vendors or providing peace of mind to stakeholders (our employees, customers and the general public).

Here’s how we’re working to be as mindful of workers and practices as we can:

HUMAN RIGHTS EXPECTATIONS

Criteria forming the basis of our Code of Conduct include:

For more details see the Exxel Outdoors Code of Conduct. In reflection of our company’s global reach and the diversity in factories, our Code of Conduct is translated into ten languages.

RIGOROUS MONITORING

We employ both an internal staff of compliance auditors and contracts independent monitors such as Bureau Veritas (BV), International Compliance Group (ICG), and UL Responsible Sourcing to conduct rigorous social compliance audits. The scope of the audits requires factories to provide detailed records including employment information, payroll and time data, and worker benefits to validate compliance. Monitoring is done on a routine and continuous basis.

Our membership utilizes the collaborative resources of Fair Factories Clearinghouse (FFC), a valuable database tool for tracking and analysis of compliance efforts. Together with other textile industry leaders as members, the FFC is dedicated to improving workplace conditions internationally.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Following factory audits, any violation, no matter the severity, is documented on a Corrective Action Plan. The factory must commit to a plan of action and time-frame for correction. Follow-up monitoring is done to verify improvements are implemented and sustained. Plus, our internal audit team will counsel and train factories, advising on solutions to pending issues. Our view in developing safe and humane work environments is not merely to audit and monitor –but to train and educate for continuous improvement. This creates a long term successful relationship.

We accepts factories that are certified through Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). We have found this organization’s monitoring criteria to be aligned with our goals, and factories completing WRAP certification have well-implemented human rights practices. Certified factories must undergo periodic audits by independent monitors to maintain their WRAP status.

A HISTORY OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We are proud of our well-established Social Responsibility Program, having instituted our Code of Conduct in 1995, with continuous monitoring efforts throughout two decades. We expect dignity and ethical treatment of all factory employees who produce our products. The cornerstone of our program’s effectiveness is based on fair but strict enforcement, understanding unique factory operations, and working successfully with supplier management to facilitate process improvements affecting the worker’s quality of life.