Sustainability & Social Responsibility
State of Art attaches great importance to corporate social responsibility. We want to make a positive contribution to society, both in Europe and in the countries where our clothing is produced.
For over twenty years, we have worked closely with our suppliers and producers. We visit them regularly, set high standards, and collaborate on continuous improvement. State of Art is certified by Control Union, including the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) — an international standard that helps prevent child labor, forced labor, and environmental pollution throughout the entire production chain.
Code of Conduct
State of Art maintains its own code of conduct that all our suppliers must adhere to. This code of conduct contains guidelines on social responsibility, environment, health, safety, and quality management.
- Suppliers do not engage in forced labour, child labour, or any form of physical or mental abuse or punishment (in accordance with ILO Conventions 29 and 105).
- Suppliers shall ensure that the statutory maximum working hours and overtime hours are not exceeded according to local legislation. Overtime is voluntary and may not exceed twelve hours per week.
- Suppliers ensure a safe and healthy working environment, with attention to the environment and a positive social work atmosphere.
By visiting our suppliers at least once a year, we check whether the code of conduct is being complied with.
Production & Suppliers
For over twenty years, we have worked closely with our suppliers and producers. These long-standing collaborations enable us to guarantee the quality and sustainability of our clothing and to maintain insight into the working conditions within the production chain.
Our suppliers are based in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, China, India, North Macedonia, and Vietnam. Independent bodies regularly audit our suppliers. State of Art manages the audit reports and certificates of all its suppliers.
Tanning
Our leather suppliers use environmentally conscious tanning processes, including vegetable and synthetic tanning. These methods significantly reduce water and salt consumption.
In addition, they constantly invest in innovative techniques, such as the use of olive leaves as a natural tanning agent, to make the tanning process even more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
REACH
State of Art's suppliers and sub-suppliers operate according to the latest requirements of the European Union's REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals).
In addition, they comply with the most recent MODINT recommendations for the restricted substances list.
Energy
Reducing energy consumption and limiting our environmental impact are high priorities at State of Art.
- More than 95% of our State of Art Stores are fully equipped with LED lighting.
- Our head office in Lichtenvoorde is fully equipped with LED lighting.
- The head office has 204 solar panels with a 375Wp capacity.
Logistics & Distribution
For the distribution of our products, we work with DHL eCommerce, a logistics partner that highly values sustainability and social responsibility. DHL continuously invests in making its logistics network more sustainable through the deployment of electric vehicles, e-trucks, electric (cargo) bikes, and HVO100 as a sustainable fossil-free fuel where electrification is not yet possible.
New sorting centers and CityHubs are built according to high sustainability standards (BREEAM), including solar panels and gas-free installations.
Through the GoHelp and GoTeach programs and the DHL Cares foundation, DHL supports social initiatives—in line with our ambition to continuously reduce our impact on people and the environment.