Responsible behaviour.

Our sustainability strategy focuses on the SDGs from the United Nations.

Swabian Jura in the spring with a single, young tree in the foreground | mey®

The commitment to top quality defines every work step at mey.

This applies not only to the quality of the products, but also to the conditions under which they are produced. To ensure this quality, we hold ourselves to exceptionally high standards for the industry and assume social responsibility for our employees. We mainly produce in our own factories in Europe. Short transport routes are more environmentally friendly and safeguard good jobs.

Our entire company is a family. We communicate respectfully and as equals, recognising and greatly appreciating the contribution made by each individual. Our interactions with each other are open, honest and sometimes even emotional. Constructive criticism expresses how passionate we are about excellent products. We define our contribution to a sustainable society in terms of the following five viewpoints.

1. Product stewardship

People who buy our products wear them on their skin every day and, in doing so, make a statement about sustainability and quality. That is why all of the materials that are used in our products undergo strict quality control. Since January 2021, our entire volume of material has also been certified by external institutions. We proudly underscore our commitment to the environment and society with independent audits by GOTS and FSC®. This provides transparency and security when purchasing bodywear.

2. Environment

As a family business in the Swabian Jura, nature is particularly important to us. The regular preparation of a CO2 balance sheet for our sites in Germany, Portugal and Hungary and the support of regional climate projects are important levers for determining and reducing our impact on the environment.

3. Supply Chain

Good cooperation with our suppliers is essential for our success. We are continuously improving our supply chain management and are in close contact with our partners. This includes a mutual understanding of our largely European partners, but also regular inspections. We maintain our standards through regular discussions and on-site visits and also secure ourselves through certifications from external service providers.

4. Employees

To live a sustainable lifestyle that also goes beyond our products, sustainability is a matter of course at our company locations. Sport, health and advanced training opportunities, like those offered at the mey Academy, inspire our employees to make a commitment today to the issues of tomorrow.

5. Society and social issues

Social involvement is firmly anchored in our corporate culture at mey. That is why we actively support projects that are close to our hearts. Long-term cooperation is of particular importance to us in this context. This allows us to make a valuable contribution to society beyond our core business activities and to ensure greater social equity over the long term.

All 17 icons of the UN Sustainable Development Goals with a number, graphic and German text | mey®

We take responsibility. Since 1928.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the UN include 17 goals to secure sustainable development on an economic, environmental and social level. It was adopted in the 2030 Agenda at the 2015 UN Summit. The key message as guiding principles are the 5 Ps: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership. (UN, 2019).

Go to the SDGs of the UN

Sustainability is a pillar which secures the foundation of our company

Here at mey, we see sustainability as a pillar which secures the foundation of our corporate success over the long term. By continuously improving our standards, production processes and goals, we will continue to make a contribution in the future by producing durable and premium quality products while also using less power and resources. Our sustainability strategy focuses on the SDGs from the United Nations with particular attention paid to goals 7, 8, 12 and 15. mey will be concentrating on these four selected SDGs until mid-2021 and continuously work on implementing relevant improvements in the company.

SDG No 7 affordable and clean energy | mey®

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

SDG No 8 decent work an economic growth | mey®

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

SDG No 12 responsible consumption and production | mey®

Ensure sustainable consumption.

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Our Goals

Our sustainability strategy is guided by the United Nations SDGs, and a particular focus is on goals 7, 8, 12 and 15. Within this framework, mey has set itself the following goals.

1.

Intensification of research and development for sustainable product innovations and a strong focus on circularity by 2025

Promotion of the textile circular economy in Europe through involvement in various networks and projects to promote the recycling of offcuts in our own production processes
Reduction of our cotton textile waste by 25% by reprocessing textile waste for recycling and for the production of virgin fibres

modern knitting machine in the knitting factory in Albstadt, Germany | mey®

2.

Reduction of CO2 emissions by the end of 2025.

CO₂ emissions are calculated for the company's own sites using a CO₂ balance sheet. The knowledge gained from this is then used to rethink and optimise processes. Specific measures for the direct and sustainable reduction of CO₂ emissions are defined on the basis of the analysis. The following measures are being pursued:

Development of a comprehensive mobility concept for alternative ways of travelling to work
Optimisation of our own PV systems: development of efficiency concepts to make optimum use of the solar energy generated.
Reduction of energy consumption in energy-intensive processes: Elimination of compressed air leaks in production and use of modern technologies for efficient compressed air utilisation (less energy input, fewer losses)

3.

Increase transparency in the supply chain by the end of 2026

Creating transparency in your own supply chain means understanding how your own supply chain is organised and which players are involved. Supply chain transparency is therefore a fundamental prerequisite for corporate due diligence - because only those who know their supply chain can organise it socially and ecologically.

The following measures are currently being implemented:

Increasing supply chain transparency: complete recording of all Tier 2 partner companies and inclusion of these companies in risk management for due diligence obligations
Systematic closing of existing information gaps in the risk analysis
Further expansion of stakeholder consultation and dialogue