The U.N. Global Compact is a voluntary corporate responsibility initiative which currently has over 12,000 participants – including 8,000 businesses from more than 140 countries – who commit to aligning their operations to values and sustainability.
“Freudenberg has always aligned itself in accordance with values and sustainability. We signed the Global Compact, because it’s important to communicate our conduct towards our customers, neighbors, potential colleagues and institutions,”
Dr. Mohsen Sohi, Speaker of the Freudenberg Group’s Board of Management
The ten principles of the Global Compact relate to Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption. Sustainable action is a consequence of Freudenberg’s economic, ecological and societal responsibility and its social tradition. The fundamental principles of the Compact are reflected in the Freudenberg Group’s Guiding Principles, part of the company culture since first introduced in 1887.
Freudenberg’s commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices applies to all business groups within the company. When sourcing interlining, thermal insulation, canvas, or other apparel components from Freudenberg, Apparel manufacturers, brands, and end-consumers are assured that these products come from a company committed to being a responsible corporate citizen.
India’s Nagapattinam region in the Nadu Province, south of Chennai, was hit hard by a tsunami in 2014. Since 2009, Freudenberg has provided the opportunity for a dual traineeship in a charitable training center. With qualification as electricians, welders, plumbers, engine mechanics or machinists, more than 400 young people have been given a successful start to their professional lives.
In the aftermath of a sever earthquake, the Chinese village of Haijin in Sichuan Province was destroyed. Freudenberg helped rebuild the school and in 2009 it re-opened for some 300 schoolchildren. Contact remains close: Every year, Freudenberg Employees visit the school and organize various activities.
In 2019, the Freudenberg Group celebrates its 170th anniversary. To show our great solidarity with the communities in which we do business, Freudenberg companies around the world are participating in local tree planting activities. The first half of 2019 saw 1,660 employees from fourteen countries taking part and 8652 trees planted. The campaign has reforested devastated woodlands, made city parks greener and company sites more attractive.
