Corporate governance

ENVIRONMENT

SOCIETY

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

PRODUCT QUALITY

ENVIRONMENT

SOCIETY

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

PRODUCT QUALITY

Corporate governance

At ELTEN, sustainable corporate management is at the heart of everything we do. We understand sustainability as a complex interplay of social, environmental and commercial factors. That is why we view all business practices — from strategic development to everyday implementation — from this holistic perspective.

Our values

Taking responsibility for people and the environment is a top priority in our company. Our values show what is important to us and are convictions that we live by.
Authentic: ELTEN is rooted in a small community with a shoemaking tradition. We have shaped the history of this community just as much as it has shaped us.

Forward-looking: We are always open to experimentation, to change, and we’re constantly on the lookout for new and exciting innovative ideas.

Honest: Transparent and open communication is extremely important to us – both internally and with our partners, customers and other stakeholders.

Helpful: Helping others comes naturally to us. Alongside our social commitment, we support skilled professionals and others who are interested in learning more about foot protection.

Reliable: Reliability is a key component here at ELTEN and covers the dependability and quality of our products, as well as the trustworthiness of the company as a whole.

CSR Policy

Key international agreements and principles are clearly stipulated in ELTEN’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy and are considered guiding principles for all ELTEN activities. The policy forms the ethical business principles for all our employees. In it, we commit, among other things, to total legal compliance and transparency, as well as to continuously improving our business processes from an environmental, social and societal point of view. The policy also sets out how we deal with our business partners and customers.

Code of Conduct

The ELTEN Code of Conduct sets out binding behavioural guidelines for our suppliers, business partners and service providers in relation to legally-compliant and ethical behaviour. It forms the basis of all procurement contracts and sets out, among other things, minimum requirements for working conditions and environmental standards when producing our shoes.

Our sustainability strategy is known as the ELTEN Loop. It’s a holistic approach with four fields of action: environment, society, corporate governance and product quality.

Environment

We strive to manufacture products sustainably, minimise our use of resources, and use environmentally-friendly materials. As we look to the future, pioneering projects around circular economy will be key.

Society

At ELTEN, people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to complying with labour and human rights, and protecting the interests of employees and workers in the value chain.

Corporate governance

We actively assume corporate responsibility and fulfil our due diligence obligations. Our ethical business practices and fair business relationships are the foundation of our approach.

Product quality

Our high quality standards ensure optimal health protection and help to create a long product life cycle. Through non-stop research and development, we are able to constantly present innovations to achieve the highest level of safety.

PFI eco Label

The PFI eco Label certifies social and environmental sustainability on our Uedem site. The Test and Research Institute Pirmasens (PFI) carries out regular inspections of our operations, covering everything from chemical management to handling waste, water and energy. It also requires documented monitoring of international supply chains with regard to demanding social standards. ELTEN has been PFI eco Label certified since 2022.

EcoVadis

EcoVadis is an international platform which offers sustainability ratings based on four categories: environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. In 2024, after two gold medals in a row, we were awarded the platinum medal for the first time.This puts ELTEN in the top 1% of companies assessed in the past 12 months.

ISO 9001 und ISO 14001

ELTEN GmbH has successfully worked with a quality management system, certified in accordance with ISO 9001, since 1993. With the help of annual audits, we are able to ensure our processes comply with this international quality management standard. We are also ISO 14001 certified. The overriding goal of this certification is to promote environmental protection, reduce negative environmental impacts, and therefore properly implement environmental goals.

amfori BSCI

As a member of the amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), we are committed to improving working conditions and protecting human rights in global supply chains. Our Code of Conduct is based on amfori BSCI’s own code, and our suppliers must undertake to adhere to the initiative in a binding manner.

Regular social audits of our suppliers are carried out to verify this.

cads

cads — cooperation for assuring defined standards for shoe and leather goods production — has defined its own limits for restricted substances. These often exceed the legal requirements. As a member, we have committed to comply with cads limits.

HDSL

ELTEN is a member of the Federal Association of the German Footwear and Leather Goods Industry (HDS/L). The HDS/L represents manufacturing companies in these industries, advocating on their behalf among the retail sector, authorities and legislators.

Leather Working Group

The Leather Working Group (LWG) is a non-profit organisation that collaborates with many companies worldwide to ensure that leather is produced in an environmentally friendly manner and in compliance with high standards. ELTEN has been a member of the LWG since 2023 in order to support more responsible leather production.

PFI

The Test and Research Institute Pirmasens(PFI) is an accredited certification body that tests and certifies the quality of personal protective equipment as well as quality, energy and environmental management systems of companies.

DIN ISO 9001
DIN ISO 14001
100 % Vegan
eco Label

Open communication is important to us! This is why we are in constant dialogue with our stakeholders. Feedback from our customers is directly incorporated into the further development of our products and services. As part of the ELTEN Academy, we impart basic and expert knowledge about foot protection and sustainability. Our aim is to enable training participants to provide knowledgeable and competent advice to consumers and end users.

8. November 2023 / from the ELTEN team

Product groups

ELTEN GmbH
Ostwall 7-13
D – 47589 Uedem

Phone: + 49 (0) 2825 – 80168

E-Mail: service@elten.com

Corporate governance

Our values

CSR Policy

Code of Conduct

Environment

Society

Corporate governance

Product quality

PFI eco Label

EcoVadis

ISO 9001 und ISO 14001

amfori BSCI

cads

HDSL

Leather Working Group

PFI

Product groups

SERVICE

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