Vitra International AG

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020)

Introduction of Tip Ton RE and Toolbox RE, the first Vitra products made from recycled plastic.
Launch of Leather Premium F, using an eco-friendly tanning process with olive leaves.
Increased use of recycled materials: 90% of aluminum used is recycled, and wood-based materials are processed from by-products of other industries.
Conversion to 100% hydroelectric power at company headquarters in Birsfelden and Weil am Rhein and Neuenburg sites.
Expansion of renewable energy sources through photovoltaic panels on production facilities.

Opening of company crèche at Birsfelden headquarters and cooperation with existing facility in Weil am Rhein.
41% women in management positions; two-thirds female Group Management.
100% of apprentices successfully completed their training, with many still working at the company.
Employees and their families offered reduced admission to cultural activities sponsored by the company.

Medium-term Goals:

By 2030, Vitra will be a net positive company based on all the indicators of its ecological footprint.
By 2030, Vitra will follow every product over its entire lifespan, ensuring the longest possible use and facilitating its recycling and disposal.
By 2030, customers will be able to make their purchasing decisions based on detailed information as to where and how a product has been manufactured and which partners were involved.

Lack of comprehensive benchmarks for measuring the environmental impact of a company or individual products.
Challenges in working with recycled materials (strength, uniform surface).
Difficulty in separating colors of recycled waste.

Defining ecological standards for its own products.
Adding fiberglass to recycled plastic chairs to strengthen them.
Producing recycled plastic chairs in a single dark grey color to avoid the need for added pigments or bleach.

Supplier Audits: Yearly audits

Supplier ‘Code of Conduct’ based on ILO conventions, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UN Global Compact, and OECD directives.
Preference for European suppliers due to REACH regulation.

Frameworks Used: ISO 26000

Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, Blauer Engel (Blue Angel), GREENGUARD Gold, GS seal (Tested Safety), EcoVadis Silver