Sustainability
Kessels B.V. policy
Responsible Business Conduct Policy — how we ensure responsible business conduct in our textile chain, in accordance with international standards.
Responsible Business Conduct Policy — how we ensure responsible business conduct in our textile chain, in accordance with international standards.
Kessels B.V. is a Dutch textile specialist with decades of experience in home textiles, bed textiles, licensed products and accessories. We supply leading retailers, brands, importers, drugstore chains, institutional organisations and supermarkets throughout Europe.
Kessels B.V. is not a production facility and does not manufacture textiles itself. We only work with reliable, certified manufacturers and agents.
This policy describes how we ensure responsible business conduct in accordance with international standards and the requirements of the Grüner Knopf certification. The policy is compact and practical, fitting our size (five employees, including the Managing Director), and provides clear guidelines for our own actions and for our partners in the supply chain. This document forms the basis for agreements, assessments and improvements with suppliers and agents.
We want to provide attractive, high quality textile products while respecting human rights and minimising environmental impact. Our core values are quality, cooperation, transparency and responsibility. We continuously strive for improvement.
We focus on long term relationships with partners who are committed to these values together with us. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are integrated into our business operations. We expect the same from our manufacturers and monitor this closely. It is important that our manufacturers hold the appropriate certifications to ensure sustainability and responsible business conduct.
As a member of BSCI, we take our responsibility for working conditions in production facilities very seriously. Kessels is committed to identifying and reducing negative impacts on human rights and the environment and takes responsibility for the impact it may have.
This policy applies to all employees and activities of Kessels B.V., and to all manufacturers, producers and agents who develop or supply products on our behalf. Manufacturers and agents confirm this policy and the Supplier Code of Conduct in writing. Where national legislation and this policy differ, the highest standard shall apply.
Our policy is aligned with:
Management owns and approves this policy. The policy is reviewed annually and updated where necessary. Daily coordination is the responsibility of the sustainability/compliance coordinator. Purchasing ensures compliance through contracts, orders and manufacturer assessments.
Employees are informed through email and team meetings. For questions or reports, management acts as the contact point and is ultimately responsible for sustainability and compliance. Kessels B.V. ensures internal awareness.
Kessels B.V. avoids sourcing from countries subject to broad international boycotts due to serious human rights violations and applies a strict anti-corruption policy:
Violations may lead to disciplinary measures and, where applicable, termination of cooperation. Cooperation between Kessels B.V. and its manufacturers is based on mutual respect and clear communication. Risks relating to human rights, the environment and integrity are reviewed annually and adjusted where necessary. If significant changes occur or new risks are identified, additional assessments will be carried out. Communication will be transparent and clear.
At Kessels B.V., and at our manufacturers and agents, we do not tolerate child labour, forced labour, human trafficking, discrimination or inhumane treatment.
We expect everyone to:
The company has identified vulnerable stakeholders and groups that may be particularly affected by its activities and takes appropriate measures to prevent or reduce negative impacts.
The current remuneration structure within Kessels B.V. is reviewed annually for market alignment, transparency and consistency with company objectives.
Within our own operations, we reduce energy and paper consumption, avoid unnecessary transport and separate waste.
We expect manufacturers to:
We also encourage the use of sustainable materials such as GOTS, OCS, GRS, Fairtrade and OEKO-TEX, and cooperation with certified production facilities.
We conduct business with stakeholders in an honest, transparent and ethical manner. Corruption, bribery and misleading practices are not tolerated. Gifts and hospitality are only permitted when they are symbolic in nature and do not influence decisions.
Kessels B.V. and its manufacturers comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including product safety, import and export requirements and privacy legislation. We protect confidential information and the intellectual property of customers and licence holders.
We work with both direct suppliers and suppliers through agents. We view manufacturers and agents as partners and base our cooperation on trust, transparency and mutual respect:
Selection and assessment: In addition to price and quality, we also consider social and environmental performance. Compliance with this policy and the Supplier Code of Conduct is a mandatory condition for cooperation.
Onboarding and due diligence: New manufacturers are assessed through questionnaires, certificates and audit reports. Subcontracting must be transparent and approved in advance. Production locations must be documented and traceable.
Improvement and support: We share expectations and provide support. We continuously seek opportunities for improvement. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective action plans and reasonable deadlines are agreed. Persistent serious violations may result in termination through a careful procedure.
Any employee, manufacturer, worker in the supply chain or other stakeholder may report concerns by e-mail (info@kesselstextiles.nl) or by telephone to Management (+31 (0)35 533 5000).
Reports are handled confidentially and identities are protected. Complaints may be submitted anonymously. All complaints are investigated. Substantiated complaints lead to corrective and/or remedial actions. Kessels B.V. annually evaluates received complaints and the effectiveness of the measures taken.
Kessels B.V. conducts an annual risk assessment covering country, sector and material specific risks. The manufacturer list, including names, locations, production processes and employee numbers, is kept up to date. Risks are prioritised based on severity and likelihood, with particular attention to vulnerable groups. Where possible, external stakeholders such as NGOs and industry organisations are involved.
For manufacturers in high risk countries, we perform a wage gap analysis to determine the difference between actual wages, minimum wages and living wages. Based on the outcome, measures may include improvement plans, adjustments to purchasing practices or longer lead times.
Kessels B.V. supports manufacturers and agents in complying with the Code of Conduct. We periodically evaluate our own purchasing practices and encourage arrangements that support compliance throughout the supply chain.
Kessels B.V. publishes a short annual report on its website, www.kesselstextiles.nl, describing its due diligence process, identified risks, measures taken, progress and lessons learned.
Transparency is central to our approach. Production countries and relevant manufacturer information are shared where possible. This information is accessible to anyone interested in our policy.
Management reviews this policy annually and updates it where necessary.