Our work is based on internationally recognised standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and conventions from the International Labour Organization (ILO). These frameworks guide how we identify, prevent and address potential impacts on people.
Supplier of products for own brands
We require all suppliers to follow our Supplier Code of Conduct, which reflects these international standards. The Code of Conduct covers areas such as working conditions, health and safety, wages, and equal treatment. It applies to suppliers of our own brands and forms part of our agreements with business partners.
For factories producing products under our own brands, we complement these requirements with regular third-party audits based on recognised standards. These audits include document reviews, factory inspections and worker interviews, and are typically conducted every 12–24 months to identify risks and follow up on improvements. Audits cover more than 200 control points, including health and safety, working hours, wages and worker representation.
We use an internal scoring system to assess supplier performance based on audit results. Suppliers are classified into four levels (A–D), where A–C represent acceptable performance. Our target is that 90% of suppliers reach the two highest levels by 2030. In 2025, 87% of suppliers met this requirement, and 100% of suppliers producing for our own brands had a valid audit report.
To strengthen our work, Ellos Group collaborates with established industry initiatives and organisations. We are members of Amfori BSCI, where suppliers are monitored using a shared platform and common standards. We also participate in the International Accord, a legally binding agreement focused on improving workplace safety in the textile industry.
Suppliers of external brands
For external brands, where Ellos Group does not have the same level of direct control over production, we work to strengthen due diligence through industry collaboration. In 2026, Ellos Group co-developed and launched the Retailer Brand Due Diligence Questionnaire and One Retail Hub together with leading European retailers and organisations. The initiative is being rolled out during 2026 and aims to cover all external brand partners over time.
The Retailer Brand Due Diligence Questionnaire is a standardised self-assessment tool that enables brands to report on their human rights and environmental due diligence in a consistent way, based on OECD guidance. By consolidating requirements into one shared questionnaire, it reduces duplication and ensures that brands are assessed against the same recognised criteria. This approach supports alignment with upcoming regulatory requirements, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
One Retail Hub is a shared digital platform that allows brands to submit their due diligence data once and share it with multiple retailers. This creates greater transparency, improves comparability and supports brands in identifying gaps and prioritising improvements in their supply chains.
Way forward
We believe that long-term relationships and dialogue with suppliers are key to improving working conditions over time. By working together with suppliers, industry partners and organisations, we contribute to a more transparent and responsible value chain.
To increase transparency, we publish information about our supply chain and continue to improve traceability beyond direct suppliers. This helps us better understand where risks may occur and where improvements are needed.
We are transparent that this is ongoing work. Due to the complexity of global supply chains, full visibility beyond direct suppliers is still being developed. Improving transparency and data across the value chain remains an important priority.