Written evidence submitted by Kurt Geiger

1. Are all the garment workers producing the clothes you sell paid a living wage? What steps have you taken to ensure that child labour is not used in your supply chain?

All suppliers used by Kurt Geiger sign up to the Kurt Geiger ethical standards – code of conduct which includes the prohibition of child labour and ensure that living wages must be paid.

In addition, Kurt Geiger is a member of SEDEX (a global membership organisation with an aim to drive improvements in the sustainability performance of supply chain). All Kurt Geiger suppliers are required to also become members of SEDEX.

Suppliers are required to undertake an audit and monitoring programme to ensure compliance with the Kurt Geiger ethical standards code of conduct. Audits are undertaken by an APSCA registered third party and senior Kurt Geiger employees regularly visit and check supplier compliance. 

2. What is the average life cycle of the garments you sell?

Kurt Geiger footwear and accessories are designed and manufactured to an exceptional standard and high quality. They are made to be long lasting and stand the test of the time. Many customers contact Kurt Geiger head office regarding a pair of shoes or a bag they bought decades ago and still cherish today.

3. What steps are you taking to reduce the environmental and social impact of the products you sell? Do you audit this? How do you measure progress towards reducing the environmental impact of the products you sell?

As per the above all suppliers used by Kurt Geiger sign up to the Kurt Geiger ethical standards – code of conduct.

The product development department continually reviews processes and practices in regards to the materials used within the manufacture of Kurt Geiger footwear and accessories; we are always open to more sustainable methods. Currently the product development department are looking into vegan glue options for use in Kurt Geiger footwear.

4. What recycled materials, if any, do you use in your products? What could the Government do to encourage greater use of recycled materials in clothing production?

Currently within the manufacture of Kurt Geiger footwear and accessories no recycled materials are used.

The product development and sourcing team are currently exploring both vegan and recycled materials that can be used for the production of footwear and accessories that will not have any additional trade off impacts on the environment nor jeopardise the quality of the finished product. 

As an industry it is clear we need to come together with the government to communicate to consumers how and where they can recycle textiles and leather goods; this education is imperative.

5. Is your company taking action to reduce the risk of microplastics being washed into the ocean? If so, what actions have you taken?

Fortunately, as a footwear and accessories only brand we are not open to this risk due to the non-washable nature of our products.

6. Are you taking any action to encourage reuse, repair and/or recycling of clothing? What do you recommend your customers do to dispose of your products responsibly?

At Kurt Geiger we actively advise customers on the best way to maintain and care for any footwear and accessories purchased.  Fortunately, as a premium accessories brand, customers buy our products to wear and enjoy repeatedly; the Kurt Geiger brand is not synonymous with ‘throwaway fashion’.

In terms of repair, many stores have a good relationship with their local cobblers and are able to assist customers seeking to re-heel or re-sole their shoes.  We also include heel tips with our high heel product to facilitate this further and ensure customers get the greatest wear out of their purchases.

For 2019 a partnership with the British Red Cross will be trialled to encourage customers to recycle any unwanted footwear and accessories. Donations from will be re-sold within BRC charity shops, any items that are unsalable will have the raw materials of the product recycled.

7. Do you incinerate unsold or returned stock? What percentage of your sales are online? What do you do with e-commerce returns?

No.  Kurt Geiger does not incinerate any unsold or returned stock. 

Currently 25% of sales are from online and the majority of e-commerce returns are then re-sold direct to consumers or via a third party.

Any Kurt Geiger samples are either donated to charity or sold at sample sales to raise money for charity.

February 2019