Ecobalance of the SÜDWOLLE GROUP 2013

What more
can We do?
ecobalance 2013 | 2014
A lot more!
We hope that by publishing and sharing this infor­
mation, we will have an impact on the activities of
others in our industry and slowly effect change for
good as a result.
So, it is with pride that we share with you our resource
use data for the past five years. You will note that
in addition to our Chinese operations, DyeCo and
Zhangjiagang Yangtse Spinning, this year we also
include data from our EWS Spinning mill in Poland,
and the SWS Spinning mill in Romania. These are new
to the dataset we collect, so obviously only include
values for the past four years.
What does all this mean?
Brands need confidence in the reputation and ethical
performance of their supply chain partners. This will
help cushion them from damaging publicity, and will
open new market opportunities and platforms of
differentiation. At Südwolle Group, we aim to provide
this confidence to our supply chain partners, and
provide reassurance that we are actively striving for
excellence in all aspects of our business. Today, this
is not yet “obvious” for all sectors covered by our
brands. We would be happy if we could help bringing
forward a change and this approach would reach all
sectors of the industry. There is a lot more we can do!
Manfred Heinrich | Managing Director Technology
Klaus Steger | Managing Director
Hans G. von Schuh | Managing Director Sales
Hans Münch | Managing Director Finance
Südwolle Group
the Südwolle Group Brand Family – leadership in
sustainability, performance, quality and integrity
a collective oF
BrandS
Südwolle Group is synony­
mous with environmental
and social integrity, superior
quality, innovation and
service.
Since its establishment in 1968,
merino fibre by creating a smoother,
utilises natural and renewable raw
hard­wearing and highly­elastic 100%
materials, along with technical syn­
merino wool yarn. this gives greater
thetics, to produce yarn that meets
scope and freedom for the development
the highest requirements in resistance
of functional and fashionable apparel.
and durability. the development of
Südwolle has been known for the
long­lasting and resource­saving end
supply of premium quality yarn for
products is in line with the focus on
men’s and women’s wear, and a mar­
continuous improvement and social
ket leader in worsted weaving yarns.
responsibility. We show that it is pos­
Südwolle is an internationally recog­
sible to produce yarn of the highest
nized brand, present in all major wors­
Yarn in Motion (Yim), launched
quality while putting emphasis on
ted yarn markets. the amalgamation
in 2007, specialises in producing high­
preservation of the environment.
of stock colours across the group has
tech circular knitting merino yarns for
resulted in a more efficient use of wool,
end uses as diverse as outdoor activity,
water and resources due to the reduc­
elite sportswear and fashion fabrics.
tion in double­dyeing and processing
this range of performance yarns
of larger lot sizes.
combines the traditional benefits of
merino with state of the art yarn spin­
SoeY is our brand for open­end and
ning technology. With innovative wool
airjet spun yarns catering primarily
blend yarns, Yim has extended its offe­
to the circular knitting industry. With
ring to reach out for alternative func­
state­of­the­art machinery and equip­
tionality. Selecting Yim yarns means
ment our SoeY yarns are outstanding
Biella Yarn, specialises in high
absolute attention to quality, along with
in terms of quality, effectiveness and
quality flat­knitting yarns for exclu­
technical, environmental and social
reliability in down­stream processing.
sive, high­fashion apparel. origina­
respect.
With SoeY we are dedicated to con­
ting in Biella, italy, Biella Yarn expan­
tinuously researching, developing and
ded into china in 2001, which now
implementing innovative solutions and
accounts for a significant proportion
processes leading to amplified produc­
of Biella Yarn’s production. the deve­
Stöhr is Südwolle Group’s specialist
tion methods and systems. this gives
lopment of the Softwist technology, a
producer of innovative technical yarns.
greater scope and freedom for the
Biella Yarn innovation, has extended
markets are e.g. the automotive,
development of functional and fashio­
the properties and applications of
upholstery and corporate wear. Stöhr
nable apparel.
4
haidi Seiboth, untitled
Südwolle Group is a collective of brands, each of which specialises in superior quality yarns for the global textile industry.
5
Brand feature on richter
richter KeY
ProductS include:
the richter brand was established in 1852, and provides more than 160 years of experience in producing exceptional quality
•
•
•
•
•
Pure merino
exclusive blends
including cashmere,
alpaca, and Silk
merino Blends
technical Blends
eco Blends
using recycled Fibres
yarns for socks and pantyhose.
richter offers the world‘s largest stock supported range spe­
Superwash and total easy care are available, as are organic,
cifically for hosiery, covering over 160 shades in a wide range
and “non chlorine” treatments. at richter, we are proud of
of yarn specifications.
our environmental performance and our ability to provide
yarns accredited by some of the world most credible and
due to our global network of production facilities and
challenging environmental certifications. all richter yarns are
distribution sites, we are able to offer rapid and responsive
oeko tex 100 class 1 certified, and if needed, richter can also
yarn supply throughout the world. those minimizing the
provide hosiery yarns certified under GotS and bluesign®.
6
associated with global shipping. richter is able to provide a
technical innovation is a core strength of richter, with a
broad and market leading range according to individual cus­
broad range of spinning technologies available, including
tomer needs. For example, shrink resist treatments such as
single, compact, conventional and core­spun yarns.
Strumpf dirks Gmbh
Su Jung Baek, untitled
associated time, cost and environmental impacts that are
7
eco labels and standards
Südwolle Group and our associated brands adhere to a number of internationally recognized standards and eco­accreditation
iSo 9001:2000 revised by
iSo 9001:2008
Global organic textile Standard
eU eco Flower
GotS ensures that organic textile pro­
the ecolabel of the european union
addresses quality management within
ducts are harvested from raw materials
sets out the criteria across the whole life
the Südwolle Group across production,
through environmentally and socially
cycle of a product. regulations relate to
administrative processes and customer
responsible manufacturing over the en­
factors including water use and quality,
needs. the quality policy is integrated
tire production chain.
effluent management, air emissions,
at all levels of management including
upper executives.
consumer safety and chemical use.
iVn Best
an organic certification with strict stan­
Sejin Kim, untitled
systems. a brief summary of these is provided below.
iSo 14001
dards for the production of eco­friendly
maps out a framework of environmen­
textiles. ecology and social accounta­
tal management systems for Südwolle
bility are examined across the entire
ecobalance in numbers
Group products. this standard is not
value chain.
“We need to defend the interests of those whom we‘ve never met and never will.”
specific to textiles, but assists Südwolle
Group in regulating environmental im­
Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute, Columbia University
Feature on ZQ Merino partnership
pact and improving processes.
Südwolle Group works closely with the new Zealand merino company and
oeko tex 100 (class 1+2)
the ZQ merino Brand.
a testing and certification system for
textile products that examines all sta­
ZQ merino provides discerning consumers with reassurance that they are
ges of production. oeko tex tests for
purchasing the very best quality merino fibre, that has been produced with
harmful substances used in production
a high level of respect to animal welfare, environmental integrity and social
Who should be responsible for ensuring that those “whom
measuring key environmental indicators associated with our
systems to ensure consumer safety.
responsibility.
we’ve never met, and never will”, will have the means, resour­
business, identifying hotspots where we could be doing better
ces and capabilities to exist, survive and thrive on planet earth?
and seeking innovative solutions to these. it is our intention
blueSign
ZQ merino is available only through long term contracts that provide growers
this was the key theme of ecobalance 2012 and remains at the
that by sharing this information, we will help to build a move­
with a sustainable and secure income. it is only open to growers that meet the
forefront of our minds.
ment within our industry to improve practice over time, and to
the bluesign
®
standard is an input­
Stream­management­System that co­
accreditation and third party audited specifications.
vers all aspects of environment, health
effect change for the good of future generations. over the co­
Somewhat a rhetorical question perhaps, however it is strongly
ming few pages we proudly share our resource use data for the
and safety. it requires the manufactu­
the seven year partnership that Südwolle Group and ZQ merino have been
our belief that business and industry have a significant part to
past five years. We hope this is informative, and that it helps
ring chain to be of exceptional quality
engaged in has had a significant positive environmental and economic impact
play in both the current environmental and social welfare of
to improve business practice over time. We have included the
and gives confidence in the environ­
on both the growers that produce the fibre, and the brands that incorporate
our planet. We continue to self­assess, critisize and tenaciously
data of our european mills: eWS Spinning in Poland and SWS
mental performance of the production
ZQ merino fibre into their yarns and final products.
strive to reduce our environmental footprint and that of the
Spinning in romania. From now on, we will publish the whole
products made from our yarns. We do this by monitoring and
picture of our production activities.
process and the resulting product.
8
9
christian Fichtl
Wiesenfreund
ecobalance in numbers
in times of economic uncertainty, we continue to give eco issues the high priority they deserve. We believe in
transparency and are happy to share our data and findings with customers and supply chain parnters.
ecobalance 2013
SwS worsted
ecobalance 2013
2008
dyeCo
input
Water (m³ / ton)
209,90
204,19
115,98
95,08
94,56
0,99
1,09
0,96
0,81
0,95
Fuel (kg / ton)
357,85
418,10
314,94
293,34
293,02
Gas (kg / ton)
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
dye stuff (kg / ton)
36,86
29,24
33,37
30,31
30,32
chemicals (kg / ton)
211,01
249,37
173,63
115,38
117,86
auxiliaries (kg / ton)
72,97
72,00
59,00
39,53
41,32
electricity (mWh / ton)
2010
2011
2012
2009
2010
2011
2012
input
Water (m³ / ton)
n.a.
9,27
6,44
6,99
6,25
electricity (mWh / ton)
n.a.
4,60
4,35
3,75
3,95
Gas (m³ / ton)
n.a.
-
43,99
58,79
63,77
SwS worsted
output
co2­emissions SWS
(ton / ton)
n.a.
0,26
1,40
0,82
-
General waste SWS
(m³ / ton)
n.a.
0,23
0,15
0,13
0,62
ZYS worsted
input
Water (m³ / ton)
43,32
54,63
37,85
33,81
42,75
electricity (mWh / ton)
5,81
6,07
5,89
5,33
5,88
Steam (m³ / ton)
0,50
0,84
0,56
0,42
0,49
dyeCo
output
Waste water dyeco (m³ / ton)
163,51
158,19
96,34
77,75
85,29
ZYS worsted
co2­emissions dyeco
(ton / ton)
1,86
2,11
1,75
1,58
1,66
co2­emissions ZYS
(ton / ton)
3,32
5,89
3,66
3,27
2,90
General waste dyeco (kg / ton)
18,32
15,51
16,49
14,66
14,69
General waste ZYS
(kg / ton)
21,63
23,12
19,67
18,11
18,08
ewS worsted
input
output
input
Water (m³ / ton)
n.a.
7,50
7,35
6,57
7,14
ZYS open end
electricity (mWh / ton)
n.a.
4,28
4,51
4,18
4,07
Water (m³ / ton)
n.a.
n.a.
5,19
7,26
3,18
Steam (m³ / ton)
n.a.
1,80
1,48
1,07
0,81
electricity (mWh / ton)
n.a.
2,56
2,50
2,60
2,78
Gas (m³ / ton)
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
5,61
14,67
Steam (m³ / ton)
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
ewS worsted
10
2009
2008
ZYS open end
output
output
co2­emissions eWS
(ton / ton)
n.a.
4,38
4,57
4,25
4,18
co2­emissions ZYS
(ton / ton)
n.a.
1,49
1,75
1,51
1,61
General waste eWS
(kg / ton)
n.a.
20,49
14,90
9,47
14,21
General waste ZYS
(kg / ton)
n.a.
1,79
1,79
1,78
1,24
11
a note in reading ecobalance data and graphs
raw ‘total volume’ basis. Presenting a gross annual value is meaningless without some understanding of the production
volume that has contributed to this use. We believe this is a more honest and credible method, despite the risk that in years
where production is lower than capacity, it may result in a perceived increase in use, (see electricity use) due to the embedded
resource use required to operate the plant.
Chemicals, less is better
We retain a vigilant watch on the quantity and safety of che­
micals, dyestuffs and auxiliaries (such as softeners and soaps)
however we are not done yet. Further innovation to drive
250
improved colour and quality, while minimising chemical use
Water use is an important indicator of environmental perfor­
will continue. this includes both, technical innovation within
mance. Water is an essential component of all life on earth,
the process and innovation with regard to supply chain and
and as such it is essential that our business uses it in a way
inventory logistics.
200
Chemicals
150
100
auxiliaries
dyestuff
50
0
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
that respects this fact. the most significant user of water
150
within the Südwolle Group is our dyeing plant (dyeco).
dyeCo
We invested during 2012 in a waste water recovery plant.
100
Spinning
50
0
water consumption – Continued improvement
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
electricity use
this becomes operational in 2013, and we expect to report
waste generation reduces significantly
a further reduction in water use in the next ecobalance.
Waste is a significant cost both to Südwolle Group and to the
the water use in our worsted spinning plant increased
environment as it equates to poorly utilized natural resources.
slightly in 2012. this was attributed to the long hot summer
unfortunately, waste is also an inevitable byproduct of pro­
experienced in china during 2012 and the need to operate
duction. at Südwolle Group we have taken an aggressive
the cooling system for longer than normal. a detailed assess­
approach to waste minimization and have shown continual
ment was also conducted to ensure there were no leaks or
reductions in waste produced per ton of product. the graph
damage to pipes that could have contributed to the increase.
above demonstrates this with the exception of the eWS plant
this was not the case. however, it highlighted the importance
which showed a significant increase in 2012. this is due to
of maintaining vigilance and monitoring use to ensure that
the disposal of old inefficient machinery, and is therefore a
such circumstances can be remedied.
one off increase.
General Waste
30
25
kg/ton
m3/ton
200
250
used in all aspects of our business. over the past five years we
have made considerable progress in reducing our chemical use,
Water use
chemical use
kg/ton
the data presented within ecobalance has been calculated on a “resource use/unit of production” basis, rather than gross
Spinning (worsted)
20
dyeCo
15
10
Spinning (open-end)
5
0
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
electricity consumption – Significant opportunities
electricity consumption increased on a mWh/ton basis in
Spinning
Continuous decrease of emissions
co2 emissions
jet production, which requires high quantities of compressed
carbon dioxide (co2) emissions are a key indicator of sustai­
5
air. Production in 2012 was also slightly lower than 2011.
nability. responsible businesses must continually seek strategies
4
this contributes to an increase in electricity use per ton of
to minimize emissions both directly and indirectly related to
3
production due to the need to maintain lighting, heating,
their operation. Südwolle Group has shown continual pro­
cooling and other essential systems regardless of whether the
gress in this regard. this is due to improving production ef­
mill is running at full capacity or below. on a positive note,
ficiencies, use of energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling
Südwolle Group, in Biella, italy have recently installed a major
and air compression systems, vigilance and maintenance
2
network of photovoltaic panels. this will produce around
to remove leaks and losses throughout the production sys­
1
110,000 KWh per year and is further explained on page 13.
tem and importantly the reduction in reliance on electricity
this is in addition to the 1,285,8 KWh per year instalment
from fossil fuel. this is reflected by the strategy of installing
from 2005 in Germany, also belonging to the Group.
photovoltaic panels (solar panels) in many of our premises.
2
dyeco
1
0
12
2012. Part of this increase is due to the introduction of air­
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
6
5
Spinning (worsted)
4
ton
MWh/ton
6
3
0
dyeCo
Spinning (open-end)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
13
the Sustainability trend
We have embarked on our sustainability journey because we believe that business needs to be at the forefront of ensuring
‘life within our planets means’.
this is not a new concept with many groups and agencies
footwear products. as a result there is a significant
legislating for and promoting social, economic and environ­
opportunity for retail brands to differentiate on the basis of
mental responsibility. the challenge however is achieving
sustainability, for example the ZQ merino programme provi­
a balance within a global economy. there has long been
des consumers with confidence of the ethical and sustainable
focus on industry, manufacturing and the primary sector
production of merino wool. it also provides a tool to diminish
to demonstrate this balance, increasingly however, we are
risks to brands and supply chains by providing reassurance
noticing that the textile industry is not immune. over the
that the fibre has been produced in an ethical and responsible
past 5 years there has been a surge in consumer and govern­
manner.
Feature SüdWolle GrouP italY
Solar Panel ProJect
ment attention paid to the ecological and social footprint
of the textile industry. Phrases such as: eco­textiles, eco­
what does all this mean?
fashion, cradle­to­cradle, slow fashion, organic, and fair
With increased consumer and nGo awareness, it is essential
trade, are now commonplace and form part of everyday
that brands can rely on their supply chain to perform in an
language in the apparel and fashion sectors. the ‘slow
ethical, and responsible manner. this will help open new mar­
fashion movement’ e.g. represents all aspects of ‘eco’, ‘green’
ket opportunities, strengthen existing relationships, identify
and, ‘ethical’ and slowing down consumption of fashion.
new platforms of differentiation and provide reassurance that
in ecobalance 2011, we reported that,
following an indept review and analysis
of our electricity use, a number of strategies
were identified to assist in reducing our
electricity use and our associated greenhouse
gas (co2) emissions.
as an industry, the active outdoor sector has been proactive
or nGo attention. at Südwolle Group, we strive to deliver
in communicating and demonstrating sustainability and social
confidence to our supply chain partners, and reassure them
responsibility. an example is the Sustainable apparel coalition,
that we seek excellence in both the products we produce, but
made up of a who’s who of the international apparel sector. they
also in the way in which we produce them. We hope that by
have developed the higg index, a tool designed to measure
providing leadership, we will help lift the performance of the
the environmental and social performance of apparel and
wider sector – we have a lot to do.
14
Biella italy
the customers brand is insulated from negative consumer
We are excited to report that as a result of
this work we have extended investment in
photovoltaic panels to include a significant
installation at our premises in Südwolle Group
italy. this will generate 110,000 KWh, and
save 75.5 tons of co2 emissions per year.
15
Südwolle Group life cycle assessment
life cycle assessment (lca) is a tool used to understand the environmental impacts associated with the production
of a given product, and assesses all the input and output of a supply chain.
Südwolle Group, in partnership with other supply chain
largely in relation to energy and water usage. Because of this,
partners engaged international environmental consultants,
Südwolle Group is continuing to focus on maintaining a high
Pe international to carry out a cradle to factory gate life cycle
level of efficiency in water use and water quality in order to
assessment (lca) of yarn, specific to hiking socks, and the
minimize the local environmental influences associated with
production of a 100% merino 200g/m single knit jersey. this
water withdrawal and potential degradation.
involved a deep assessment of two key processes undertaken
by Südwolle Group, specifically, top dyeing and spinning.
Four impact categories were assessed in the study: Global
Warming Potential, eutrophication Potential (water quality),
Primary energy demand and Water consumption. over all
of the categories, spinning has one of the lowest impacts.
electricity consumption is the main contributor to the impact
of this process as a result of the use of non­renewable energy
tance of our ongoing investment in alternative energy sources
for our mills, such as the use of photovoltaic panels.
While spinning has a very low impact, top dyeing influen­
ces more, particularly for Primary energy demand, Global
Warming Potential and eutrophictaion Potential. this is
16
Stella haerpfer, Zebraflow
sources. this therefore validates and highlights the impor­
17
mount hesse joins the ZQ merino programme
in line with the philosophy of Südwolle Group the management of mount hesse is based on holistic principles. We are aware
that while being owners of property, in reality we are only custodians of the land for the future generations.
mount hesse Station is our 3500 hectare sheep station in
farms, and livestock as a single living organism. this helps to
victoria, australia, producing 90,000 kg of merino wool per
ensure all aspects of the farm remain in balance, and there­
year. owned by Südwolle Group, mount hesse epitomizes
fore represents an excellent example of true sustainability.
all of the ethical and sustainable policies of our business, and
an additional feature of this policy is our proactive approach
helps us to better understand the wider wool supply chain
in encouraging new entrants into the agricultural sector by
and pressures that are experienced by producers. this under­
providing employment, training, mentoring and coaching of
standing leads to improvements in the way we do business,
the next generation of farmers and rural business people.
and enables us to work proactively with supply chain partners
to identify win:win scenarios for both growers and the busi­
nesses within the supply chain.
mount hesse Station has recently been audited in accordance
with the ZQ merino accreditation programme. this audit was
conducted by third party auditor asureQuality nZ ltd. the
audit assessed all aspects of the farm and the management
systems associated with it, including the health and welfare of
livestock, recording and storage of animal health treatments,
environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
mount hesse has a very well documented farm management
and environmental policies. these include conservatively
… made for working.
Farm manager david Kininmonth
grazing the property to maintain sufficient pasture cover
to avoid erosion and to increase soil moisture retention, a
dedication to planting native trees both for stock shelter and
Pure merino
to provide ‘eco corridors’ for wildlife.
18
the farm manager, david Kininmonth also applies integrated
Pest management strategies to minimize the use of chemi­
cals required to produce crops and pastures, and treats the
19
malika eilers, untitled
We continue what we started
our Social engagement
United world Colleges
Paslisa orphanage in romania is the brainchild of a group of
Südwolle Group is a proud supporter of united World
associates, including one of the founders of Südwolle Group.
colleges. “uWc makes education a force to unite people,
it is built on the principle of providing opportunities for self­
nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future”
help and personal development for its 200 mentally­ and
(uWc mission Statement). uWc is a unique school concept,
physically­handicapped young men and women.
developed 50 years ago to bring young people together after
Südwolle Group is also active in the russian exclave
the political conflict of the cold War era. uWc provides
Kaliningrad, with projects targeted at improving the lives
an education experience underpinned by collaboration and
of our fellow global citizens. carl­Blum­house, a religious
produces graduates who will be the champions of peace in
residential home for the elderly people, providing security,
the future. the first uWc college was opened in atlanta in
stability and dignity in a comfortable living environment.
1962. today there are thirteen united World colleges across
Jablonka, a centre for street children, giving them the right
five continents. more than 40,000 students from over 180
to a roof over their head, the right to food and water, and
countries have studied at uWc and there are more.
Supporting the communities and relationships that will deliver tomorrow‘s leaders is not only an obligation, but
the right to education and job training. Social responsibility is
a pleasure for us.
a core pillar of society and at Südwolle Group, we are just as
dedicated to this as we are to our environmental initiatives.
Campus of excellence
Founded in 2005, the campus of excellence provides a
the australian Farm Business Management –
Scholarship Marcus oldham College
Südwolle housing project
hobby and work
platform for the systematic networking of exceptional
to help build expertise and foster talent in the wool growing
the massive economic growth in tangshi city, the home of
a life at Südwolle Group – from former plant manager mr.
emerging talent with business companies. it advances the
community, we are very happy to sponsor future farming
Südwolle Group’s chinese spinning mill, has placed significant
nguyen. Working at Südwolle Group, i am one of the lucky
exchange of knowledge and initiates projects on pivotal
leaders at the marcus oldham college in Gelong, australia.
pressure on housing and accommodation for mill and factory
few who could combine work with hobby. i was born in
future subjects in the fields of education, work and values.
the following is as excerpt from one of our student’s letter of
staff. We recognize that our staff are key to our success.
vietnam during the Second World War and experienced a
over 640 high­achieving school and university students have
gratitude. „i am currently studying a Bachelor of Farm Business
We also strongly believe that business and family must go
turbulent upbringing. as my career developed i eventually
participated in projects provided by the initiative. the campus
management at marcus oldham college. as part of the
together, accordingly we have worked with the government
became meister at the Kammgarn Spinnerei reinickendorf
of excellence utilizes four key tools to achieve its goals:
course, students must undertake a farm business placement
to supply affordable quality accommodation for staff and their
(KSr) in Berlin, Germany, back then a daughter company of
for the second year of the three and a half year course... i am
families. in 2012, a large 50 room dormitory was built, adding
Südwolle Group. later, within Südwolle Group, i moved to
01 the student project “Future m.i.n.t.” which is designed
very grateful to be receiving my education in farming through
to the 22 already established. We limit the occupancy of each
china as a member of the first team of several chinese and
to aid students in the selection of studies and careers
marcus oldham college. this would not have been possible
dormitory room to ensure staff live in privacy and comfort.
european colleagues at Zhangjiagang Yangtse Spinning (ZYS).
in m.i.n.t. subjects (mathematics, informatics, natural
if i wasn‘t lucky enough to receive this…scholarship… it has
the rooms are furnished with beds, chairs, tables, closets,
this team grew over time to include all the production foremen
sciences, technology).
not only relieved some of the financial burden, but has also
air conditioning, digital television and internet, all at no cost.
and technicians of ZYS1 and ZYS2, who were brought together
allowed me to meet some influential and important people in
Südwolle Group also offers a subsidized or discounted house
with one goal: “to produce a higher quantity with greater and
the agriculture industry.“
purchase arrangement as an option for staff. this honours
consistent quality”. this is something i have deeply enjoyed.
loyalty and rewards high performance.
From the chinese i have learnt to be patient and humble, and
02 Praxis academy, for university students, which involves
teams doing project work in companies over several
weeks.
sponsors and partners.
04 a mentoring programme available for school and university
students and career beginners.
We know the youth is our future, and that it is our responsi­
bility to help refine the academic, social and professional deve­
lopment of our future leaders.
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it is very satisfying to see that through this initiative, we are
with the patience, good will and cleverness of the chinese i
contributing to both the future career of a young agribusiness
was able to work, with them speaking chinese and my self
professional, and to the long­term viability of the wool
english!
industry.
mr. nguyen
03 the alumni association provides a network for graduates,
older people must step aside and leave the way free for the
younger generation to come through, but for me, stopping
work and leaving ZYS means losing one of my hobbies.
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Say Yes to art
creativity drives innovation and innovation drives business growth. at Südwolle Group we understand this and therefore
both support and enjoy the creative talent within our local artistic community.
is it a surprise that after three successful years, we are con­
these artworks are often the catalyst for philosophic discussion
tinuing our relationship with the “akademie der Bildenden
about modern art. these are the moments, and conversation
Künste nürnberg” (akademie) for a further three years? no it
starters that are the forerunners to success for an aspiring
is not! this is a truly symbiotic relationship and fires the imagi­
artist and accordingly we are heartened by the talent and
nation and creativity of our business. it is also an investment
futures that lie ahead for the akademie students.
in the future of our region. in celebration of the akademie’s
350th anniversary, it seemed fitting for Südwolle Group to
We want to say ‘thank you’ to these students! Further­
further build our relationship by supporting a special exhibition
more, thank you to the group of decision makers from the
of works from the akademie. of course we continue our
akademie for their cooperation and willingness to continue
annual sponsorship of the akademie’s publication “Katalog
and maintain this fruitful collaboration.
Jahresausstellung”.
it was a very busy year at the akademie, with 2012 beeing
named “Year of the arts”, in nürnberg due to albrecht­dürer­
Show. in preparation for the show, students had to manage a
What iS art?
punishing workload given the large number of exhibitions on
display. it is a major credit to the akademie and its students
that completed their artworks for the new catalogue. We are
very proud to be associated with an art exhibition and cata­
what is art? what may art be? what must it express?
in 2012, the works displayed in the catalogue once again
demonstrated how the students see society and the en­
vironment beyond social convention. it is this refreshing,
undisguised perspective that we value at Südwolle Group.
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mirjam­Fee Barsties, Poster
logue of a truly world class standard.
the works displayed in
the catalogue once again
demonstrate how the
students see society and
the environment beyond
social convention. it is this
refreshing, undisguised
perspective that we value at
Südwolle Group.
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»the levitatinG liGhtneSS oF the vertical
PaPer StriPeS createS an amPlitude in
contraSt to the aPPearance oF the
materialS uSed.«
Katharina heubne, aenne Bittner
deep inside, Paper stripes on nylon yarn
tradition continueS
SoYoung Kim
Plauderer
more than 600 artWorKS have
installation from solid and cotton
Been maPPed over the laSt 4 YearS
in cooPeration With the aKademie
»art iS mY lanGuaGe. and i live it. throuGh
der Bildenden KünSte. Since 2009,
mY WorK i am communicatinG With PeoPle
thiS documentation iS PuBliShSed
and SocietieS.«
YearlY. PlentY oF theSe artWorKS
We uSed For the creative deSiGn
oF our communicative deviceS.
Benjamin Berndt
Seilschaft
Phot series
»realitY iS art.«
»the artiSt iS a Shorn lamB Which
donateS itS Wool to SocietY.«
christine Preuß
virgo­cluster
oil on canvas
Su Jung Baek
untitled
lighted cutted paper
»i WorK With the unForeSeeaBle. liGht and
ShadoW.«
24
25
did You enJoY it?
lisa Wieczorek, untitled
We hope that you have
enjoyed this latest edition of
ecobalance, and we look
forward to reporting more
on our activities soon.
closing comments
Significant changes in the textile industry demand extraordinary solutions in quality and performance.
We have a strong portfolio of innovation programs that
surge in consumer appreciation of, and demand for, products
will both drive efficiencies and gains in our environmental
with integrity, that have been ethically produced, and that
performance for the next years. this shall also lead to
deliver uncompromising quality and performance. there is
ongoing improvement of our product offerings. our clear
also increasing pressure from legislative and non Government
goal is to be a leader in this field by continuous improvement
organizations to prove the sustainability and ethics of product
all over. We would strongly appreciate any comments or
supply chains. at Südwolle Group, it is the aim to help our
suggestions from your side to support us on this path. the
customers to do this, and to support their growth through
textile industry is going through significant changes, there is a
innovation, product quality and product integrity.
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[email protected] · www.suedwollegroup.de
Printed on paper from environmentally regulated forestry.
Brands
Jasmin Schmidt, Gem #3