For the first time in its 106-year history, New Balance has published a Responsible Leadership report detailing the company's culture, values and sustainability efforts. The report focuses on three core areas: providing a safe, healthy and respectful work environment; enhancing environmental sustainability; and supporting the communities where it operates.
New Balance seeks to create a harmonious workplace that fosters learning and development, advances sustainable business practices, and contributes to the well-being of its customers and communities. It uses domestic manufacturing, and in fact is the only company that manufactures athletic shoes in the U.S. It also sources from numerous American companies. It seeks to focus on innovation and support its employees and their successes. It has a comprehensive training and feedback program, and promotes from within whenever possible.
New Balance also wants to make sure that all employees along the supply chain are well-treated; it has a health and safety program for its employees at manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and the U.K., and it has established a program for its contractors that allows for inspections, feedback and assistance. The company is a member of the Fair Labor Association, the International Labor Organization's Better Work Program, the Fair Factories Clearinghouse and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.
As part of its environmental initiatives, New Balance has set as priorities using environmentally preferred materials in apparel and footwear, waste reduction, better chemical management sustainable design, eco indexing, and collaboration and involvement with other industry players. It uses energy-saving projects and extensive recycling in its manufacturing facilities, warehouse and retail stores. When it moves into an older building, it upgrades the structure to be more environmentally friendly.
New Balance also seeks to be active in its local communities, including through helping out with charities and volunteerism. Other philanthropic efforts include corporate giving and cause marketing.
The full report is available at www.newbalance.com/Responsible-Leadership/about_responsible_leadership,default,pg.html.
