Sustainability at Steiff

Regular CO₂ accounting

At Steiff, we regularly measure our CO₂ emissions. This enables us to understand exactly how much greenhouse gas we emit and in which areas improvements can be made. The key steps taken so far:

• since 2019: data collection every two years at our Giengen site and in our retail stores
• since 2021: global data collection
• since 2023: annual company-wide data collection
• 2024: introduction of CO₂ accounting software

By collecting this data, we can take targeted measures to reduce our environmental impact and operate more sustainably.

Sustainable energy supply

By installing a solar panel system at our production site in 2023, we are harnessing solar energy and making a further contribution to the local sustainable energy supply.

This supports our efforts to operate in a more environmentally friendly manner and to reduce CO₂ emissions. Surplus electricity is fed into the public grid, further contributing to the local electricity supply.

At our head office, we have been using green electricity since 2020, which is generated entirely from hydroelectric power stations in the Alps.

Mindful selection of materials

For us, quality also means using our planet’s finite resources mindfully. We prioritise resource-efficient processes and environmentally sound manufacturing, and continue to develop our products with future generations in mind.

In many of our products, we use cotton from certified organic cultivation or recycled materials. For our prized collector’s items, we also use high-quality natural fibres, such as hemp, bamboo, paper plush or mohair, which we process in collaboration with Steiff Schulte, one of the last weaving mills in Germany.

We are actively committed to developing responsible and innovative materials whilst maintaining the tactile quality of our soft toys. The question of the best alternative soft toy material has not yet been answered, but we are rising to the challenge and continuously testing new possibilities.

Adherence to high quality standards

We attach the utmost importance to the highest quality standards and the durability of our products. This is deeply rooted in our identity and defines who we are.

For over 120 years, the ‘button in the ear’ has been a global symbol of certified Steiff quality – a symbol of trust that endures. Our products accompany children for years and are often even passed down to the next generation.

Our products not only meet all legal requirements but, in many cases, exceed them – giving both adults and children peace of mind. Many products carry additional recognised certifications that confirm responsible manufacturing and tested safety. You can see whether a product has a specific certification directly on the product details page or on the hangtag.

We apply strict quality standards throughout the entire production chain and expect proven Steiff quality in every area.

Group-wide Code of Conduct

To preserve the valuable principles of our founder, Margarete Steiff, for future generations, we have developed a comprehensive Code of Conduct.

This Code, which addresses fundamental ethical business principles, forms the basis for all procurement of goods throughout our entire supply chain. It is not merely a set of guidelines, but a firmly established part of our day-to-day work.

Our long-term, partnership-based business relationships with suppliers are an essential part of our sustainability strategy. These trusting partnerships contribute significantly to the stability and outstanding quality of our products. Through this close collaboration, we ensure that our high standards are upheld at every stage of production.

Our Code of Conduct serves as a compass for our decisions and actions. View the Code of Conduct here.

Audits and Whistleblowing

We require our key suppliers to provide evidence of their production conditions through a social audit. In this way, we ensure that suppliers maintain fair and safe working conditions and comply with relevant environmental and social standards.

In addition, we visit our key suppliers at regular intervals, inspect production conditions on site and ensure that ethical and sustainable practices are adhered to. This supports our sustainability goals by enabling us to develop and implement environmentally friendly and responsible practices in collaboration with our partners.

We have implemented a whistleblowing system through which employees, customers and suppliers can report suspicious activities. This ensures that whistleblowers can raise their concerns and report irregularities safely and confidentially. This promotes transparency and accountability in our work processes.