OUR COOPERATION WITH KNK

AN INNOVATIVE WORKING MODEL IN VIETNAM

Close, friendly cooperation with our producers is very important to us. We set high standards and follow the FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION (FWF) guidelines, and this starts with the selection of our producers. An excellent example of this in the ORTOVOX supply chain is producer KNK from Saigon, Vietnam. Audited by the FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION, the company has been producing our TRACE ski touring backpacks since 2017.

The TRACE is an ultra-lightweight ski touring backpack designed with a focus upon essential features without sacrificing protection and comfort. Its special back system provides stability and protection, and skis can be attached diagonally to the backpack. And reflective elements ensure better visibility and more protection in the dark. This minimalist backpack also comes with a helmet net, mesh side pocket and is hydration system compatible. All in all, it’s the perfect companion for endurance ascents and rapid descents!

BACKPACK SPECIALIST WITH AN UNUSUAL WORKING MODEL

When it comes to the production of the TRACE, KNK is the perfect partner for us. The producer boasts impressive expertise in backpack production and a working model that is unusual for Vietnam. Young Kwon, founder and head of KNK, wants to use his company to set new standards and provide his employees with financial security and general satisfaction, giving them the chance for a better life. “It’s not unusual to have a six-day week in Vietnam,” says Kwon. With a workload such as this, there is no time left over for family and hobbies. Kwon has therefore encouraged the seamstresses in his company to work five days instead of six.

KWON PIONEERS WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN VIETNAM

Although they work an hour more per day, they only have to come in to work five days a week. As a consequence, they work four hours less – but Kwon still pays them the same wage. From his point of view, happy and well-balanced employees are a valuable resource because they are overall more motivated, more productive and stay with the company for longer. Kwon’s vision is to adopt a pioneering role in Vietnam and inspire other companies to promote a work-life balance among their employees. He also intends to better support employees with children.

LONG-TERM, TRUSTING COLLABORATION

FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION guidelines are an important standard for us in this regard. This course of action ensures that ORTOVOX only works with suppliers that maintain important social standards in production. Since 2015, ORTOVOX has joined other companies in the textile industry in becoming a member of this independent non-governmental organization from the Netherlands. Every year, FWF awards its Leader status to companies that actively work toward good working conditions in their supply chain. To this end, an FWF committee conducted another brand performance check of ORTOVOX this year – and awarded us Leader status for the fifth time.