Sustainability at BAAK - Living responsibility. Shaping the future.
As a globally active company, we bear responsibility for the environment and society.
For us, sustainability not only means acting in an ecologically responsible manner, but also in a socially and economically responsible way. We create products that impress with their durable materials, fair production and conscious use of resources.
Baak stands for innovation - with attitude. And for a future that we shape together.
For Baak, acting sustainably is not a trend, but an attitude. As a company with responsibility for people, the environment and future generations, we focus on sustainable strategies, resource-conserving processes and fair partnerships.
Whether in the selection of materials, in production or in our dealings with one another - our actions are based on the principle of sustainability as a corporate value.
Together we can do more
Our partners for sustainable solutions
That's why we work with selected partners who share our values and contribute to sustainable development with innovative technologies and environmentally friendly materials.
Here is a selection of our sustainability partners:
For Baak, acting sustainably means thinking holistically about responsibility—from the initial design to the finished product solution. That's why our commitment doesn't end with the material, but includes the people involved in its creation.
Transparent insights into production
At our main production facility in the Far East, we place great importance on responsible and transparent production. Fair structures, stable partnerships, and long-term cooperation form the basis for quality, reliability, and continuous development. We do not view sustainability as a short-term goal, but rather as an ongoing process that is regularly reviewed and further developed.
Healthy and respectful working conditions are a central component of this commitment. They are crucial for the well-being of our employees and for the quality of our products. For this reason, our German research and development team visits the site several times a year to see the conditions for themselves, monitor processes, and work together to implement improvements.
The image film provides an insight into this reality. It shows how sustainability, responsibility, and humanity are lived at Baak—transparently, comprehensibly, and along the entire value chain.
Click on the video image to watch the promotional film on YouTube.
Our contributions to greater sustainability
Memberships and internal commitment
EcoVadis Bronze - Sustainability with a system
Our company has been awarded the EcoVadis Bronze Medal - an internationally recognized sustainability seal. EcoVadis evaluates companies worldwide in the areas of environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. The bronze medal confirms our commitment to responsible business practices and shows that we are already one of the most sustainable companies in our industry. For us, this is an incentive to further improve our processes - in a transparent, fair and future-oriented manner.
LWG-certified leather - sustainability you can touch
The Leather Working Group (LWG) is a globally recognized organization that develops strict standards for sustainability, transparency and social responsibility in the leather industry. At Baak, we are also actively committed to responsible and environmentally friendly leather production, including the use of LWG-certified leather. Our products come from certified supply chains that meet the highest environmental and quality requirements. We take a stand: for us, sustainability is not a trend, but a promise.
CADS - Cooperation for assured and defined standards
We are a member of CADS e.V. - a German industry initiative that was founded in 2008 and focuses onproduct safety, sustainability and social responsibilityinthe footwear and leather goods industry. We are thus committed to complying with German and EU standards for harmful substances and are grateful for the joint exchange of knowledge on sustainable production methods. Our common goals are the production and marketing of shoes and materials that are free of harmful substances, environmentally friendly and produced in a socially responsible manner.
Our Code of Conduct - responsibility along the supply chain
As a member of HDS/L - Bundesverband der Schuh- und Lederwarenindustrie e.V., we are committed to complying with the joint Code of Conduct of the German textile and fashion industry. This was developed in cooperation with leading industry associations as part of the Supply Chain Duties Act (LkSG) and defines clear standards for social responsibility, human rights and environmental awareness along the entire supply chain. We use this code as a binding basis for our business activities - for greater transparency, fairness and sustainability.
Unbox your nature - Sustainable packaging, innovative thinking
Just as the foot can move naturally in the safety shoe thanks to the Baak Go&Relax system, the unboxing experience is also in line with our claim "Unbox your nature". The shoe box is made from FSC-certified recycled material, requires no glue and is simply folded and tucked away, reducing the volume for disposal. With 90% recycled raw materials, minimal printing and no film or filling material, we save around 2,000 trees a year.
The carton conveys our products as well as our values: Human. Healthy. Develop.
Recycling Inside - Sustainability is in the details
We use the "Recycling Inside" pictogram to identify models that are made from sustainable materials or contain a recycled content. This includes components such as the NeoShield textile penetration protection, which is made from 100% recycled material, as well as recycled inner and outer materials and laces. In this way, we combine safety and comfort with the responsible use of resources - for products that not only protect, but also have a sustainable impact.
Close to nature & sustainable
Our company headquarters
Office complex made from shipping containers
Our company headquarters in Straelen is more than just an office building - it is a statement for creative use of space and sustainability in practice. The main building consists of 33 former shipping containers that once transported goods around the world. In 2011, we converted these containers into modern offices, meeting rooms and communal areas. The targeted use of drywall, insulation and high-quality floor coverings created a working environment that combines functionality with character. The reuse of existing materials conserves resources and creates an inspiring environment - for our team and for everyone who visits us.
The meeting house
Our meeting house, with its historic name "Flickschusterhaus" (cobbler's house), combines innovative architecture with active sustainability. It stands for sustainable construction and creative work. Recycled construction waste as building material, mineral insulation, PVC-free bio-vinyl flooring, and an efficient air-to-heat pump make it an ecologically sound location. With flexible room concepts, acoustic sails, and cozy areas, it offers space for meetings, workshops, creative breaks, or joint events—in keeping with our open corporate culture.
Welcome to Baak - welcome to the Flickschusterhaus.
Training as a sustainability manager
Internal sustainability management
This additional qualification covers international conventions and legal frameworks for sustainability, transparency and management of global supply chains, risk management for social standards, environmental protection and toxicology as well as sustainability strategy and communication.
Our trained sustainability manager, Sonja Arians, coordinates all projects, evaluates processes and develops sustainable concepts together with colleagues, producers and partners.
Your idea for more sustainability counts!
Sustainability thrives on participation. Whether it's a suggestion for improvement, a new material idea or a social initiative - we look forward to your suggestions!
"We can't change the wind, but we can change the sails."
Aristotle