Sustainability governance
Rugvista’s sustainability work is governed through policies, codes of conduct, and measurable targets that are integrated into the company’s strategy, risk management, and operational processes.
Our governing documents are based on international frameworks such as the UN Global Compact, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), the ILO’s core conventions, and the OECD Guidelines.
The Board of Directors holds overall responsibility for sustainability governance. Operational responsibility is delegated to the CEO and the Management Team. The Chief Organization & Sustainability Officer (COSO) leads the sustainability work and reports to the CEO. The Sustainability Manager, who reports to the COSO, is responsible for day-to-day implementation and drives the work cross-functionally within the organization.
The COSO presents the company’s sustainability work to the Board of Directors annually, including material topics, target achievement, and regulatory compliance. Sustainability-related risks and opportunities are monitored on an ongoing basis within the company’s risk management framework.
Compliance in the supply chain is ensured through third-party audits conducted via amfori BSCI and Label STEP, as well as through training initiatives that support continuous improvement among suppliers. All employees receive sustainability training as part of their onboarding and are covered by the company’s code of conduct.
Memberships, frameworks and certifications
Rugvista participates in several international initiatives and certification programmes that support our work on supplier responsibility, material choices, and regulatory compliance. These collaborations contribute to increased transparency, clearer requirements, and continuous improvement across the value chain.
amfori BEPI: An environmental initiative that supports suppliers in improving resource efficiency, chemical management, and reducing environmental impact through structured monitoring and self-assessment.
amfori BSCI: A global initiative for social compliance that strengthens working conditions in the supply chain through a shared code of conduct, risk assessments, training programmes, and third-party audits.
Care & Fair: A non-profit initiative within the rug industry that finances schooling, healthcare, and adult education in regions where hand-knotted rugs are produced.
Diversity Charter: A network and initiative that promotes increased diversity and inclusion in the workplace through knowledge sharing, training initiatives, and joint commitments related to equal treatment and non-discrimination.
Good Wool Collective: A Swedish initiative that promotes sustainable wool production through improved animal welfare, traceability, and collaboration across the value chain.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard): Certifications that verify and track recycled materials and set requirements for social, environmental, and chemical aspects of production.
Label STEP: A non-profit organisation that works to improve working conditions in the handmade rug industry through third-party audits, monitoring, and training initiatives for producers and home-based weavers.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: A product certification that verifies that materials meet strict requirements for chemical content and are tested for substances that may be harmful to human health.
RISE Kemikaliegruppen: An industry network that provides guidance on chemical management and environmental legislation. Compliance with the group’s restricted substances list, in line with EU regulations, is a requirement for Rugvista’s suppliers.
Svensk Handel (Swedish Trade Federation): A trade and employer organization representing retail companies in Sweden, providing support in labour law, collective agreements, training, statistics, and public affairs related to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the retail sector.
Textile Exchange: A global organization driving the development of more sustainable fibers, materials, and supply chains through industry collaboration and standard-setting.
UN Global Compact: A global initiative for responsible business based on ten principles covering human rights, labour standards, environment, and anti-corruption.
Read more about our collaborations at https://www.rugvistagroup.com/sustainability/collaborations-and-memberships/