Did you know? Only 1 in 10 people in Britain are familiar with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To address this, on 25th September 2024, ØRN will raise the SDG Flag in support of all 17 goals. By doing so we hope to raise more awareness and generate a deeper understanding and knowledge of these critical global objectives, and what they mean.

Twenty Four years ago 189 countries signed a treaty called the Millenium Declaration, “to create an environment - at the national and global levels - which is conducive to development and the elimination of poverty". At this point there were only 8 goals each one of these focused on human development as the cornerstone of social and economic progress. However, Goals 7 and 8 emphasized the need for a global partnership to drive change. These MDGs were officially confirmed, with an ambitious target to meet these goals by 2015. During the World Summit in 2002 further commitments were adopted into the Millennium Declaration alongside the declaration of Sustainable Development.

From MDGs to SDGs: Evolving Goals for a Changing World

It would not be until 2012 during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development that a plan was devised to develop a new set of goals. The target of 2015 was not the end of the journey. These goals needed nurturing and updating to allow for new global challenges and circumstances. Finally during the UN Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015 the UN Member States took the initiative to adopt these goals, renaming them as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With this transition, the number of goals expanded from 8 to 17, marking a significant step toward addressing a wider range of global challenges.

Building on the foundations of the MDGs, the new SDGs hope to improve the actions of all Member States. Aiming to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030. Declaring these much bigger, better and more extensive 17 goals the UN has created a more comprehensive and ambitious framework designed to tackle a variety of critical issues, from climate change to gender equality, and from clean energy to sustainable economic growth. – Read more here 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Joining the Movement on 25th September 2024

As we approach the 9th anniversary of the SDGs, it's important to reflect on their significance and progress. On 25th September 2024, ØRN, along with many others, will be raising the SDG Flag to acknowledge and celebrate the broader set of 17 global goals. This act of solidarity not only symbolises commitment but also aims to inspire collective action toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

The (SDGs) consist of 17 global objectives, and ØRN has successfully integrated 13 of these goals into its business model. Since signing up to the SDGs in 2020, ØRN is committed to utilising these goals to continually develop and refine its processes, products, and supply chain, while also ensuring support for its employees and the environment.

1. NO POVERTY
ØRN’s code of ethical trading is shared and adopted by our Supply Chain partners and audited externally to ensure that all workers in the process are paid at least the minimum wage.
 
2. ZERO HUNGER
We pay no less than the real living wage to all our employees in the UK, and ensure that our partner factories commit to paying all their employees no less than the legal minimum wage.
 
3. GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
We ensure health and wellbeing measures are in place, to provide clear guidance and direction and to underpin our commitment to provide a great place to work.
 
4. QUALITY EDUCATION
ØRN delivers a robust induction and mandatory training program for all employees and role specific training for roles within the organisation. Employees have two check-in reviews.
 
5. GENDER EQUALITY
We have policies on equality, diversity and inclusion established and cascaded annually to our employees. All job vacancies are advertised internally as well as externally.
 
6. CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
We ensure that our Supply partners are all certified to Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX and use efficient dye processes and water treatment operations which are verified by local independent auditors.
 
7. AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
We have implemented a range of reduction actions to reduce our Scope 1&2 output by using a variety of initiatives; for example switching company vehicles over to electric vehicles.
 
8. DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
ØRN are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for our employees. We review our pay, conditions, and reward annually to ensure it is reflective of the job carried out.
 
12. RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
We work with our Supply Chain partners to ensure that they, like us, embrace a waste reduction programme. We have a very active recycling programme which covers Cardboard, Plastic, Paper etc.
 
13. CLIMATE ACTION
ØRN are a Carbon Neutral business, reporting our annual Carbon Footprint and Sustainability / Environmental goals annually. We are continuing to enhance our work with our Supply Chain partners on a circular approach.
 
14. LIFE BELOW WATER
Our EarthPro® collection of workwear uses fabric made from recycled plastic that has been collected from seas and rivers, reducing the mass of disposable plastic that harms the environment.
 
15. LIFE ON LAND
We use FSC certified cardboard and are committed to reducing single use plastic packaging. We also now include a minimum 30% recycled plastic in our general workwear packaging.
 
17. PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS
ØRN is proud to work with both local business organisations, Buckingham Business First, Carbon Footprint UK.

Focusing on different areas of the SDGs has seen big changes within ØRN. Setting new standards and structure across many of our day-to-day tasks and business operations has helped to refine our business model, with many additional benefits such as:

• Aligning the company with global efforts to address critical challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality has positioned the business as a responsible manufacturer.
• Incorporating the SDGs has driven innovation helping us to improve operational efficiency.
• We have seen growing demand for sustainable products and services.
• Adopting the SDGs bolsters our brand reputation, we hope that by doing so it builds our customers and partners trust.
• Future-proofing corporate responsibility addressees any long-term risks.

To summarise, integrating the SDGs has helped to foster collaboration and partnerships with our supply chain, partners and distributors. Ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for both the company, any global challenges, now and in the future, our employees, and the society in which we are part of.

Next year will be the 10th Anniversary of the SDGs. With only 5 years until 2030 how far will we have come and how many more people will know about the UN Sustainable Development Goals? Let’s hope by raising the flag more than 1-in-10 people are familiar with the SDGs in. 2025, more people have discussions and we can all start to protect humanity, habitats, and the planet together.

Leave No One Behind (LNOB) is at the heart of the SDGs is the United Nations approach to leaving no one behind it is set out in the Shared Framework on Leaving No One Behind: Equality and Non-Discrimination at the Heart of Sustainable Development.