CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Ridgeback’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mission is driven by our strong commitment to responsible business practices. This is rooted in over forty years of creating versatile, long lasting, well made product which allows our customers to experience the world the way we would want to: comfortably, safely and with product, which is well crafted by knowledgeable and passionate people.

CSR means respect for human rights wherever they are in the world, promotion of animal welfare and striving to always lowering our environmental impact.

The idea of what it means to be a responsible business continues to develop; CSR is a changing landscape but, with the right tools and the right partners, we are dedicated to making the journey.

We cannot guarantee that your computer’s display of colour or other product features is accurate. Please note that weights may vary, due to variables, such as frame size, components included or excluded as well as running changes to component specifications. We recommend you to weigh bikes or frames you are considering, at your retailer. There is no industry standard as to how a bicycle should be weighed.

Ethical Trade

Ethical Trade is our commitment to everyone in our supply chain to make responsible business decisions. Our commitment to ethical trade is a core business value and we actively promote best labour practice as a way to inspire sustainable partnerships.

Ridgeback is part of an international supply chain, and in utilising the skillset of global technicians, we takes our due diligence obligations seriously. We prefer to develop long-term relationships with all our suppliers based on mutual trust and a close working relationship to produce product, which meet our standards. Though we have a small supply base reaching from Europe to East Asia, no matter where our suppliers are based, the same process is followed and the same standards and expectations are set.

The Right Principles

We work to the following core principles:

  • Employment is freely chosen
  • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
  • Working conditions are safe and hygienic
  • Child labour shall not be used.
  • Living wages are paid
  • Working hours are not excessive
  • No discrimination is practised
  • Regular employment is provided
  • No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
  • We respect the local laws and customs of all the countries in which we operate

In the UK we voluntarily pay the real living wage and are accredited by the Living Wage Foundation.

Supplier relationships are important to a business, and we work hard to maintain a good level of visitation, assessment and longevity in our relations with all our suppliers. We focus on building long-term stable partnerships, providing support and a positive feedback cycle – we actively seek to reward good progress with growing our business together.

We get to know our suppliers through a comprehensive assessment process designed to instigate conversation, from business specific reports to visiting our suppliers in person. We employ local auditors with an in depth knowledge of local laws and working culture, who are able to engage directly with employees. We work with them because their social assessment of a factory places weight on the “worker voice”.

Assessing working conditions is a complex and challenging task but we work hard to ensure we understand factory needs and how we can play a part in being supportive to that. After all, it is only by a thorough understanding of whom we are working with, can we tailor our ethical programme to the requirements of an individual supplier.

Suppliers are chosen for their quality of production, technical ability and future potential. We are committed to working alongside factories in order to promote best practice, continuous development and improvement. Good quality communication is required to establish a trading relationship with Ridgeback and this is followed by continuous updates and site visits. Equally, our suppliers are invited to visit us during their overseas travels: our door is always open to those wishing to share news of their growth, ethical work and discuss any challenges they may be facing.

Relationships with our suppliers continue to develop alongside our ethical programme. Communication, collaboration and long-standing relationships are the foundations of a responsible business, and it is through these core principles we can all continue to move forward together.

Sustainability

Sustainability means embarking on a journey open to change and making the right choices. The environmental impact of our products product is determined by the decisions made during the design process, by our manufacturers and by our customers. We face real challenges, which make working with the right partners and sharing information key to our sustainability strategy. It is a constant learning process but we are committed to being a part of the conversation and making informed decisions.

Designing Quality

Designing and producing products, which really stand the test of time is the most environmentally friendly and sustainable approach we continue to abide by. We take immense pride in our products and with durability at the core of every product, the need to replace is minimised – and ultimately, the adverse impact on our environment is reduced.

Chemicals

Chemicals can play a significant role in the manufacture of any product. Chemicals allow us to add durability or a high-performance finish to our products: protecting the safety of those who make and use our products, as well as the wider environment, is paramount.

Ridgeback recognises the importance of chemical management in the production of products and especially textiles and we are committed to reducing its impact. All of our fabric treatments are in line with the requirements of EU REACH regulation. Certification is required where appropriate and we continue to carry out our own testing procedure.