On June 9th, the 24th Sino-European CSR Roundtable Forum, co-held by amfori and the China Sustainability Tribune, took place in Beijing China. Peter Handstein, the Founder and CEO of Hape Group, was invited to attend the forum and delivered a speech about Hape’s development on the issue of “Carbon Neutrality on Supply Chain Management”. 

The forum brought together distinguished guests from governments, associations, research institutions, international organisations, well-known companies and sustainability experts to share their perspectives on pursuing sustainable supply chains and more. Attendees included Mr. Christian Ewert, President of amfori, Mr. Xu Hua, Director, General Office, Department of Industrial Policies, Laws and Regulations, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (TBD), Mr. Hu Kehua, Sustainability Stewardship Director of Office for Social Responsibility of the China Textile and Apparel Industry Council (CNTAC), Mr. Yu Zhihong, President and Editor-in-chief of the China Sustainability Tribune, Mr. Jack Wang, Chief EHS expert of the Guangdong Academy of Corporate Sustainable Development, Mr. Meng Wei, President of CMSK Urban Institute and many more.

During his speech, Peter expressed his view that, “the commitment to children must go hand in hand with the commitment to the environment. We strive to create a sustainable supply chain involving like-minded suppliers, manufactures, distributors and customers.” 

Since its establishment 35 years ago, Hape has shown its commitment to the environment and to the next generation time and time again, endeavouring to design and manufacture high-quality educational toys made from sustainable materials that bring happiness to children all over the world. Moreover, we took the lead in introducing bamboo into the toy industry, and we use safe, eco-friendly materials such as recycled cardboard, organic inks, and 100-percent water-based colours, exploring new sustainable elements like Green PE, FASAL and rice along the way. Besides that, we strive to use water purification and circulation systems that are in-line with true sustainable development, and have formed a strategic partnership with Amorim, the world’s biggest cork producer, in order to explore new sustainable materials and reduce corporate carbon emissions – thus practicing a dual responsibility for society and the environment.

As a partner of amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative), Hape continues to practice its own social responsibilities, and enhance awareness, skills and knowledge of corporate social responsibility among our employees and suppliers in order to form mutually beneficial alliances with the valued partners that accompany us on our journey towards building a responsible and sustainable supply chain. 

Stagnated by current tensions of the global pandemic, this year’s forum was both online-and-offline, open to all invested in sustainable development, carbon neutrality and supply chain management through its NetEase live broadcast. The program attracted 170,000+ views on the day of airing and reached accumulated plays of 200,000+, bringing together many valuable and inspiring ideas and proposals from its valued attendees. Thereafter, we call on the public to continue striving towards the aim of “achieving CO₂ emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060” – in line with the targets released by the Chinese government – and work together to build a better world for the next generation. 

Amfori: 

As the leading global business association for open and sustainable trade with 40 years of experience, amfori brings together over 2,400 retailers, importers, brands and associations from more than 40 countries. Amfori’s membership contains organisations of all sizes and all sectors with a combined turnover of more than one trillion euros. Amfori’s mission is to enable each of its members to enhance human prosperity, use natural resources responsibly and drive open trade globally. Amfori’s strategic partners in China include CNTAC, Nanjing University, Sun Yat-Sen University, etc.