Making people's lives better

An overview of all the CSR-related things we do. They show how a concerted focus on CSR benefit both the company and the communities in which we operate. We believe deeply in this potential of shared value for all our stakeholders, whether they are employees, suppliers, clients, governments, shareholders, partners, local communities, or society as a whole.

All our suppliers

Sioen asks for similar efforts in the field of CSR from its suppliers. Standards, certificates and memberships act as guarantees for sustainable business. We’re putting lots of effort into obtaining them and ask the same from our suppliers.

Energy recuperation

In all of our coating plants, the air above the machines is extracted and purified. The energy that is released is used to preheat the furnaces. The optimisation of this process is one of the reasons why our gas consumption has decreased so much.

Training on the job

At the beginning of our new Sioen Talents’ careers, we always offer on-the-job training. This practical training helps them to get to know the job with useful tips and tricks. Participation in both internal and external trainings is encouraged.

Waste water

We're tightly managing our waste water. With the exception of sanitary water, we aim for a zero discharge status. Our online coating plant in Ardooie and our chemicals production plant in Bornem have already achieved this goal.

Coolbox

Veranneman installed the Coolbox, a communications hub that provides a place for meetings and for monitoring the loom data.

Sustainable bulk packaging

For bulk transport from our production centres, we use reusable packaging. That way, less copies have to be produced, less raw materials are needed and there is less waste. We are optimising bulk packaging in boxes and crates.

Ergonomic tools

Erroneous, prolonged and heavy lifting can lead to back problems. That is why we opted for ergonomic lifting equipment that puts less strain on the user. At Veranneman Technical Textiles, for example, we have added lifting aid to move the bobbins.

R&D investments

We invest more than 10 million euro in R&D on a yearly basis. Innovation is of major importance, as we ‘Protect through Innovation’. Thanks to having our own in-house testing laboratory, we can efficiently test our products.

Solar panels

Our electricity consumption has fallen sharply in recent years thanks to installing solar panels at our production facilities. At our headquarters in Ardooie, 10% of the total annual electricity consumption comes from the solar panels on the roof.

Robot Camp

Sioen supports ‘Robot camp’, a local project of a school in Poperinge (Belgium). During this summer holiday initiative, students can improve in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) by building a robot.

Amfori BSCI membership

Our membership of amfori BSCI, helps us realise our goals in the field of sustainability throughout our entire supply chain.

Award: Lifetime achievement award

Mrs Sioen won the Lifetime achievement award by Director-E, the leading magazine in the apparel industry. The award was a recognition for 57 years of hard work of Mrs. Sioen since the foundation of the company in 1960. She passed away in 2020.

Anti-graffiti

Sioen's dirt-repellent and anti-graffiti lacquer can be applied on buildings and trailers.

AED

Sioen installed AED units (Automated external defibrillators) at places where many people can come together, such as in the showrooms at our Ardooie headquarters. In case of emergency, we want to have the adequate tools to help a person in distress.

A cent a day

Our employees who work in our Indonesian branches raised money for charity. Thanks to those donations, combined with a company donation, we could buy shoes, uniforms, books, etc. for children in a socio-economically disadvantaged environment.

AQAP 2110 certification

Sioen Ballistics OY holds the AQAP 2110 certificate for MOD and NATO contracts.

Annual Sioen cycling tour

We stimulate our employees to live in a healthy way and we support our Sioen Talents’ initiatives, such as the annual Sioen cycling tour and running for charity. A healthy body and mind is what we strive for.

BETA Innovation Award

We won the BETA Innovation Award several times. This is not a coincidence. We have a concerted focus on knowledge, innovation and creativity. This strategic vision on R&D and innovation, results in products that find their way in demanding markets.

Assisting students

We’re supporting students the whole year round, offering them help with master theses and projects, and we guide them through internships in one of the many departments of our company.

Award: Manager of the Year

Our CEO, Michèle Sioen, was elected "Manager of the Year". A jury of experts chose, together with the readers of the magazine Trends the Manager of the Year 2017. "I consider this a price for the entire company, for all employees," she says.

Award: Supplier Excellency

We won the “Supplier excellence award for Quality” of Yanfeng for the airbag hinghes for Mercedes C. 100% on time delivery – zero complaints – zero defects.