Quiksilver Inc.

Environment [login to edit summary]

Since Quiksilver Europe established “Quiksilver Initiative” in 1999, the company has been working to raise environmental awareness and to address environmental issues both winthin and outside the company. In addition to internal eco-design and environmental management, it has also been involved with a number of environmental and humanitarian organizations. (From Quiksilver Foundation Annual Report 2008)

Last year, Quiksilver launched a line of eco-friendly winterwear using recycled PET water, soda bottles, hemp fabric and non toxic natural colors.

Recently, Quiksilver has also established a new line of women’s eco-friendly clothing, aptky named the Give-Back Project. According the Snowbird Connection blog, this clothing line will consist of “organic cotton, which -saves on water usage -no chemical destruction -no insecticides bamboo -helps rebuild eroded soil -reduces greenhouse gas -grows rapidly and naturally without pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers -processed using non-toxic chemicals that are recaptured and recycled -100% biodegradable tencel -made from cellulose found in wood pulp -minimal impact in processing (99% of solvent used is recovered and recycled) -economical use of energy and water in processing -100% biodegradable”

Reducing Product/Service Impacts

Greenhouse Gases

Air Pollution (other than GHG)

Energy Use

Biodiversity

Material Use

Waste

Water Use

Hazardous Spills

Environmental Compliance

Environmental Expenditures

Society [login to edit summary]

Quiksilver also helps the less fortunate via the Quiksilver Foundation. It has helped plant trees in Brazil, Madagascar and the Amazon so that the fruits can be sold to provide income for the people in those areas. It is partnered with the University of Southern California to help students in selected counties in Southern California improve in science and environmental education. It is also donated wetsuits for educational surfing programs in Peru. Quiksilver has also raised money for skin cancer research.

Quiksilver is also a supporter of the Keep A Breast Foundation. According to their website, ”... The Keep a Breast Foundation is a unique non-profit organization creating plaster forms of the female torso, customized by fine artists and auctioned to raise funding for breast cancer. Our mission is to produce art events that increase breast cancer awareness among young people and benefit breast cancer education, prevention and treatment programs in communities around the world.

Combining sculpture, philanthropy, and symbolic artistry, The Keep a Breast Foundation is a nonprofit breast cancer awareness organization unlike any other. Keep a Breast creates one-of-a-kind plaster forms of the female torso that are customized by fine artists and auctioned to raise consciousness and funding for breast cancer research and treatment. The casts are physical representations of a simple truth – while breast cancer attacks all women without prejudice, it is the powerful individual present in all women that will conquer it. Keep a Breast’s goal is to bring a fresh perspective to this important cause in a way that is relevant and inspiring to today’s youth.”

Recently, the China Labor Watch released a report citing Quiksilver (along with three other apparel factories) for providing poor working conditions. It was difficult to learn of the American Quiksilver employees salaries, but the report disclosed that new employees had to pay a one-time $5.33 health examination fee, $2.53 for a uniform for the summer months, $3.33 for a uniform for the winter months. Also, $40.00 was taken from the worker’s salary for the first three months. The workers are only paid 48 cents an hour, working nine hours per day. The workers do not receive insurance until a one-year threshold and they are not trained in proper safety procedures.

Community Impact

Local Procurement

Capacity Building

Child Labour

Indigenous Rights

Cancer Research

HIV/AIDS Research

Human Rights

Employee Wages Training and Benefits

Employment Equity

Collective Bargaining

Occupational Health and Safety

Military Involvement

Product Responsibility [login to edit summary]

Two years ago, Quiksilver had to recall about 9,700 hooded sweatshirts for girls due to the drawstring. The drawstring posed a threat of strangulation for the wearer.

Quiksilver has a toll-free telephone number as well as an area to type in information dealing with customer concerns, and its Privacy Policy.

Customer Health and Safety

Accessibility to Product Information

Customer Satisfaction

Marketing Ethics

Customer Privacy

Organics

Fair Trade

Animal Testing

Corporate Citizen [login to edit summary]

Quiksilver has a Compensation Committee who determines the yearly salaries of the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President (Robert B. McKnight happens to hold all three positions), Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Secretary, General Counsel and the Presidents of Quiksilver in Europe, Americas, South Pacific and Global Brand Manager. In 2008, Mr. McKnight received a base salary of $950,000. He did not receive a cash bonus because of the weak economy and company’s financial performance.

Quiksilver does not disclose whether it contributes to political campaigns.

Internally, the company has an Ethical Standards of Trade program and the Supplier Workplace Code of Conduct is an offshoot of it. Quiksilver prohibits forced labor, harrassment and abuse, any form of discrimination, a safe and healthy work environment and child labor prohibitting anyone under 16 years working in the factory.

Government Assistance

Direct Economic Impact

Political Contributions

Anti-Corruption

Anti-Competitive Behaviour

CEO Compensation

Genealogy [login to edit genealogy]

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Quiksilver Inc.

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