BAMKO is a proud subsidiary of Superior Group of Companies (SGC), and we wholeheartedly share our parent company’s unwavering commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibility. SGC’s core values of integrity, ambition, transparency, curiosity, accountability, and problem-solving are deeply ingrained in our own culture and operations.
We are thrilled to share some key findings of SGC’s 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, the fifth iteration of SGC’s annual CSR initiative. This report reflects a significant milestone in our collective ESG journey, as it is the first to incorporate the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Apparel, Accessories & Footwear (2023) Standard. Aligning with this standard reflects our shared dedication to transparency and our commitment to measuring, managing, and communicating our ESG performance effectively.
SGC’s goal with this report is to provide a comprehensive view of their ESG priorities and the tangible outcomes of their strategies. We believe that by openly sharing our progress and challenges, we can foster a collaborative approach to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for our industry and the planet.
Partnering for Positive Impact
As providers of promotional products, BAMKO and SGC recognize our role in promoting responsible consumption and minimizing our environmental impact. Therefore, we are dedicated to sourcing eco-friendly promotional products and packaging materials, and prioritize options made from recycled or renewable materials whenever possible. We actively seek out suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and who adhere to stringent environmental standards
We view our suppliers not just as vendors, but as partners in our mission to deliver high-quality products and services. Working collaboratively, we ensure all our partners uphold SGC’s stringent guidelines, provided via our in-depth Supplier and Vendor Compliance Manual. This manual outlines SGC’s expectations, mandating that suppliers comply with all applicable laws and regulations, provide safe working environments, and dispose of waste responsibly. Ensuring our vendor partners maintain a dedication to responsible sourcing is pivotal in our efforts to reduce waste, combat throw-away culture, and develop an environmentally responsible supply-chain.
Responsible Supply Chain: A Commitment to People and the Planet
Responsible sourcing is a core principle at SGC and BAMKO. We are mutually dedicated to ensuring that our global manufacturing and supply chain partners respect human rights, provide fair working conditions, and prioritize environmental protection. In 2023, SGC demonstrated this commitment to sustainable sourcing, with 70% of uniform spending directed towards suppliers participating in sustainability programs. Additionally, 16% of all suppliers received purchase orders for sustainable products.
SGC maintains a proactive approach to responsible sourcing by collaborating closely with its supply chain partners. This involves identifying and selecting raw material sources that align with the ethical and environmental criteria outlined in SGC’s Supplier and Vendor Compliance Manual and zero-tolerance policies. All textiles we purchase are sourced from Oeko-Tex® certified suppliers, ensuring they are free from harmful substances. SGC emphasizes internal due diligence to ensure that incoming products and materials are free from conflict minerals. SGC and BAMKO utilize the EICC/GeSI Conflict Minerals Reporting Template to conduct surveys with targeted suppliers, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
BAMKO and SGC maintain a zero-tolerance policy against forced labor, child labor, and any form of exploitation. We also prioritize fair wages, requiring suppliers to provide compensation that meets or exceeds legal requirements, including overtime pay. In the absence of local regulations, we encourage suppliers to consult with local contacts to establish appropriate pay standards.
Community Engagement: Making a Positive Impact
BAMKO actively participates in SGC’s commitment to environmental, social and governance responsibility through community engagement initiatives that make a positive impact. We are honored to be part of and support a company that actively gives back to the communities where we live and work. In 2023, we were proud to join our colleagues across SGC in raising over $104,000 to support 21 organizations worldwide, demonstrating our collective commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Our community engagement efforts extend beyond financial contributions. We actively encourage employee volunteerism, recognizing the value of giving back through time and talent. BAMKO individually engages in a quarterly give-back program, through which each quarter we donate 1% of BAMKO Collection sales to one of the following organizations: the American Heart Association, No Kid Hungry, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Meals on Wheels. We strongly believe that by working together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities and create a positive ripple effect that benefits everyone.
Not to mention, our philanthropic endeavors foster a strong sense of pride for our employees, who are happy to work for a company that champions ethical practices and giving back. SGC and BAMKO’s dedication to creating a positive workplace culture and supporting charitable initiatives resonates deeply with our staff and continues to help us attract top-talent within the industry.
Social Responsibility: Empowering Employees and Communities
SGC and BAMKO both know that our people are our greatest asset. The companies value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and make significant investments in improving employee well-being and development. At BAMKO, career development isn’t an afterthought – it’s a core component of what we do. We offer comprehensive training and development programs to prepare our employees for critical and leadership roles, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent for the future. 
When it comes to employee appreciation, gifting and awards, BAMKO practices what we preach. From custom gifts and awards to company-wide swag bags and spontaneous gestures of thanks, BAMKO ensures that every employee feels valued and recognized. This positive reinforcement contributes to a motivated and engaged workforce of individuals who feel truly valued for their unique contributions.
BAMKO also supports a strong work-life balance by offering a remote work model to help employees achieve optimal productivity with reduced stress. Through other perks like unlimited PTO, flexible hours, and “summer Fridays,” BAMKO empowers employees to achieve optimal productivity with reduced stress. This flexibility empowers individuals to manage their time effectively and create a work environment that suits their needs.
A Shared Vision for a Better Future
At BAMKO, we embrace SGC’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical governance. We are proud to contribute to this shared vision of a sustainable and equitable future for our industry and the planet. By upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and responsible sourcing, we strive to create a positive impact on our employees, communities, and the environment.
As part of the SGC family, we are excited to continue our collective journey towards a brighter tomorrow. BAMKO remains dedicated to collaborating with SGC to drive positive change, minimize our environmental footprint, empower our employees, and uplift the communities we serve. Through our combined efforts, we believe we can make a meaningful difference – one promotional product, one sustainable practice, and one responsible decision at a time.
To learn more about SGC’s environmental, social and governance responsibility initiatives and progress, we invite you to read the full report.
