At Anekdot, we are committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and respect for people and the environment. Our Code of Ethics and Conduct outlines the principles and standards that guide our internal business practices and sets expectations for everyone working for or on behalf of Anekdot. The Code also guides our ongoing assessment of the suitability of our third-party partners and suppliers.

SECTION 1: VALUES, PRINCIPLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This section of the Code defines Anekdot’s principles and responsibilities in relation to corporate, labour, environmental, and social matters. These are the standards we commit to upholding in our business decisions and practices.

1.1 Recognition of Corporate Accountability

Decisions made at every level of an organisation can have broader effects on people, society, and the environment. We therefore consider these wider impacts when making business decisions.

In line with this, our business decisions and activities are guided by a commitment to corporate accountability. This commitment applies across our business, including business strategy, policy creation, process development, supplier relationships, procurement, marketing, sales, and customer interactions.

Our business activities, including those across our supply chain, are subject to ongoing review and improvement to ensure that they increasingly reflect Anekdot’s values, principles, and responsibilities.

1.2 Workers' Rights & Conditions

Anekdot is committed to respecting workers’ rights and complying with all applicable laws and regulations concerning employment and working conditions.

All employees at Anekdot are entitled to a safe, healthy, and hygienic working environment that complies with applicable occupational health and safety requirements.

We expect the same standards from our production partners and require that people involved in the production of Anekdot products are treated with dignity and respect and work in conditions that comply with applicable legal requirements.

Wages & Benefits

Anekdot employees and workers involved in the production of Anekdot products must be paid at least the applicable statutory minimum wage and, where applicable, wages above the statutory minimum wage. Employees must receive all legally required payments, benefits, and social security contributions. Wages must be paid regularly and in accordance with applicable employment arrangements.

Working Hours & Leave

Working hours, overtime, breaks, weekly rest periods, and paid leave must comply with applicable legal requirements. Overtime must be appropriately compensated or otherwise regulated as required by law.

Health & Safety

Anekdot and its production partners are expected to provide a safe and hygienic working environment and to comply with applicable occupational health and safety requirements. Appropriate measures must be taken to identify and reduce workplace risks and to provide workers with the information, instruction, training, and protective equipment required for their work.

No Forced or Child Labour

Anekdot does not tolerate forced, bonded, trafficked, or involuntary labour. Child labour is not permitted. All workers must meet the applicable minimum legal age for employment.

Equal Treatment & Non-Discrimination

Anekdot is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on characteristics protected by applicable law, including age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic or social origin, race, religion, disability, or health status. This commitment also applies to our production partners. We expect all people involved in the production of Anekdot products to be treated respectfully, and without discrimination or harassment, regardless of their position or role.

1.3 Environmental Responsibility

Every decision made within an organisation can have an impact on the environment. Anekdot therefore considers environmental factors when making decisions about materials, production, transportation, packaging, and product use.

Where relevant and where reliable information is available, decisions take into account the environmental characteristics and impacts associated with materials and their production, transportation, use, and end-of-life.

We consider available alternatives, relevant third-party certifications, and documented environmental information provided by suppliers.

Sourcing

Anekdot sources materials and supplies based on documented criteria and recognised third-party certifications where applicable. We consider a range of options when sourcing product components such as fabrics, elastics, threads, and hardware, as well as packaging and office and studio supplies.

Sourcing decisions may take into account:

• The life cycle of materials, including extraction, production, processing, use, and end-of-life
• Carbon emissions and energy consumption
• Water use
• Hazardous chemicals and pollution affecting water, air, and land
• By-products and waste
• Durability, reparability, lifespan, reusability, and recyclability
• Recognised third-party environmental certifications

We aim to make informed sourcing decisions based on the information available to us and will not knowingly source materials produced using chemicals prohibited under applicable EU REACH requirements.

Materials

Anekdot prioritises materials with documented characteristics that align with our material sourcing principles.

Where applicable, fabrics used in Anekdot products may meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. The fabric is reclaimed from fashion-industry deadstock, production remnants, line-ends, or off-cuts.
2. The fabric is made from a natural fibre with documented material or environmental characteristics, such as certified organic cotton.
3. The fabric is primarily made from recycled materials.

Learn more about the materials currently used by Anekdot here.

Anekdot prioritises suppliers with recognised third-party environmental certifications and documented environmental practices where appropriate. This may include measures relating to waste reduction, renewable energy, resource management, and transparency.

The environmental practices and credentials of relevant parent companies and business partners may also be considered.

Anekdot prioritises local and European suppliers where appropriate and seeks to reduce unnecessary transportation associated with sourcing.

Production and waste reduction

Anekdot seeks to avoid unnecessary overproduction and unsold stock. We therefore produce in limited quantities and, where appropriate, produce according to demand.

We seek to minimise material waste throughout production, from procurement and cutting through to the end-of-life of garments.

Our material management practices may include:

• Purchasing controlled quantities of materials and making efficient use of available fabric runs
• Designing and cutting garments to minimise off-cuts
• Retaining and using suitable production off-cuts where possible
• Using pre-orders where appropriate to help align production with demand
• Focusing on quality in production, sales, and after-sales service to support product longevity
• Recycling or otherwise appropriately managing unusable production off-cuts where possible

Packaging, Shipping, and Office Supplies

Anekdot seeks to minimise packaging and avoid unnecessary plastic.

We aim to use packaging materials that are reusable, recycled, recyclable, or compostable where appropriate and available.

Packaging materials are evaluated using the sourcing criteria described above, taking into account the available options and their relevant characteristics.

Transportation-related considerations may also be taken into account when selecting shipping options.

Office supplies include recycled-content paper and, where applicable, FSC-certified paper products. We seek to minimise unnecessary plastic and to reuse or recycle unavoidable waste where appropriate.

Operational Energy Use

Our Berlin studio and office operations use electricity from renewable sources.

1.4 Social Responsibility

At Anekdot, we recognise that our choices of partners, suppliers, materials, and business practices can have social implications. We are committed to considering relevant social factors when making business decisions and to continuously improving our practices where appropriate. Our approach includes consideration of:

• The social implications of the materials we use, including production methods and working conditions within our supply chain
• Worker health, safety, and welfare
• The social impact of our products and business activities
• Our practices in product development, brand growth, marketing, and sales

Sourcing

Anekdot considers relevant social factors when selecting materials and suppliers.

Where information is available, we evaluate:

• The conditions under which raw materials are extracted or produced
• Worker health and safety
• Employment and working conditions
• The impact of production activities on local communities

We prioritise suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to responsible business practices through transparent production processes, relevant documentation, certifications, or other credible evidence.

We may also consider the social values and commitments of suppliers’ parent companies and relevant business partners.

Where appropriate, Anekdot favours fabric suppliers based in Europe, where applicable European and national employment and working-condition requirements provide a relevant framework for worker protection.

Partnerships

When forming partnerships with print shops, modelling agencies, photographers, or other organisations, Anekdot considers the social values and business practices of potential partners.

We seek to work with partners whose practices are compatible with Anekdot’s values and principles.

Relevant partners may be reviewed periodically to assess whether they continue to meet our expectations.

Diversity and Inclusion

Anekdot is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within our organisation and in our business relationships.

We respect diversity across sexual orientations, genders, races, ethnicities, religions, ages, and abilities and expect our employees, suppliers, and partners to uphold the same principle of respectful treatment.

We strive to create an environment in which employees, stakeholders, and customers are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background.

Where possible and appropriate, Anekdot seeks to support independent, minority- and marginalised-owned or operated businesses through sourcing and partnerships.

Anekdot aims to make its collection accessible to a diverse audience and seeks to assist customers who have experienced difficulty finding well-fitting and comfortable apparel elsewhere.

SECTION 2: THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS & PARTNERS

This section outlines the standards that third parties working with or supplying Anekdot are expected to uphold. It addresses worker welfare, environmental responsibility, and corporate, social, and community responsibilities.

When evaluating potential partners, Anekdot considers their approach to employee welfare, environmental impact, and corporate and social responsibility.

We expect our suppliers and partners to comply with applicable laws and to work towards the standards set out in this Code.

2.1 Worker’ rights & conditions

We require our suppliers, including manufacturers of virgin and recycled fabrics, elastics, and other relevant materials, to comply with applicable labour laws in the countries in which they operate.

Where appropriate and proportionate to the supplier relationship, Anekdot encourages suppliers to meet recognised international labour standards, including the principles reflected in the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code and the ILO Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, or to hold recognised social compliance certification such as the SA8000 Standard.

These principles include:

• Respect for freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, in accordance with applicable law
• The elimination of forced or compulsory labour
• The effective abolition of child labour
• The elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation
• A safe and healthy working environment
• Payment of at least the applicable statutory minimum wage and, where applicable, wages above the statutory minimum wage
• Compliance with applicable working-hour, overtime, rest, and leave requirements
• Regular employment in accordance with applicable law
• Prohibition of harsh, abusive, or inhumane treatment

Suppliers must comply with all applicable labour and employment laws in the countries in which they operate.

Where relevant certifications or independent assessments are available, suppliers should be able to provide current documentation confirming compliance.

Anekdot may request appropriate supporting documentation or information where necessary to assess compliance with this Code, subject to confidentiality and data-protection requirements.

2.2 Environmental responsibility

Anekdot expects its suppliers to:

• Take appropriate measures to reduce and minimise the environmental impacts of their operations
• Assess relevant environmental impacts associated with their activities
• Work towards continuous improvement in environmental performance where appropriate
• Be transparent about relevant environmental impacts and measures taken to address them

We expect suppliers to appropriately manage relevant aspects of their operations, including energy and water use, waste and by-products, emissions, and pollution of air, land, and water.

Where relevant and appropriate, suppliers are encouraged to obtain recognised environmental management or textile certifications, such as ISO 14001 or OEKO-TEX® STeP.

Suppliers and partners must comply with all relevant environmental laws and regulations in the countries where they operate.

2.3 Social responsibility

Anekdot expects its suppliers and partners to conduct their business with integrity and transparency and to comply with applicable laws and regulations relating to corporate governance, taxation, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption.

We expect suppliers and partners to act responsibly within their organisations and in their external business relationships.

Where appropriate, suppliers should be transparent about their production processes and relevant social practices and should be able to provide supporting information where reasonably requested.

We expect our suppliers and partners to respect diversity and inclusion and to maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

Suppliers and partners are expected to uphold Anekdot’s principle of zero tolerance towards discrimination and harassment in their internal practices and in their business relationships.

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IMPLEMENTATION & REVIEW

Anekdot recognises that responsible business practices require ongoing attention and improvement.

We will periodically review this Code and our business practices to ensure that they remain appropriate to our operations, supply chain, and applicable legal requirements.

We also use this Code to guide our ongoing assessment of suppliers and third-party partners and may request relevant information or documentation to understand how these standards are being implemented.

Where concerns are identified, Anekdot will seek appropriate clarification and, where reasonable and proportionate, work with the relevant partner to address them.

This Code does not replace applicable laws, regulations, employment agreements, or other contractual obligations. Where applicable law establishes a higher standard, the applicable legal requirement takes precedence.