Corporate Social Responsibility Policy
This policy, which is reviewed annually, outlines specific measures Peerless has adopted to ensure we operate in a principled and responsible manner.
Details regarding specific aspects of our corporate social responsibility policy can be found below. Peerless is also committed to giving back to the community and helping those in need.
You can find our Clearance for a Cause program and #RainyDayHeros initiative here.
Environmental Policy
Promoting effectively and responsibly is the way forward. At Peerless, we consider environmental impact reduction to be an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods.
Our aim is to conduct business in an environmentally responsible manner, not just through our operations, but also with the products we offer. We encourage customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to do the same.
Our Operations
Our physical operations cover office, warehouse and shipping activities. In each area, we identify opportunities for improvement and create initiatives to ensure the improvement process is efficient, productive and economically sound. Additionally, Peerless has partnered with EcoVadis to monitor our sustainability performance and provide transparency to our partners and stakeholders. Our guiding principles in identifying and improving the environmental impact of our operations include the following:
- Comply with all relevant regulatory requirements
- Incorporate environmental factors into business decisions
- Minimize the use of paper when possible and use “tree free” paper products made from sugarcane waste fiber
- Recycle paper and operational byproducts such as cardboard, packaging materials, and plastics
- Partner with organizations who have similar sustainability goals
- Educate employees to increase awareness and encourage consideration of environmental matters and objectives
- Utilize responsible mailing techniques and materials
Our Products
Our product range and manufacturing processes are diverse – including a variety of materials, substrates and imprinting techniques. We partner with suppliers who understand our commitment to sustainability and lend assistance as we add more eco-conscious products to our existing line.
Currently, we offer products made from eco-friendly materials including RPET fabric and bamboo. For every RPET umbrella purchase, Peerless donates to the Rainforest Action Network. When quoting projects, we provide eco-quivalents, or “green” equivalents, encouraging customers to consider and present our eco-friendly products.
Our shipping cartons are made from 100% post-consumer recycled material and we have been making strides to reduce unnecessary packing materials such as cello bags. As our partner, Ecovadis provides education and resources as we continue to look for opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle.
High-quality, branded merchandise from Peerless is designed to promote our customer’s or their client’s message time after time through repeated usages and impressions. Our products are functional, frequently used and have long life cycles, which is good news for the planet.
Corporate Safety Policy
A proactive approach to health and safety is a priority for Peerless. Desk-based ergonomics and best practice protocols in the office along with the operation of machinery and material handling in our warehouse and production zones are key areas of emphasis in promoting a safety culture.
We comply with all applicable standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and we work with consultants to ensure that that we maintain standards as regulations change. In an effort to proactively identify and reduce risks and protect the safety of our employees, our facility is audited annually, utilizing a 4-pillar audit methodology that focuses on labor, health and safety, environment and business ethics.
Additionally, Peerless has adopted a Code of Conduct as part of our Employee Handbook that covers, among other things, our policy against harassment and discrimination, retaliation, as well as general safety guidelines and the process for reporting injuries. Health and safety information, education and training programs are provided to ensure employees are aware of occupational hazards and the appropriate control measures in place to mitigate these risks.
Product Safety Policy
In order to stay up to date on product safety requirements and guidelines, Peerless attends the PPAI Product Responsibility Summit. In addition, we periodically review the Prop 65 section of the OEHAA website and receive notifications when new chemicals are added to the list known to cause cancer and reproductive harm. We work with our partner, QIMA to understand what product safety and testing measures should be considered when adding new items to our product line. In the event there is a product recall, Peerless has a formal recall SOP that is reviewed annually.
Using accredited third-party laboratory product testing and supported by a comprehensive documentation and data storage process Peerless diligently continues to work to ensure the compliance of our products to State and Federal safety and compliance regulations. Products and all their components are tested for compliance to CPSC, California Proposition 65, CCPSA, FDA and, where applicable, local and state materials and product design safety standards. If any portion of the item fails during testing, we work with our factories to find a replacement material. If that is not feasible, we note that the item must be labeled with the most current Prop 65 warning label. Products that require labeling are noted on our website. Test reports are available upon request.
Ethical Supply Chain and Sustainable Procurement Policy
When developing new products, our product development team coordinates with the current list of vetted suppliers who understand Peerless’ product safety requirements. Every effort is made to procure materials and design products that are safe according to the testing standards outlined above. If the need should arise that a product must be procured from a new supplier, our buyers conduct a site visit and contract a third-party auditor to perform a social and ethical compliance evaluation.
