August 2020
BÄR Shoes Nominated for the German Sustainability Award 2021
BÄR Schuhe GmbH was nominated for the German Sustainability Award in the Design category for its “running shoes” product.
The BÄR concept is inspired by natural barefoot running. Since 1982, BÄR has been making comfortable shoes with room for the toes, zero heel drop, and flexibility. Everyday companions for confident, independent people who enjoy freedom from head to toe. For everyone who values health and well-being. During sporting activities such as hiking, trekking, or running, it is also always about enjoying nature up close and carefree. This works best when the feet can be part of the experience. BÄR’s sports, trekking, and running shoes make this possible. BÄR shoes restore the original feeling of running, allowing you to explore the world as intensely as possible. Thanks to the option of resoling and the repair service, the shoes are guaranteed a long service life and sustainability. The “High Performance 2.5” is both a sports shoe and a touring shoe. The material mix, providing an optimal fit and climate regulation, along with the highly durable sole, keeps its quality promise even during the 217 km ultramarathon through Death Valley.
Below, the individual transformation areas specified by the DNP Foundation are explained by the BÄR brand.
Society
The actions of BÄR Schuhe GmbH are characterized by respect and appreciation for people and nature. We achieve our goals together. We use our dedication loyally and in an exemplary manner toward all stakeholder groups. We draw strength from the constructive and respectful cooperation of everyone involved, both externally and internally. Good working conditions are very important to us. In addition to healthy nutrition and the ecological and ergonomic design of the workplace, we offer flexible and individual working-time models, including home-office, part-time, and training options.
Resources
Our shoes have an above-average service life. We ensure that the shoes can be repaired and that soles and insoles can be replaced. The materials used by BÄR are subject to strict quality requirements regarding durability. The functionality of the materials used should be maintained throughout their entire service life. When leather is processed correctly, it can be recycled and is biodegradable. Leather is a natural product that has been used for hundreds of years and is extremely durable when properly cared for.
Fairness
We do not classify people according to culture, beliefs, gender, or sexual orientation. We also stand for an unequivocal ban on child labor, forced labor, and discrimination. The working conditions at our domestic and international operations have been independently audited and certified. Humane and fair working conditions, appropriate pay, and workplace health and safety are priorities for us as a family-owned company. This applies equally to our employees, store operators, partners, and suppliers.The German Sustainability Award is Europe’s largest distinction for ecological and social commitment. It honors the best concepts addressing global warming, resource overuse, species extinction, and social division. The nominees in the first competition for the DNP Design award have been selected. They prevailed over a large number of applicants and stand out with effective contributions to transformation. The 13th German Sustainability Award will be presented in Düsseldorf in December 2020.
May 2020
3,500 Masks for Schoolchildren in Bietigheim-Bissingen
With heartfelt thanks to the managing director of BÄR, Mr. Christof Bär, Mayor Jürgen Kessing accepted 3,500 masks for the schoolchildren of Bietigheim-Bissingen. Mayor Kessing said: “The commitment of our businesses to the city and its people, whether in the social or educational sphere, is impressive. This shows that the common good is not an empty phrase for entrepreneurs in Bietigheim-Bissingen.”
Christof Bär explained the motivation behind the donation from BÄR GmbH: “When we had the opportunity at the end of March to obtain masks for our employees and customers, and the minimum order quantity far exceeded our own needs, it quickly became clear to us as the BÄR brand, based in Bietigheim-Bissingen, that we wanted to donate the remaining quantity of well over 3,000 masks locally. After a brief discussion and consultation with the city, we decided to support several local schools. In doing so, we are emphasizing our conviction that in times like these, we can achieve significantly more together than alone. Our team was also immediately enthusiastic about the idea and pleased that we could support the students in this way.”
The family-owned company BÄR GmbH has been in business since 1982. BÄR shoes are known for fashionably designed comfort shoes that guarantee uncompromising room for the toes and are made from the highest-quality materials.
The everyday masks will be distributed to all schoolchildren in the city through the schools. On Thursday, May 28, 2020, the principals of the two secondary schools, Claus Stöckle and Hanspeter Diehl, accepted the delivery on behalf of all school administrations in the city at Bissingen Secondary School. The delivery was worth around 2,000 euros. The Administrative and Finance Committee approved acceptance of the donation at its meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.
