Review: amfori Network Connect 2025
On April 10, 2025, 37 members and interested parties from Switzerland and Austria met in Zurich for the 37th Swiss Members’ Meeting – for a lively exchange of experiences among different industries, with the various representatives of amfori. From buyers to CEOs, they discussed the burden of reporting or the political framework conditions of sustainable trade, learned how to make better use of amfori tools and got to know new ones.
The creation or maintenance of low-risk supply chains, high-quality producers, fair working conditions or compliance with reporting obligations (including for suppliers of companies subject to reporting requirements) and, last but not least, the value of sustainable business models were the focus of the discussions.
The atmosphere was open, inspiring and characterized by the common goal of effectively shaping change – supported by good practices, the best possible use of tools and the cooperation of the participants and the amfori community. Maja Bürkli(bb trading AG) and Pierre Strub, amfori Switzerland, led through the day.
✨Some highlights of the day✨
Study by economiesuisse
The start of the day was marked by the study “A Prime Tower of Sustainability Reporting” and the explanations by Lea Klingenberg, Environmental Policy at economiesuisse. The enormous costs, personnel costs and scope, which emerged from a survey of the association’s members, immediately sparked discussion among the participants. The result: Switzerland needs an independent, impact-oriented approach with a sense of proportion and dialog, clever regulations for importing companies such as Shein, temu or amazon. At the same time, it is important to make business models more sustainable and prepare for further requirements (digital product passport).
Speed dating and swarm intelligence
The discussions were so lively that they could easily have lasted even longer. Carola Dieners, Communications amfori Switzerland, encouraged the participants in alternating groups to talk about business models, challenges in everyday life and specific questions – such as cooperation with producers, the implementation of living wages or the declining demand for sustainable products. The exchange of experiences is definitely a success factor for improvements.
amfori – global priorities, activities and expectations
Johan Stellansson, amfori Business Development and Networks, provided an impressive overview of the key global developments. He emphasized the importance of common approaches in supply chains, the strong involvement of members in maintaining high quality standards and the new amfori QMI product, which is designed to help strengthen supply chain quality for all companies.
- He also announced the Annual General Meeting on June 11, 2025 (online) as an opportunity for members to participate in decision-making
- and the Regional Members’ Forum on September 23-24, 2025 in Frankfurt.
His message: amfori grows together with its members – practical, diverse and effective for financial success.
amfori – Network Switzerland, activities and planning 2025
The Swiss network is strongly positioned: Be it with the opportunities for shaping governance in the association (Vera Galarza(Triumph Intertrade AG), Christiane Hügelmann(Holy Fashion Group) both on the Board of Directors at amfori) or the representation of member interests by Marius Lang(Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund) and Kevin Richmond(Coop Genossenschaft) (both on the Member Advisory Council).
- Audit integrity
- Commitment program
- ESG focus
- Partnerships
- System improvements.
He called on people to actively contribute feedback – amfori thrives on the involvement of its members.
On site in Basel, Pierre Strub, together with Carola Dieners, the Network Committee and strong partners, organizes a wide range of activities – be it with the federal government, business associations or training series as well as the STS 2030 program. Upcoming STS events or the appearance at the Sustainable Procurement Days and details can be found on this website on an ongoing basis.
Deep Dive Workshop: From risk identification to improvements for producers and reporting
In the afternoon, the focus was on a practical workshop with concrete applications on the amfori Sustainability Platform for risk management by producers and beyond.(Agenda and working tools).
- Maja Bürkli gave an introduction to the amfori Code of Conduct and the country risk analysis.
- Marius Lang showed key functions and gave an insight into the Migros approach – from inviting producers to auditing and improvement plans.
- Kevin Richmond, Coop Sustainability, supplemented the insight with a practical case on the “Speak for Change” complaints mechanism.
- Pierre Strub led through the workshop developed together with Carola Dieners and showed many other functions of amfori BEPI, from CO2 recording to specific solution levels for overtime or wages.
The two hours were characterized by lively, concrete discussions and the participants’ own experiences – practical and application-oriented.
Take-aways & Call to Action
- Clear framework conditions create orientation – amfori provides this.
- Legislative changes (e.g. omnibus) are no obstacle – stay tuned!
- Sustainability is a driver of innovation – don’t let regulations hold you back.
- Use the platform, try it out, learn – try & error is allowed!
The feedback from the participants showed a high level of satisfaction – even physically meeting each other.