Corporate Responsibility Policy
Our comprehensive framework for ethical business practices, environmental stewardship, and social accountability, honoring the integrity and reputation of the institutions we serve.
Our Commitment
At Consolidus, we understand that serving as a licensed merchandise partner to prestigious universities requires unwavering commitment to the highest standards of corporate responsibility. This policy establishes our comprehensive framework for ethical business practices that honor the integrity and reputation of the institutions we serve.
We believe in radical transparency and continuous improvement. Our policies are reviewed annually to reflect evolving global standards and stakeholder expectations. We are committed to sharing our progress openly and holding ourselves accountable to prioritizing responsible branded merchandise and our corporate responsibility initiatives.
Code of Conduct
Wages & Benefits
We require suppliers to pay at least the minimum wage or the appropriate prevailing wage, whichever is higher, and provide all fringe benefits required by law or contract.
Working Hours
The regular work week shall not exceed 48 hours. All overtime must be consensual and compensated at premium rates. Workers receive at least 24 consecutive hours of rest every seven days.
Child & Forced Labor
We prohibit employment of anyone younger than 15 or below the compulsory education age. We maintain zero tolerance for forced, indentured, bonded, or prison labor throughout our supply chain.
Health, Safety & Environment
We require suppliers to provide safe and healthy working environments to prevent accidents and injuries, and adopt responsible measures to mitigate workplace environmental impacts.
Non-Discrimination
We prohibit discrimination in employment based on gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, political opinion, or social or ethnic origin.
Harassment, Abuse & Association
Every employee must be treated with dignity and respect. We prohibit all forms of harassment and abuse, and recognize employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Supply Chain Integrity & Labor Standards
We maintain zero tolerance for labor violations throughout our global supply chain. Our preferred suppliers utilize compliance teams and third-party services to ensure anti-sweatshop initiatives are properly followed throughout their manufacturing facilities. Compliance is monitored by our providers, some being FLA affiliates, through the auditing of factories to ensure safe, healthy environments, and business practices that meet or exceed applicable legal requirements.
We have implemented enhanced supplier qualification processes that require certification from recognized third-party auditors and unannounced facility inspections. Our supplier code of conduct mandates adherence to International Labour Organization standards, including prohibition of child and forced labor, payment of fair wages, maximum working hours, overtime compensation, freedom of association, and non-discrimination policies. We avoid sourcing products from countries of origin that deploy prohibited labor practices.
Sustainability & Environmental Policy
It is the policy of Consolidus to be an engaged corporate citizen committed to environmental stewardship. It is authentic to who we are, and we partner with intention based on high ethical standards and integrity, recognizing our responsibility to lead sustainability efforts within the promotional products industry.
Responsible Partnerships
We actively seek suppliers with verifiable commitment to environmental stewardship through third-party certifications including ISO 14001, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Bluesign, FSC, B Corp, EcoVadis, Fair Trade, and SA8000. We prioritize partners like SanMar, Storm Creek, Hanes, and BIC Graphic who maintain robust environmental management systems.
Waste Management
We work closely with suppliers who maintain packaging reduction initiatives and utilize recycled content. Through our partnership with Good360, improperly produced and flawed branded items are distributed to people in need worldwide. We also donate and recycle retired office equipment.
Sustainable Logistics
We utilize sustainable packaging methods and minimize shipping environmental impact by encouraging direct shipping from manufacturers and decorators to customers whenever possible, reducing carbon footprint, improving delivery efficiency, and reducing packaging waste.
Measurable Goals
Reduce emissions impact by 20% through strategic sourcing. Achieve 100% LED/Energy-Star compliance at our corporate office. Create a network of 25% accredited sustainability-conscious supplier partnerships. Grow sustainable product offerings by 15% annually.
Anti-Counterfeiting & Brand Integrity
We recognize the critical importance of protecting university intellectual property. Our system implements advanced product authentication and inventory control systems with strict chain-of-custody documentation and proactive monitoring initiatives to prevent unauthorized distribution of licensed merchandise.
We have established comprehensive anti-counterfeiting protocols that include cooperation with law enforcement agencies and immediate reporting systems for trademark violations. Our quality management processes ensure comprehensive protection for university brand integrity.
Privacy & Data Protection
We implement the highest standards of data security with established cybersecurity protocols to ensure alignment with FERPA when applicable and other privacy regulations. Our protections include AES-256 encryption, multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and annual third-party security assessments.
All university-related data is handled according to strict privacy protocols, with access limited to authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis. Most sites are deployed through integration with university procurement systems using punchout and single-sign-on for a secure, integrated experience.
Fostering an inclusive environment
At Consolidus, we foster an environment that champions the uniqueness of our team, understanding that diverse experiences and perspectives contribute to innovation and business success. We are building a culture where differences are valued regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other factor.
Our Supplier Diversity Program focuses on attracting and encouraging partnerships with minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, historically underutilized businesses, and small businesses. We have established a goal of creating a network of 25% diverse supplier partnerships and are actively working toward expanding these targets to align with industry best practices.
We provide training, development, and advancement opportunities for all staff based on merit, maintain zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment, and regularly review employment practices to ensure fairness.
Licensing Compliance & Reporting
We maintain rigorous financial controls with established automated reporting systems to ensure accurate compliance with licensing agreements. Our automated systems provide detailed tracking of all licensed merchandise sales with comprehensive quarterly reporting to university licensing offices. We partner and integrate with CLC, Fanatics, and other licensing partners to support strict compliance for our customers.
Licensing Framework
- Monthly royalty calculation and remittance for all royalty-bearing merchandise sales
- Real-time sales tracking through secure university partner portals
- Comprehensive trademark usage compliance monitoring
- Immediate reporting of any unauthorized sales or trademark violations
- Annual licensing agreement reviews with university partners
Technology & Quality
We invest in continuous technological advancement focused on minimizing waste, streamlining processes, and improving production methods. Our quality management processes include comprehensive product approval protocols for every order.
Crisis Management
We maintain comprehensive contingency planning with diversified supplier networks and emergency inventory management. Crisis communication ensures immediate notification to university partners within 24 hours of any issues affecting delivery or quality.
Community Engagement
We actively support the educational mission of our university partners. Our partnership with Good360 demonstrates our commitment to social responsibility, and we encourage employee participation through volunteer programs and community support initiatives.
Monitoring, Reporting & Governance
We conduct quarterly business reviews for each client, which includes relevant corporate responsibility initiatives. We provide comprehensive compliance reporting capabilities to university partners with detailed quarterly progress reports on sustainability goals, supplier compliance, and diversity metrics.
This policy is overseen by our senior leadership team, with our head of Supplier Relations ensuring accountability at the highest organizational levels. We maintain open communication channels for reporting concerns with comprehensive non-retaliation policies and whistleblower protections.
Monitoring Schedule
Effective Date: April 8, 2026 • Next Review: December 10, 2026
Policy Owner: Jeffrey Jones, Founder & CEO
Contact: Lindsey Myers, Director of Merchandising & Onboarding • lindsey.myers@consolidus.com • 330.319.7205
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