Faber-Castell, together with IG Metall and the Building and Wood Workers’  International (BWI) marked this year the 25th anniversary of their International Framework Agreement (IFA), a groundbreaking commitment signed in 2000 to protect workers’ rights across all company operations. One of the first of its kind, the agreement ensures adherence to International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards, including occupational health and safety, the right to organise, and the prohibition of child labour. Over the span of 25 years, it has fostered meaningful improvements in working conditions and strengthened social dialogue at local and global levels.

Coinciding with this, a regular joint social audit was conducted from 2–6 June 2025 at Faber-Castell facilities in Austria (Engelhartszell), the Czech Republic (České Budějovice), and Germany (Geroldsgrün, Stein, and Nuremberg). Led by BWI Education Secretary Jasmin Redzepovic, IG Metall representatives Klaus-Dieter Winnerlein and Eva Wohlfahrt, along with Faber – Castell works council and management representatives, the audit reviewed progress on previous recommendations and engaged directly with workers. The audit team had the opportunity to visit and talk to workers. Conditions at a supplier were also assessed.

The audit noted continued improvements, including new climate-related workplace protections. In Germany, Faber-Castell signed an agreement to shield workers from extreme heat and cold. In Austria, a sustainable water-based cooling and heating system was installed to improve energy efficiency and provide year-round comfort at workstations.

Faber-Castell Vice President for Corporate Human Resources, Christine Senkel reaffirmed the company’s commitment: “Faber-Castell has been a family business for nine generations and has held a pioneering role in social responsibility for nearyl 200 years. Our values are founded on the principle that we strive for the best for our employees, as ultimately, this is also the best for the company. When working conditions are favorable, employees enjoy coming to work, which positively impacts their performance.”

BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson praised the partnership, saying, “A quarter century of meaningful cooperation shows what’s possible when unions and companies work together based on mutual respect. Faber-Castell, with the help of trade unionists, has set a global standard, proving that safeguarding workers’ rights is both a collective undertaking and a practical achievement.”

IG Metall Bavaria, for its part, marked the 25th anniversary of the IFA by publishing a story in their newsletter reporting on Faber-Castell’s commitment to social standards worldwide.