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"Made in India" as a Quality Seal

"Made in India" as a Quality Seal

06.05.2024



Super Cartons has been producing Relaxound products since 2015. The family-owned company places great emphasis on sustainable practices with regard to both people and nature. International certifications attest to their comprehensive commitment. Super Cartons is a popular employer in the region and regularly supports people in the neighborhood. Founder Sanjay Bothra in an interview.


Since when has Super Cartons been in existence?

Since 1985. I founded the company at the age of 23. Since then, we have been steadily growing and can look back on 37 years of experience.


What did you think when you first heard about the Zwitscherbox?

What did you think when you first heard about the Chirp Box? I had to smile. It's an unusual product. And I had my doubts whether we could produce it profitably to meet the high quality standards. It was a risk for us, definitely. But the enthusiasm of Philipp and Dennis (the two founders of Relaxound) convinced us. Together, we ensured that the Zwitscherbox is sold very successfully worldwide. Recently, it surpassed the 1-million mark. Then more products were added. Currently, we are working on implementing new soundboxes. And we look forward to many more exciting products!


How important are certifications for Super Cartons?

High quality has always been important to us from the beginning. Certifications are a good way to prove this quality commitment. Our production processes are TÜV-certified and meet ISO 9001 requirements. Since October 2021, our packaging carries the FSC seal, an important proof of paper and cardboard from sustainable forestry. Additionally, this year we plan to obtain certification for the Fair Trade Practice seal and the SMETA Audit.


What does the SMETA Audit document?

It's about more than just high product quality. The SMETA Audit documents a gentle production process according to ethical and sustainable aspects. Specifically, it concerns fair working conditions, transparent supply chains, and continuous improvement of management. In short, the SMETA seal indicates that we handle people and the environment responsibly. The seal is awarded in Germany by TÜV, evidence of the SMETA Audit's reputable testing criteria.


What does Super Cartons do for its employees?

We employ around 120 workers, half of whom are women. A job provides them with financial independence. This is especially important here in India, where many women are still dependent on their husbands. If separation occurs, women face the challenge of finding work that can support them and their families. Therefore, we pay fair and above-average wages and provide paid leave to all employees. During the lockdown, we continued to pay all employees their full salary. Especially in these tough times, it is vital that we help each other to survive together.


How else does Super Cartons engage with its community?

We want to give back to the society we live in, and we do so through concrete actions. That's why we donate to projects that help people in need. For example, during the lockdown, we provided food packages for 2,000 people in our neighborhood. These helped the daily wage earners from the rural areas who were employed in other businesses. They were particularly hard hit by the closures, and many would have simply starved without the aid...


What are your plans for the future of Super Cartons?

Well, we want to create more new jobs and pay taxes. That may sound obvious to German ears, but here in India, only about 9% of people pay taxes. Money that we urgently need for further building our society. My son Anish will take over the reins of our company. It's important for us to remain a family business while still growing. A significant task is to further enhance our high standards of quality. The certifications for Fair Trade and FSC point the way forward. But there is still plenty to do. Additionally, we want to be an attractive employer for the people in our country and give back to our neighbors. Made in India, according to our standards, should be an expression of fair and sustainable production. Even more than before.