25 years of CARE & FAIR
For the 25th anniversary of CARE & FAIR, Carpet! Magazine introduces some important supporters and donors to our readers. This time we talked to Marc and Rogier Janssen, the managing directors of ICE International. The Dutch company supplies bespoke handmade area rugs and wall-to-wall carpets to high-end residential and 5-star hospitality projects. Rogier and Marc Janssen’s father Frits Janssens was one of the co-founders of CARE & FAIR in 1995.
Carpet! Magazine:
At what points in your business does Corporate Social Responsibility come into the picture?
Rogier Janssen:
We believe that corporate social responsibility should not differ from your own personal standards and values. Maybe it’s because we’re a family business but we do feel very responsible for our acts and for the well-being of everyone involved in our business. That’s why we actively support the CARE & FAIR initiatives and that’s why we have the Green Label plus by the Carpet and Rug Institute for our production.
Carpet! Magazine:
You have a long-term cooperation with the aid organization CARE & FAIR. What convinced you to support this organization?
Marc Janssen:
In 1995 the founder of ICE International, our father Frits Janssen, was one of the co-founders of CARE & FAIR. He believed every child should have the right to go to school and to get proper medical health care. CARE & FAIR became a part of our business and we feel very proud to support the amazing work of the local teachers, nurses and doctors in India, Nepal and Pakistan.
Carpet! Magazine:
In what ways have you been supporting CARE & FAIR, and how has the cooperation influenced your business?
Marc Janssen:
Besides being a co-founder we’ve been an active board member for 25 years. We visit the projects whenever possible, support the initiatives financially, and together with other dedicated board members we discuss what’s needed most and how CARE & FAIR could possible assist best.
Rogier Janssen:
It has never been our intention to show off our work for CARE & FAIR to others. However, today most of our clients and most members of our own team wouldn’t work with us if we didn’t show what we stand for and how seriously we take our responsibility.
