Nearly all brands have a code of conduct, however a paper full of intentions is worth little to garment workers. Does your brand provide good working conditions to their employees?
4 min read
The adoption of a code of conduct can be the starting point to establish good labor practices within fashion companies, however, it’s essential to accurately review its content so as not to fall into mere literature. Extending the company’s principles to all the people involved in its activity, whether directly or indirectly, is essential to guarantee that all the agents involved in the business are aligned in terms of environmental, social and economic commitment. Below we tell you what are the benefits that having a code of conduct oriented to practical execution can bring to your fashion brand.
Drafting a code of conduct will specify the rules under which the entire value chain of the brand operates
When it comes to managing a fashion business, the scope of the decisions made has a magnitude that transcends the limits of the company itself. As we mentioned in our article how to integrate sustainability into strategic planning, the creation of a code of conduct will make it easier for the company to define the guidelines that must govern the behavior of its suppliers, contractors and other external collaborators. Therefore, the drafting of this code will specify the rules under which the entire value chain of the brand operates.
We can define the code of conduct as a set of rules through which the company affirms its commitment to complying with human rights in all its operations and in all the countries in which it works. Respecting national laws and the International Labor Standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the care and defense of the environment.
Having a comprehensive view of the different stages your products go through also allows you to extend your labor standards in all these phases
In an industry as relocated as the clothing industry, it’s essential to have a code of conduct that allows companies to take control of what is happening throughout their supply chain. The code of conduct and traceability are closely related, having a comprehensive view of the different stages your products go through also allows you to extend your labor standards in all these phases.
More than twenty years ago, the Clean Clothes Campaign wrote a code of conduct for the fashion industry supported by several international trade union organizations, which included the following principles:
Any company that operates or sources globally has to deal with social issues that the fashion industry must address. When it comes to improving workers’ rights there are no immediate solutions, textile companies must adopt a comprehensive strategy and carry out continuous reviews to apply rectifications when necessary.
The first step in taking control of what happens throughout your company’s supply chain is to create a code of conduct that is exhaustive, credible and honest.
The real challenge in applying the code of conduct is to improve the company’s working conditions. Its implementation requires the development of systems and procedures for control, verification, collaboration with stakeholders and correction of possible unbalances.
The creation of well-defined codes of conduct is emerging as an essential requirement to guarantee the success of the company. This is demonstrated by some big brands such as Veja or Nudie Jeans.
When evaluating the sustainability index of a brand, at BCOME we value the application of a code of conduct for manufacturers and suppliers that guarantees safe and ethical working, social and animal conditions. Our integrative vision of sustainability drives us to analyze even those aspects that the end customer doesn’t see reflected in the product. Because sustainability is also about protecting a fair job for the people involved in the supply chain, do you want to be part of this great change? We can help you!
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