Threads of Integrity: Ethical Leadership in the Fashion Industry

Bella and Canvas Company

Ethical Sourcing and Manufacturing at BELLA+CANVAS

At BELLA+CANVAS, ethical sourcing and manufacturing are fundamental principles guiding their operations. The company places a strong emphasis on ensuring that their products are produced in a socially responsible and ethical manner, starting with the sourcing of cotton. They conduct isotope testing on their existing inventory across their distribution network to confirm the ethical origins of their cotton, particularly to ensure it is not sourced from regions like China's Xinjiang Region, where forced labor is prevalent.

Trusted Compliance Partners

BELLA+CANVAS works closely with trusted compliance partners to uphold ethical standards in their supply chain. They are affiliated with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and commit to FLA standards, working only with suppliers who share this commitment. Additionally, all factories in their supply chain are certified by the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), a globally recognized independent third-party certifying body promoting ethical and humane working conditions.

Monitoring Social Compliance

Regular audits are conducted by BELLA+CANVAS staff, mandated third parties, or auditors from affiliated organizations to monitor social compliance at all factories they own or do business with. These audits assess various aspects of working conditions and result in a color-coded ratings system to track and identify areas for improvement. The company remains committed to addressing noncompliance issues and seeks open dialogue with suppliers to uphold their Workplace Code of Conduct.

Commitment to Responsible Recruitment

Recognizing the prevalence of labor abuse in the fashion industry, BELLA+CANVAS has committed to responsible recruitment practices. They have signed agreements with industry associations like the American Apparel & Footwear Association and the Fair Labor Association to address issues related to worker treatment, ensuring that no worker pays for their job, retains control of their travel documents, and is aware of the basic terms of their employment.

Conclusion

In summary, BELLA+CANVAS prioritizes ethical sourcing, manufacturing, and labor practices throughout their supply chain. Their commitment to transparency, compliance, and responsible recruitment underscores their dedication to promoting fair and humane working conditions in the apparel industry.

Cotton Heritage Company

Ethical Sourcing and Manufacturing Standards

Cotton Heritage upholds the highest ethical and environmental standards in its manufacturing processes. The company ensures that its factories comply with the rigorous requirements set by WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production), guaranteeing lawful, humane, and ethical working conditions. Additionally, Cotton Heritage subjects its factories to independent audits by third-party firms to maintain quality and uphold these standards consistently.

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

In its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, Cotton Heritage partners with factories that employ state-of-the-art, efficient dye machines, consuming significantly less water than average manufacturers. These efforts result in substantial water savings, amounting to millions of gallons per week. Furthermore, Cotton Heritage promotes the use of cutting-edge technologies for heat recycling, water recycling, and efficient waste management. The company also ensures that all its factories have Environmental Treatment Plants (ETPs) on-site to filter, treat, and recycle water used in production processes.

Energy-Saving Practices

Cotton Heritage's distribution centers and headquarters prioritize energy-saving systems such as solar power and motion-sensor LED lighting. By implementing these measures, the company aims to minimize its environmental impact throughout its entire supply chain, from production to distribution.

Commitment to Fair and Safe Working Conditions

From production to distribution, Cotton Heritage is dedicated to promoting fair and safe working standards. This commitment includes ensuring the absence of child labor and forced labor, providing fair wages and timely pay, offering medical aid, and maintaining safe working environments for all employees. Cotton Heritage believes in setting a higher standard for manufacturing, which it refers to as the "Cotton Heritage standard."

 

Gildan Company

Gildan: Empowering Women Leaders

Gildan, a leading apparel manufacturer, is committed to fostering gender equity and inclusivity within its workforce. In partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gildan piloted the Malkia program in 2023 across its manufacturing facilities in Honduras, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and the U.S. This program aims to empower female employees in frontline management roles by providing them with key managerial skills and fostering confidence through a five-week online course. Gildan's Director of Human Resources, Silvia Matute, emphasizes the company's dedication to supporting female employees and its plans to continue collaborating with the ILO to expand such initiatives in the future.

Prioritizing Ergonomic Safety

Gildan, as a vertically integrated apparel manufacturing company, places a high priority on the health and safety of its approximately 45,000 global employees. Since 2009, Gildan has partnered with the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina (ECNC) to develop and expand its Ergonomic Safety Guidelines. These guidelines include training, ergonomic pauses during work shifts, and the establishment of Ergonomics Committees composed of trained employees. Gildan's commitment to employee well-being is further demonstrated through specialized care clinics in its facilities, offering exercises and medical support for back and shoulder-related issues. Vice-President of Health and Safety and Human Resources for Manufacturing, Mike Albright, underscores Gildan's dedication to worker well-being by providing accessible medical care through on-site clinics.

Building a Circular and Sustainable Economy

Gildan, known for its sustainability efforts, has made circularity a focal point of its Next Generation ESG strategy. Through initiatives like the Malkia program and ergonomic safety measures, Gildan demonstrates its commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe workplace environment while empowering its employees to thrive. Additionally, Gildan's dedication to sustainability is evident in its efforts to reduce environmental impact through initiatives such as sourcing 100% sustainable cotton by 2025 and achieving zero manufacturing waste by 2027. These initiatives align with Gildan's broader mission to make apparel production more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Citations and Sources

Apparel Resources. (2014, July 1). Cotton Heritage. Retrieved from https://apparelresources.com/industry-news/retail/cotton-heritage/

Cotton Heritage. (n.d.). Ethical Sourcing & Manufacturing. Retrieved from https://www.apparelsourcewholesale.com/content/cotton-heritage-ethical-manufacturing.asp

Gildan Corporation. (August 17, 2022). "Building a Circular and Sustainable Economy at Gildan." Retrieved from: https://gildancorp.com/en/media/news/building-circular-sustainable-economy-at-Gildan/