In light of recent negative focus on manufacturing in Bangladesh, the Ethical Fashion Forum has stressed the importance of continued trade with ethical initiatives in the country, pointing out that less trading could be as equally damaging for the country’s garment industry as unethical trading has been.
In a country where garments made up £11.9 billion total exports of £15 billion in 2012, and women account for over 90% of the workforce in the garment sector, continued, ethical engagement has the ability to make a large difference.
Here is a list of five key suppliers effectively working to perpetuate ethical and sustainable standards.
Artisan Hut reduces poverty through Fair Trade Business Development, promoting economic independence and increasing the livelihood standard of disadvantaged people in Bangladesh. The organization provides material to companies like People Tree, Fairly Covered and Wonderable.
Envoy Textiles is a manufacturer of high quality fashion denim in Bangladesh, located at Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Envoy’s commitment to the environment includes a personal power plant that lowers their pollution levels, usage of an effluent treatment plant and a soon to be finished rainwater harvesting plant. The company’s staff also benefit from the following opportunities:
- Quarters to stay in for staff and families
- Company transport
- Healthy and Hygienic food at company costs
- Monthly bonuses based on performance on top of salary
- Provident & welfare funds
Envoy textiles supplies to H&M, Li & Fung group, Okaidi and Jordache enterprises, among other companies.
Heed Handicrafts achieves the sustainable livelihood of marginalized underprivileged producers through handicrafts production and marketing. The organization works with more than 1,000 artisans from 300 producer groups, 60% of which are women, and lists Tearfund, Oxfam and Ten Thousand Villages among their clients.
Swallows employs over 200 women from rural villages through handicrafts, as well as running a school, skills development training centre, village development program, organic garden and more. This non profit organization supplies People Tree.
JAAGO benefits women through a sewing center providing regular, sustainable incomes in a safe environment. The JAAGO Foundation school educates thousands of kids living in slums in Dhaka. JAAGO manufactures for the Australian brand, Bacchara.
Read more about ethical initiatives in Bangladesh.
Image via {revolution} apparel.