Baptist World Aid (BWA) have released the latest Ethical Fashion Report, calling on fashion brands to escalate action to address modern slavery, worker exploitation and
unsustainable environmental practices throughout their supply chains.
The ninth edition assessed 120 companies, representing 581 brands (161 more than 2021) and found an average score of just 29 out of 100.
The report shone the spotlight on six key issues in the supply chain: tracing materials beyond final-stage, remediation of labour exploitation, payment of living wages, support for worker voice and empowerment, use of sustainable fibres and commitment to climate action.
Sarah Knop, Corporate Advocacy Lead at Baptist World Aid (BWA) said, ‘Cost of living is a concern for many Australians in 2022, but for most of the world’s garment workers, earning a living wage is a lifelong struggle. Only one in ten fashion companies assessed pay a living wage in the final stage of production—even less in the earlier stages of the supply chain.
‘While it’s positive to see progress among some brands committed to improving their ethical supply chains in the last year, overall, this year’s Ethical Fashion Report is sobering reading.’ It’s time for brands to prioritise action, and implement tangible outcomes that support vulnerable workers and our vulnerable planet.
Footwear brands a step behind
New to the report in 2022, footwear brands performed well below industry average (23/100), including:
None of the footwear companies pay a living wage at any stage of their supply chain.
Only eight per cent of footwear brands had a process at final-stage factories to respond to child and forced labour human rights violations when uncovered.
Labour Exploitation Still Rife
The report found the fashion industry has a long road ahead to eliminate labour exploitation from supply chains with only one in seven companies able to demonstrate a corrective action plan.
‘With over 60 million garment workers worldwide, it’s time to move beyond policies to take tangible action to empower workers at every stage of the supply chain.’ said Sarah Knop.
A Gap In The Uptake Of Sustainable Practices
When it comes to climate action, only 15 per cent of companies assessed evidenced sufficient commitment and action for emissions reductions in line with the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. Australian companies are lagging behind their international counterparts on this issue, with just one of these top 18 scorers based in Australia.
What can Global Citizens do?
While companies maintain primary responsibility for supply chain conditions, global citizens can also help shift industry practice by engaging with the ethical fashion movement and speaking out to companies.
Baptist World Aid are urging people to use this year’s report and the online Brand Finder as a tool to empower more ethical decisions.
Learn more at baptistworldaid.org.au
