Corporate Social Responsibility & Sourcing

 

by Eldis

Consumer opinion is leaning towards a thirst for knowledge on where our products come from and under what conditions our products that we purchase are made.

To help companies develop their own approaches to responsible sourcing, this useful guide provides a series of practical steps from a global and multisectoral perspective. These steps are based on real-life experiences from around the world, and can be used by companies of all sizes, sectors and regions:

 responsiblesourcing-brochure-final

EcoChic believes that the question must lie within where as consumers can we find examples of responsible sourcing initiatives. A number of initiatives led by sectoral associations and multi-stakeholder bodies have emerged with a view to provide more specific guidance on basic requirements which can be expected from suppliers as well as to develop operative frameworks for conducting supplier assessments and training programmes.

Participation in such initiatives can come with important benefits in terms of harmonizing approaches and fostering dialogue. Examples of well-known initiatives include the following:

The Business Social Compliane Initiative  (www.bsci-eu.org), a European business-driven platform for the improvement of social compliance in all supplier countries and for all consumer goods.

The ICTI-CARE process (www.icti-care.org), the international toy industry’s ethical manufacturing programme, aimed at ensuring safe and humane workplace environments for toy factory workers worldwide.

The Electronic Industry Code of Conduct (www.eicc.info) a code of best practices adopted and implemented by some of the world’s major electronic brands and their suppliers with a view to improve conditions in the electronics supply chain.

The Fair Labour Association (www.fairlabor.org) a network of companies, civil society organizations and universities protecting workers’ rights and improving workig conditions worldwide by promoting adherence to international labour standards.

The Ethical Trading Initiative (www.ethicaltrade.org), an alliance of companies, non-governmental organisations which promotes the implementation of corporate codes of practice covering supply chain working conditions.

Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (www.wrapapparel.org) an independent organization dedicated to the certification of lawful humane and ethical manufacturing in apparel production.

SA8000 (www.sa-intl.org) a comprehensive system for managing ethical workplace conditions throughout global supply chains. Whatever mechanism is used, it is important to remember that the most effective way to achieve sustained improvement over time is by developing a long-term collaborative approach between companies and their suppliers, through the involvement of local management and employees in the shaping of social and environmental performance objectives.

EcoChic will be digging deeper in forthcoming features into this issue by looking at  the value of Fair Trade partnerships and Fairtrade certification that hold this long term view and so much more. Coming soon.

We have previously featured The Ethical Trading Initiative-Do workers really benefit?

Do take a look:

http://http://www.ecochiccollection.co.uk/magazine/ethical-business/the-ethical-trading-initiative-do-workers-really-benefit

 

 

 

 

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