Ethical Production Certifications: WRAP

What is WRAP certification?  And how can it ensure that production processes within your garment factories are fair and safe for your workers?  We explored SA8000 certification in a previous post, today let's take a look at WRAP...   

What is WRAP
WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Program) is an independent, objective non-profit organization. It was established in 2000 in response to concern within the industry of the ‘sweatshop-like’ conditions uncovered in many garment factories at the time. It is headquartered in the USA with offices across the globe. There are currently 2700 WRAP certified factories employing over 2.5 million workers. 

Certification criteria
Factories must be in compliance with WRAP’s 12 Principles (which reflect labor provisions contained in the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the ILO conventions) to receive certification. 

How do factories get certified? 

1. Self Assessment 
2. On-site audit (from an external WRAP accredited monitoring firm)
3. Evaluation and Recommendation Report - factory notified of any corrections needed to meet certification requirements
4. Certification - facility receives certification based on level to which it implements WRAPs 12 Principles. The three levels of certification are: 
   1. Platinum: factories are in full compliance for 3 consecutive audits with no corrective actions required.
   2. Gold: factories are in full compliance after corrective actions taken.
   3. Silver: factories demonstrate minor non-compliances which they are working to resolve but must show compliance to principles addressing child labor, forced or involuntary labor, serious health safety and environmental concerns, fair pay and compensation for over-time.​
5. Monitoring - random, unannounced post certification audits

Consequences of non-compliance
WRAP has a zero tolerance policy for companies who are shown to violate human rights (including child labor, forced labor and inhumane treatment) or who compromise the integrity of the auditing process (through threats, false reporting or disguising processes). In addition factories who refuse follow-up audits or fail to make corrective action to meet WRAP standards will have their certification revoked. 

How often is certification renewed? 
Every 6 months (silver) to 2 years (platinum) depending on certification level.  

If you need help finding a credible ethical factory consider joining our platform of ethically certified factories (our team cross-checks each factory to ensure certifications are valid) and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly tips, resources, and news on ethical and sustainable fashion.

SUBSCRIBE NOW