When you decide to become an ethical fashion brand it can actually be a pretty overwhelming place. Navigating the world of international garment manufacturing is tricky, there’s labor standards, tariffs, and numerous cultural differences to consider. Fortunately, THR3EFOLD is here to make it easy for you. Every month, you can expect to learn more about industry ethical manufacturing certifications that provide a trusted standard when you work with factories a world away. Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production
WRAP is the world’s largest independent factory-based social compliance certification program for the sewn products sector. There are currently 2,247 WRAP factories employing 2,012,408 people around the world. What’s in a WRAP Certification? Below are WRAP’s 12 principles, to give you a deeper understanding of what this stamp of approval really means for your factory. WRAP certification is awarded in 3 levels: silver, gold, and platinum. They range from silver, being the least and only lasting 6 months while the factory gets their training standards up to par, gold, lasting 1 year meeting all requirements, and platinum lasting 2 years and only achieved after passing a gold standard certification 3 consecutive times. 1 | Compliance with Laws and Workplace Regulations This means the factory must function in compliance with both local and national laws including rules and standards of ethics. 2 | Prohibition of Forced Labor Every worker is there on their own free will, under legal labor contracts with no fine print that would coerce them otherwise. 3 | Prohibition of Child Labor No one is hired under 14 or the minimum employment age by law, whichever is greater, or any employee whose employment would interfere with mandatory schooling. Furthermore, any child under 18 must not perform any hazardous work like operating heavy machinery. 4 | Prohibition of Harassment or Abuse Facilities will provide a work environment respectful of worker’s rights and dignity and provide training at all levels to secure a workplace free of harassment or abuse. 5 | Compensation and Benefits Facilities will pay at least the minimum total compensation required by local law, including all mandated wages, allowances & benefits in a timely manner including overtime or holiday premiums. 6 | Hours of Work Hours worked each day, and days worked each week, should not exceed the limitations of the country’s law. Facilities will provide at least one day off in every seven-day period, except as required to meet urgent business needs. 7 | Prohibition of Discrimination Basically the factories are equal opportunity employers who will employ, pay, promote, and terminate workers on the basis of their ability to do the job, rather than on the basis of personal characteristics or beliefs. 8 | Health and Safety Facilities will provide a safe and healthy work environment i.e. available clean drinking water, medical resources, fire exits, comfortable workstations, and clean restrooms. Where residential housing is provided for workers, facilities will provide safe and healthy housing. 9 | Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Facilities will recognize and respect the right of employees to exercise their lawful rights of free association and collective bargaining i.e. unions. 10 | Environment Facilities will comply with environmental rules, regulations and standards applicable to their operations, and will observe environmentally conscious practices in all locations where they operate. 11 | Customs Compliance Facilities will ensure that all merchandise is accurately marked or labeled in compliance with all applicable laws and keep records for all materials and orders, as well as maintain detailed production records. 12 | Security Facilities will maintain facility security procedures to guard against the introduction of non-manifested cargo into outbound shipments (i.e. drugs, explosives biohazards and/or other contraband). For more information on responsible manufacturing subscribe to our emails, or reach out to learn how you can source through a WRAP certified factory to produce your collection ethically. Comments are closed.
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