Scaling ESG Solutions in Fashion recommends company engagement with FLA

A new report focused on sustainability in the fashion industry says that “promoting systemic change can begin by becoming affiliated/accredited with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and adhering to its Principles.”

The global fashion industry is aligning with international standards, laws, regulations, auditing and certification systems that exist to protect human rights and ensure decent working conditions, according to the authors.

The report also states that, “Using the FLA Wage Compensation Dashboard, brands can collect data from a representative sample of their supply chain and use it to prioritize a Fair Compensation Strategy.”

FLA member PUMA is recognized in the document for its fair compensation work in a fair labor case study. “PUMA worked with a factory partner in Vietnam to identify root causes of wage violations related to hours of work and compensation. As the sole buyer, PUMA was able to make swift improvements in production planning. As recommended by BetterWork, the factory transitioned to a pay and incentive system that was more transparent and equitable, raising worker wages and reducing excessive overtime.”

Another FLA member company, Patagonia was highlighted in a raw materials case study for piloting regenerative organic certified cotton in 2018. The company plans to launch its first regenerative organic certified cotton products in Spring 2022.

Scaling ESG Solutions in Fashion: A Pragmatic Sustainability Playbook (pdf) presents industry goals and objectives and key actions for 2022 across seven areas: raw materials, climate, chemicals, fair labor, sustainability measurement, innovation and circularity, and engaging consumers.

The document is a product of Accenture, Women’s Wear Daily, Responsible Business Coalition at Fordham University – Gabelli School of Business, and Fashion Makes Change.