Last week marked the anniversary of what is widely considered the worst industrial disaster: the collapsed eight-story Rana Plaza building, killing over 1000 people and leaving thousands more injured. This disaster raised many questions, including what must be achieved to prevent history from repeating itself.
Over the past ten years, we have seen the first voluntary initiatives acting on Due Diligence in the textile sector. Today, binding legislation developed across the EU and Member States has come into force. We have summed an overview of voluntary initiatives to legislative action since the Rana Plaza collapse.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry - initially called the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh - was commenced in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh. The International Accord advances workplace safety by means of independent safety inspections, training programs, and a complaints mechanism for workers [1].
The EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector kicked off EU-level consultations. Led by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, the Initiative resulted in an own-initiative report of the EU Parliament. The report nudged the Commission to table an ambitious legislative proposals which would prevent any responsibility of of EU-based companies for such abuses [2].
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector was adopted to establish a common understanding of due diligence in the sector in order to help companies meet these expectations. As a direct response to the G7 Leaders’ Declaration to welcome industry-wide due diligence standards in the textile sector, the Guidance was developed and approved by all governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines and endorsed by businesses, trade unions and civil society [3].
France was the first European country to adopt corporate due diligence obligations for parent and subcontracting companies by law. With the Duty of Vigilance Act, the French called on the European countries, the EU institutions and the international community to follow suit [4].
Initiated by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller, the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles brings together companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, standard-setting organisations, trade unions and the German Federal Government. As listed by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, it advocates for a textile and garment industry which respects workers' rights, protects the climate and environment and operates with integrity and within planetary boundaries [5].
The Netherlands launched a broad coalition of businesses and other organisations called the “Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile” (AGT) which ran until the end of 2021. Over the span of 5.5 years, the coalition aimed to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution, and promote animal welfare in production countries [6].
In 2022, the EU Commission adopted the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The Directive aims to promote sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour. Besides, it aims to embed human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ operations and corporate governance. If adopted, the new rules will ensure that businesses address adverse impacts of their actions, within their value chains inside and outside Europe [7].
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was launched by the European Commission in 2022. The Textile Strategy serves as a communication tool to support the European Union shift to a climate-neutral and circular economy. In line with EU Green Deal ambitions, the Textile Strategy outlines ambitions for products to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient by design [8].
Adopted early 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive serves the purpose to improve the flow of sustainability information in the corporate world. A broader set of companies will now have to comply with the strengthened rules for social and environmental sustainability reporting [9].
Germany entered the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains earlier this year. For the first time, many German companies as well as foreign companies with German branches, will be required to address human rights-related and environment-related due diligence in their supply chains [10].
Building on the International Accord founded in Bangladesh, a new workplace safety program has been established in Pakistan. The signatories of the Pakistan Accord agreed to establish a new workplace safety program in Pakistan for an initial term of 3 years, starting in 2023 [11].
At the same time, this is just the beginning of expanded Due Diligence legislation in the textile industry. Among others, the Netherlands is looking into expanding Due Diligence implications for companies.
For more information visit:
[1] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Bangladesh Accord
[2] EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector
[3] OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector
[4] French Duty of Vigilance Act
[5] German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles ("Textilbündnis")
[6] Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT)
[7] EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
[8] EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
[9] EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
[10] German Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains ("Lieferkettenschutzgesetz")
[11] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Pakistan Accord
Last week marked the anniversary of what is widely considered the worst industrial disaster: the collapsed eight-story Rana Plaza building, killing over 1000 people and leaving thousands more injured. This disaster raised many questions, including what must be achieved to prevent history from repeating itself.
Over the past ten years, we have seen the first voluntary initiatives acting on Due Diligence in the textile sector. Today, binding legislation developed across the EU and Member States has come into force. We have summed an overview of voluntary initiatives to legislative action since the Rana Plaza collapse.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry - initially called the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh - was commenced in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh. The International Accord advances workplace safety by means of independent safety inspections, training programs, and a complaints mechanism for workers [1].
The EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector kicked off EU-level consultations. Led by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, the Initiative resulted in an own-initiative report of the EU Parliament. The report nudged the Commission to table an ambitious legislative proposals which would prevent any responsibility of of EU-based companies for such abuses [2].
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector was adopted to establish a common understanding of due diligence in the sector in order to help companies meet these expectations. As a direct response to the G7 Leaders’ Declaration to welcome industry-wide due diligence standards in the textile sector, the Guidance was developed and approved by all governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines and endorsed by businesses, trade unions and civil society [3].
France was the first European country to adopt corporate due diligence obligations for parent and subcontracting companies by law. With the Duty of Vigilance Act, the French called on the European countries, the EU institutions and the international community to follow suit [4].
Initiated by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller, the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles brings together companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, standard-setting organisations, trade unions and the German Federal Government. As listed by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, it advocates for a textile and garment industry which respects workers' rights, protects the climate and environment and operates with integrity and within planetary boundaries [5].
The Netherlands launched a broad coalition of businesses and other organisations called the “Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile” (AGT) which ran until the end of 2021. Over the span of 5.5 years, the coalition aimed to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution, and promote animal welfare in production countries [6].
In 2022, the EU Commission adopted the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The Directive aims to promote sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour. Besides, it aims to embed human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ operations and corporate governance. If adopted, the new rules will ensure that businesses address adverse impacts of their actions, within their value chains inside and outside Europe [7].
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was launched by the European Commission in 2022. The Textile Strategy serves as a communication tool to support the European Union shift to a climate-neutral and circular economy. In line with EU Green Deal ambitions, the Textile Strategy outlines ambitions for products to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient by design [8].
Adopted early 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive serves the purpose to improve the flow of sustainability information in the corporate world. A broader set of companies will now have to comply with the strengthened rules for social and environmental sustainability reporting [9].
Germany entered the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains earlier this year. For the first time, many German companies as well as foreign companies with German branches, will be required to address human rights-related and environment-related due diligence in their supply chains [10].
Building on the International Accord founded in Bangladesh, a new workplace safety program has been established in Pakistan. The signatories of the Pakistan Accord agreed to establish a new workplace safety program in Pakistan for an initial term of 3 years, starting in 2023 [11].
At the same time, this is just the beginning of expanded Due Diligence legislation in the textile industry. Among others, the Netherlands is looking into expanding Due Diligence implications for companies.
For more information visit:
[1] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Bangladesh Accord
[2] EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector
[3] OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector
[4] French Duty of Vigilance Act
[5] German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles ("Textilbündnis")
[6] Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT)
[7] EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
[8] EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
[9] EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
[10] German Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains ("Lieferkettenschutzgesetz")
[11] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Pakistan Accord
Last week marked the anniversary of what is widely considered the worst industrial disaster: the collapsed eight-story Rana Plaza building, killing over 1000 people and leaving thousands more injured. This disaster raised many questions, including what must be achieved to prevent history from repeating itself.
Over the past ten years, we have seen the first voluntary initiatives acting on Due Diligence in the textile sector. Today, binding legislation developed across the EU and Member States has come into force. We have summed an overview of voluntary initiatives to legislative action since the Rana Plaza collapse.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry - initially called the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh - was commenced in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh. The International Accord advances workplace safety by means of independent safety inspections, training programs, and a complaints mechanism for workers [1].
The EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector kicked off EU-level consultations. Led by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, the Initiative resulted in an own-initiative report of the EU Parliament. The report nudged the Commission to table an ambitious legislative proposals which would prevent any responsibility of of EU-based companies for such abuses [2].
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector was adopted to establish a common understanding of due diligence in the sector in order to help companies meet these expectations. As a direct response to the G7 Leaders’ Declaration to welcome industry-wide due diligence standards in the textile sector, the Guidance was developed and approved by all governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines and endorsed by businesses, trade unions and civil society [3].
France was the first European country to adopt corporate due diligence obligations for parent and subcontracting companies by law. With the Duty of Vigilance Act, the French called on the European countries, the EU institutions and the international community to follow suit [4].
Initiated by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller, the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles brings together companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, standard-setting organisations, trade unions and the German Federal Government. As listed by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, it advocates for a textile and garment industry which respects workers' rights, protects the climate and environment and operates with integrity and within planetary boundaries [5].
The Netherlands launched a broad coalition of businesses and other organisations called the “Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile” (AGT) which ran until the end of 2021. Over the span of 5.5 years, the coalition aimed to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution, and promote animal welfare in production countries [6].
In 2022, the EU Commission adopted the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The Directive aims to promote sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour. Besides, it aims to embed human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ operations and corporate governance. If adopted, the new rules will ensure that businesses address adverse impacts of their actions, within their value chains inside and outside Europe [7].
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was launched by the European Commission in 2022. The Textile Strategy serves as a communication tool to support the European Union shift to a climate-neutral and circular economy. In line with EU Green Deal ambitions, the Textile Strategy outlines ambitions for products to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient by design [8].
Adopted early 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive serves the purpose to improve the flow of sustainability information in the corporate world. A broader set of companies will now have to comply with the strengthened rules for social and environmental sustainability reporting [9].
Germany entered the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains earlier this year. For the first time, many German companies as well as foreign companies with German branches, will be required to address human rights-related and environment-related due diligence in their supply chains [10].
Building on the International Accord founded in Bangladesh, a new workplace safety program has been established in Pakistan. The signatories of the Pakistan Accord agreed to establish a new workplace safety program in Pakistan for an initial term of 3 years, starting in 2023 [11].
At the same time, this is just the beginning of expanded Due Diligence legislation in the textile industry. Among others, the Netherlands is looking into expanding Due Diligence implications for companies.
For more information visit:
[1] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Bangladesh Accord
[2] EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector
[3] OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector
[4] French Duty of Vigilance Act
[5] German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles ("Textilbündnis")
[6] Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT)
[7] EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
[8] EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
[9] EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
[10] German Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains ("Lieferkettenschutzgesetz")
[11] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Pakistan Accord
Last week marked the anniversary of what is widely considered the worst industrial disaster: the collapsed eight-story Rana Plaza building, killing over 1000 people and leaving thousands more injured. This disaster raised many questions, including what must be achieved to prevent history from repeating itself.
Over the past ten years, we have seen the first voluntary initiatives acting on Due Diligence in the textile sector. Today, binding legislation developed across the EU and Member States has come into force. We have summed an overview of voluntary initiatives to legislative action since the Rana Plaza collapse.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry - initially called the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh - was commenced in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh. The International Accord advances workplace safety by means of independent safety inspections, training programs, and a complaints mechanism for workers [1].
The EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector kicked off EU-level consultations. Led by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, the Initiative resulted in an own-initiative report of the EU Parliament. The report nudged the Commission to table an ambitious legislative proposals which would prevent any responsibility of of EU-based companies for such abuses [2].
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector was adopted to establish a common understanding of due diligence in the sector in order to help companies meet these expectations. As a direct response to the G7 Leaders’ Declaration to welcome industry-wide due diligence standards in the textile sector, the Guidance was developed and approved by all governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines and endorsed by businesses, trade unions and civil society [3].
France was the first European country to adopt corporate due diligence obligations for parent and subcontracting companies by law. With the Duty of Vigilance Act, the French called on the European countries, the EU institutions and the international community to follow suit [4].
Initiated by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller, the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles brings together companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, standard-setting organisations, trade unions and the German Federal Government. As listed by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, it advocates for a textile and garment industry which respects workers' rights, protects the climate and environment and operates with integrity and within planetary boundaries [5].
The Netherlands launched a broad coalition of businesses and other organisations called the “Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile” (AGT) which ran until the end of 2021. Over the span of 5.5 years, the coalition aimed to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution, and promote animal welfare in production countries [6].
In 2022, the EU Commission adopted the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The Directive aims to promote sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour. Besides, it aims to embed human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ operations and corporate governance. If adopted, the new rules will ensure that businesses address adverse impacts of their actions, within their value chains inside and outside Europe [7].
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was launched by the European Commission in 2022. The Textile Strategy serves as a communication tool to support the European Union shift to a climate-neutral and circular economy. In line with EU Green Deal ambitions, the Textile Strategy outlines ambitions for products to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient by design [8].
Adopted early 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive serves the purpose to improve the flow of sustainability information in the corporate world. A broader set of companies will now have to comply with the strengthened rules for social and environmental sustainability reporting [9].
Germany entered the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains earlier this year. For the first time, many German companies as well as foreign companies with German branches, will be required to address human rights-related and environment-related due diligence in their supply chains [10].
Building on the International Accord founded in Bangladesh, a new workplace safety program has been established in Pakistan. The signatories of the Pakistan Accord agreed to establish a new workplace safety program in Pakistan for an initial term of 3 years, starting in 2023 [11].
At the same time, this is just the beginning of expanded Due Diligence legislation in the textile industry. Among others, the Netherlands is looking into expanding Due Diligence implications for companies.
For more information visit:
[1] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Bangladesh Accord
[2] EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector
[3] OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector
[4] French Duty of Vigilance Act
[5] German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles ("Textilbündnis")
[6] Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT)
[7] EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
[8] EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
[9] EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
[10] German Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains ("Lieferkettenschutzgesetz")
[11] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Pakistan Accord
Last week marked the anniversary of what is widely considered the worst industrial disaster: the collapsed eight-story Rana Plaza building, killing over 1000 people and leaving thousands more injured. This disaster raised many questions, including what must be achieved to prevent history from repeating itself.
Over the past ten years, we have seen the first voluntary initiatives acting on Due Diligence in the textile sector. Today, binding legislation developed across the EU and Member States has come into force. We have summed an overview of voluntary initiatives to legislative action since the Rana Plaza collapse.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry - initially called the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh - was commenced in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh. The International Accord advances workplace safety by means of independent safety inspections, training programs, and a complaints mechanism for workers [1].
The EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector kicked off EU-level consultations. Led by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, the Initiative resulted in an own-initiative report of the EU Parliament. The report nudged the Commission to table an ambitious legislative proposals which would prevent any responsibility of of EU-based companies for such abuses [2].
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector was adopted to establish a common understanding of due diligence in the sector in order to help companies meet these expectations. As a direct response to the G7 Leaders’ Declaration to welcome industry-wide due diligence standards in the textile sector, the Guidance was developed and approved by all governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines and endorsed by businesses, trade unions and civil society [3].
France was the first European country to adopt corporate due diligence obligations for parent and subcontracting companies by law. With the Duty of Vigilance Act, the French called on the European countries, the EU institutions and the international community to follow suit [4].
Initiated by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller, the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles brings together companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, standard-setting organisations, trade unions and the German Federal Government. As listed by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, it advocates for a textile and garment industry which respects workers' rights, protects the climate and environment and operates with integrity and within planetary boundaries [5].
The Netherlands launched a broad coalition of businesses and other organisations called the “Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile” (AGT) which ran until the end of 2021. Over the span of 5.5 years, the coalition aimed to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution, and promote animal welfare in production countries [6].
In 2022, the EU Commission adopted the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The Directive aims to promote sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour. Besides, it aims to embed human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ operations and corporate governance. If adopted, the new rules will ensure that businesses address adverse impacts of their actions, within their value chains inside and outside Europe [7].
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was launched by the European Commission in 2022. The Textile Strategy serves as a communication tool to support the European Union shift to a climate-neutral and circular economy. In line with EU Green Deal ambitions, the Textile Strategy outlines ambitions for products to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient by design [8].
Adopted early 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive serves the purpose to improve the flow of sustainability information in the corporate world. A broader set of companies will now have to comply with the strengthened rules for social and environmental sustainability reporting [9].
Germany entered the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains earlier this year. For the first time, many German companies as well as foreign companies with German branches, will be required to address human rights-related and environment-related due diligence in their supply chains [10].
Building on the International Accord founded in Bangladesh, a new workplace safety program has been established in Pakistan. The signatories of the Pakistan Accord agreed to establish a new workplace safety program in Pakistan for an initial term of 3 years, starting in 2023 [11].
At the same time, this is just the beginning of expanded Due Diligence legislation in the textile industry. Among others, the Netherlands is looking into expanding Due Diligence implications for companies.
For more information visit:
[1] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Bangladesh Accord
[2] EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector
[3] OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector
[4] French Duty of Vigilance Act
[5] German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles ("Textilbündnis")
[6] Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT)
[7] EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
[8] EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
[9] EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
[10] German Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains ("Lieferkettenschutzgesetz")
[11] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Pakistan Accord
Last week marked the anniversary of what is widely considered the worst industrial disaster: the collapsed eight-story Rana Plaza building, killing over 1000 people and leaving thousands more injured. This disaster raised many questions, including what must be achieved to prevent history from repeating itself.
Over the past ten years, we have seen the first voluntary initiatives acting on Due Diligence in the textile sector. Today, binding legislation developed across the EU and Member States has come into force. We have summed an overview of voluntary initiatives to legislative action since the Rana Plaza collapse.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry - initially called the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh - was commenced in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh. The International Accord advances workplace safety by means of independent safety inspections, training programs, and a complaints mechanism for workers [1].
The EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector kicked off EU-level consultations. Led by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, the Initiative resulted in an own-initiative report of the EU Parliament. The report nudged the Commission to table an ambitious legislative proposals which would prevent any responsibility of of EU-based companies for such abuses [2].
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector was adopted to establish a common understanding of due diligence in the sector in order to help companies meet these expectations. As a direct response to the G7 Leaders’ Declaration to welcome industry-wide due diligence standards in the textile sector, the Guidance was developed and approved by all governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines and endorsed by businesses, trade unions and civil society [3].
France was the first European country to adopt corporate due diligence obligations for parent and subcontracting companies by law. With the Duty of Vigilance Act, the French called on the European countries, the EU institutions and the international community to follow suit [4].
Initiated by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller, the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles brings together companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, standard-setting organisations, trade unions and the German Federal Government. As listed by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, it advocates for a textile and garment industry which respects workers' rights, protects the climate and environment and operates with integrity and within planetary boundaries [5].
The Netherlands launched a broad coalition of businesses and other organisations called the “Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile” (AGT) which ran until the end of 2021. Over the span of 5.5 years, the coalition aimed to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution, and promote animal welfare in production countries [6].
In 2022, the EU Commission adopted the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The Directive aims to promote sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour. Besides, it aims to embed human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ operations and corporate governance. If adopted, the new rules will ensure that businesses address adverse impacts of their actions, within their value chains inside and outside Europe [7].
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was launched by the European Commission in 2022. The Textile Strategy serves as a communication tool to support the European Union shift to a climate-neutral and circular economy. In line with EU Green Deal ambitions, the Textile Strategy outlines ambitions for products to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient by design [8].
Adopted early 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive serves the purpose to improve the flow of sustainability information in the corporate world. A broader set of companies will now have to comply with the strengthened rules for social and environmental sustainability reporting [9].
Germany entered the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains earlier this year. For the first time, many German companies as well as foreign companies with German branches, will be required to address human rights-related and environment-related due diligence in their supply chains [10].
Building on the International Accord founded in Bangladesh, a new workplace safety program has been established in Pakistan. The signatories of the Pakistan Accord agreed to establish a new workplace safety program in Pakistan for an initial term of 3 years, starting in 2023 [11].
At the same time, this is just the beginning of expanded Due Diligence legislation in the textile industry. Among others, the Netherlands is looking into expanding Due Diligence implications for companies.
For more information visit:
[1] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Bangladesh Accord
[2] EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector
[3] OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector
[4] French Duty of Vigilance Act
[5] German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles ("Textilbündnis")
[6] Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT)
[7] EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
[8] EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
[9] EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
[10] German Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains ("Lieferkettenschutzgesetz")
[11] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Pakistan Accord
Last week marked the anniversary of what is widely considered the worst industrial disaster: the collapsed eight-story Rana Plaza building, killing over 1000 people and leaving thousands more injured. This disaster raised many questions, including what must be achieved to prevent history from repeating itself.
Over the past ten years, we have seen the first voluntary initiatives acting on Due Diligence in the textile sector. Today, binding legislation developed across the EU and Member States has come into force. We have summed an overview of voluntary initiatives to legislative action since the Rana Plaza collapse.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry - initially called the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh - was commenced in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh. The International Accord advances workplace safety by means of independent safety inspections, training programs, and a complaints mechanism for workers [1].
The EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector kicked off EU-level consultations. Led by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, the Initiative resulted in an own-initiative report of the EU Parliament. The report nudged the Commission to table an ambitious legislative proposals which would prevent any responsibility of of EU-based companies for such abuses [2].
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector was adopted to establish a common understanding of due diligence in the sector in order to help companies meet these expectations. As a direct response to the G7 Leaders’ Declaration to welcome industry-wide due diligence standards in the textile sector, the Guidance was developed and approved by all governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines and endorsed by businesses, trade unions and civil society [3].
France was the first European country to adopt corporate due diligence obligations for parent and subcontracting companies by law. With the Duty of Vigilance Act, the French called on the European countries, the EU institutions and the international community to follow suit [4].
Initiated by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller, the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles brings together companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, standard-setting organisations, trade unions and the German Federal Government. As listed by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, it advocates for a textile and garment industry which respects workers' rights, protects the climate and environment and operates with integrity and within planetary boundaries [5].
The Netherlands launched a broad coalition of businesses and other organisations called the “Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile” (AGT) which ran until the end of 2021. Over the span of 5.5 years, the coalition aimed to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution, and promote animal welfare in production countries [6].
In 2022, the EU Commission adopted the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The Directive aims to promote sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour. Besides, it aims to embed human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ operations and corporate governance. If adopted, the new rules will ensure that businesses address adverse impacts of their actions, within their value chains inside and outside Europe [7].
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was launched by the European Commission in 2022. The Textile Strategy serves as a communication tool to support the European Union shift to a climate-neutral and circular economy. In line with EU Green Deal ambitions, the Textile Strategy outlines ambitions for products to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient by design [8].
Adopted early 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive serves the purpose to improve the flow of sustainability information in the corporate world. A broader set of companies will now have to comply with the strengthened rules for social and environmental sustainability reporting [9].
Germany entered the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains earlier this year. For the first time, many German companies as well as foreign companies with German branches, will be required to address human rights-related and environment-related due diligence in their supply chains [10].
Building on the International Accord founded in Bangladesh, a new workplace safety program has been established in Pakistan. The signatories of the Pakistan Accord agreed to establish a new workplace safety program in Pakistan for an initial term of 3 years, starting in 2023 [11].
At the same time, this is just the beginning of expanded Due Diligence legislation in the textile industry. Among others, the Netherlands is looking into expanding Due Diligence implications for companies.
For more information visit:
[1] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Bangladesh Accord
[2] EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector
[3] OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector
[4] French Duty of Vigilance Act
[5] German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles ("Textilbündnis")
[6] Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT)
[7] EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
[8] EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
[9] EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
[10] German Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains ("Lieferkettenschutzgesetz")
[11] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Pakistan Accord
Last week marked the anniversary of what is widely considered the worst industrial disaster: the collapsed eight-story Rana Plaza building, killing over 1000 people and leaving thousands more injured. This disaster raised many questions, including what must be achieved to prevent history from repeating itself.
Over the past ten years, we have seen the first voluntary initiatives acting on Due Diligence in the textile sector. Today, binding legislation developed across the EU and Member States has come into force. We have summed an overview of voluntary initiatives to legislative action since the Rana Plaza collapse.
The International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry - initially called the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh - was commenced in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh. The International Accord advances workplace safety by means of independent safety inspections, training programs, and a complaints mechanism for workers [1].
The EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector kicked off EU-level consultations. Led by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, the Initiative resulted in an own-initiative report of the EU Parliament. The report nudged the Commission to table an ambitious legislative proposals which would prevent any responsibility of of EU-based companies for such abuses [2].
The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector was adopted to establish a common understanding of due diligence in the sector in order to help companies meet these expectations. As a direct response to the G7 Leaders’ Declaration to welcome industry-wide due diligence standards in the textile sector, the Guidance was developed and approved by all governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines and endorsed by businesses, trade unions and civil society [3].
France was the first European country to adopt corporate due diligence obligations for parent and subcontracting companies by law. With the Duty of Vigilance Act, the French called on the European countries, the EU institutions and the international community to follow suit [4].
Initiated by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller, the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles brings together companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, standard-setting organisations, trade unions and the German Federal Government. As listed by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, it advocates for a textile and garment industry which respects workers' rights, protects the climate and environment and operates with integrity and within planetary boundaries [5].
The Netherlands launched a broad coalition of businesses and other organisations called the “Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile” (AGT) which ran until the end of 2021. Over the span of 5.5 years, the coalition aimed to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution, and promote animal welfare in production countries [6].
In 2022, the EU Commission adopted the proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The Directive aims to promote sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour. Besides, it aims to embed human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ operations and corporate governance. If adopted, the new rules will ensure that businesses address adverse impacts of their actions, within their value chains inside and outside Europe [7].
The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles was launched by the European Commission in 2022. The Textile Strategy serves as a communication tool to support the European Union shift to a climate-neutral and circular economy. In line with EU Green Deal ambitions, the Textile Strategy outlines ambitions for products to be more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy-efficient by design [8].
Adopted early 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive serves the purpose to improve the flow of sustainability information in the corporate world. A broader set of companies will now have to comply with the strengthened rules for social and environmental sustainability reporting [9].
Germany entered the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains earlier this year. For the first time, many German companies as well as foreign companies with German branches, will be required to address human rights-related and environment-related due diligence in their supply chains [10].
Building on the International Accord founded in Bangladesh, a new workplace safety program has been established in Pakistan. The signatories of the Pakistan Accord agreed to establish a new workplace safety program in Pakistan for an initial term of 3 years, starting in 2023 [11].
At the same time, this is just the beginning of expanded Due Diligence legislation in the textile industry. Among others, the Netherlands is looking into expanding Due Diligence implications for companies.
For more information visit:
[1] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Bangladesh Accord
[2] EU Flagship Initiative on the Garment Sector
[3] OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment & Footwear Sector
[4] French Duty of Vigilance Act
[5] German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles ("Textilbündnis")
[6] Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT)
[7] EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
[8] EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles
[9] EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
[10] German Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains ("Lieferkettenschutzgesetz")
[11] International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, Pakistan Accord
