Crafting is caring.

In 2006, we initiated our own management system and introduced a comprehensive code of conduct for suppliers. Independent audit firms executed yearly audits and set up remediation plans in order to implement the required improvements. As the company grew, we committed to elevating our Social Responsibility to the next level, and in 2013 became a member of amfori, the leading global business association for open and sustainable trade. We improve the social performance of our supply chain via amfori BSCI.

Amfori is a business-driven initiative for companies committed to improve working conditions in the global supply chain. The program unites more than 2,000 companies worldwide around one common Code of Conduct and supports them with a step-by-step development focused system. Scotch & Soda fully endorses and lives by each of the values and principles set out in this Code of Conduct.

Scotch & Soda takes pride in its long-term relationships with suppliers and factories (some relationships existing for over 20 years). Scotch & Soda views and treats these factories as trusted business partners, fundamental to the Scotch & Soda unique design and production process.

All factories producing for Scotch & Soda have signed the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct. These factories are regularly audited by independent and certified (SAAS) audit firms, in accordance with the amfori BSCI requirements and for compliance with this Code of Conduct. If it becomes evident that a factory does not fully comply with the amfori BSCI requirements, Scotch & Soda insists upon the agreement and implementation of a remediation plan. In so doing, Scotch & Soda continuously monitors and, if necessary improves working conditions in factories producing for Scotch & Soda.

The amfori BSCI Code of Conduct comprises the core labour rights set out below:

1. The Rights of Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
   Our factories respect the right of the workers to form unions or other kind of work associations and to engage in collective bargaining.
2. Fair Remuneration
   Our factories respect the right of the workers to receive fair remuneration.
3. Occupational Health & Safety
   Our factories assess work place risks and take all necessary measures to eliminate or reduce them to ensure a healthy and safe working environment.
4. Special Protection for Young Workers
   Our factories provide special protection to any workers that are not yet adults.
5. No Bonded Labour
   Our factories do not engage in any form of forced servitude, trafficked or non-voluntary labour.
6. Ethical Business Behaviour
   Our factories do not tolerate any acts of corruption, extortion, embezzlement, or bribery.
7. No Discrimination
   Our factories provide equal opportunities and do not discriminate against workers.
8. Decent Working Hours
   Our factories observe the laws regarding hours of work.
9. No Child Labour
   Our factories do not hire any worker below the legal minimum age.
10. No Precarious Employment
    Our factories hire workers on the basis of documented contracts according to the law.
11. Protection of the Environment
    Our factories take the necessary measures to avoid environmental degradation.

In upholding these rights, the factories producing for Scotch & Soda are obliged to protect workers’ rights as mandated by the law and the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct. These factories are similarly obliged to keep workers informed about their rights and responsibilities and provide for a grievance system to collect complaints and suggestions from their employees, as well as using the amfori principles to influence other business partners, such as sub-contractors.

A key element of the development focused amfori approach is offering a broad range of training programs for factories and their workers (amfori Academy). Examples of recent programs include ‘Worker Involvement and Protection (Grievance Mechanism)’, ‘Responsible Recruitment’, ‘Occupational Health and Safety’ and ‘Drafting a Remediation Plan’. Scotch & Soda regularly invites its employees to attend such training programs. Scotch & Soda equally requires the factories to offer its workers to attend these trainings.

In October 2017, at least 75% of Scotch & Soda factories scored an acceptable or better amfori BSCI Code of Conduct compliance rating. These factories represent at least 75% of all the garments manufactured for Scotch & Soda. In relation to most of the remaining 25% a remediation plan is in place or being implemented.

To learn more about amfori please click on the following link: www.amfori.org