
ASOS is partnering with Goodweave to address the issue of modern slavery and child labour, and to combat the label’s supply chain risks in the Indian fashion industry. As a result of this partnership, Goodweave will introduce its sourcing standard to key Asos suppliers in India by the end of 2023.
Goodweave is a non-profit organisation that works to eliminate child, forced and bonded labour in global supply chains and will strengthen the process through audits.
In a statement, Asos said that the programme will include three Indian manufacturers that supply Asos with clothing and accessories for exports. Each supplier will undergo audits and unannounced inspections by dedicated GoodWeave staff trained to identify potential risks and issues with forced, bonded and child labour.
In addition, the supply chain will be made transparent through comprehensive supply chain mapping. Good Weave also tracks a product’s supply chain, including suppliers and homeworkers, to identify child and forced labour and implement preventative interventions to protect vulnerable children and workers.
Adil Rehman, Head of Ethical Trade at Asos said, “There can be no place for forced, bonded or child labour in the fashion industry, but these risks are always present within complex global supply chains.”
“With this new partnership with GoodWeave, we’re taking our modern slavery and ethical trade work one step further through assurance and deep supply chain mapping, helping us to ensure that workers are protected and their rights respected.”
Nina Smith, CEO at GoodWeave International, said, “For nearly three decades, GoodWeave has advanced working conditions in the rug and textiles sector, and we are proud to be launching this partnership targeted at apparel and accessories supply chains together with Asos.”
“A number of reports indicate that child labour and modern slavery are high-risk in India’s garment industry. To combat this problem and meet the requirements of increased human rights due diligence legislation globally, it’s critical that fashion businesses partner with organisations like GoodWeave to prevent hidden exploitation in outsourced, subcontracted supply chains.”