When it comes to sustainability in the fashion industry, it's not just about fabrics and the like, but also about production methods and working conditions. The focus on sustainability is much more than just a trend – it's a statement. When you buy a piece of clothing, you are not only deciding on your personal style, but also whether you want to promote environmental awareness, ethical behaviour and social justice. Fair working conditions are becoming increasingly important in the fashion industry – and so is this blog article.
What exactly do fair working conditions mean in the fashion industry?
In order for working conditions to be declared fair and sustainable, they must meet various requirements. This applies across the entire production chain of the fashion industry – from the cultivation of the necessary raw materials, such as organic cotton, to their processing and sale. This is also important because the majority of clothing sold in Europe is produced in developing countries. The following conditions in the clothing industry support fair production:
- Wages: Workers must be provided with a general basic income through a living wage. This must be sufficient to finance a decent life in the respective country.
- Working hours: It is not without reason that this country has labour laws that stipulate how many hours of work are permitted per day. Clearly defined working hours are essential for maintaining good health. Any short-term overtime that may be required must be paid or compensated with time off.
- Safety: Production processes must not pose any increased health risks to workers at any stage. Raw materials should therefore only be extracted using safe methods and should be free from pesticides and other harmful substances. Processing must also be carried out without any risk of chemical vapours or similar hazards.
- Gender equality: Fairness also means that identical salaries are paid for the same work – regardless of whether it is performed by a man or a woman.
- Voluntary participation: It is equally important that only adults are involved in textile production and that they do so of their own free will – there is no place for forced labour or child labour in a fair working environment.
- Trade union rights: Standing up for one's rights without fear of losing one's job is also a key element of production that deserves support.
- Transparency: Last but not least, it is only fair to be open with consumers about where their clothing comes from. This makes it easier for them to decide whether or not they want to support the production methods and treatment of workers.
There are social standards and norms for all areas of manufacturing and general working conditions. However, these are still far too rarely observed in the countries where goods are produced – especially fast fashion. Instead, child labour, starvation wages, forced labour, a lack of social and health insurance, and discrimination are the order of the day at many production sites in today's fashion industry.
Improvements can only be achieved through more effective cooperation between all institutions involved and increased awareness. This is precisely what we want to contribute to with the Faedah Collection, supporting brands that pay careful attention to the working conditions of their employees.
The interplay between working conditions and sustainability
When it comes to sustainability in the textile industry, many people think of the use of renewable raw materials, low resource consumption and the biodegradability of clothing – all of which cannot be dismissed. However, fair working conditions are just as important. The exploitation of workers is not compatible with sustainable clothing. Those who value clothing that comes from responsible sources should check whether the respective brands and suppliers are transparent – and look out for certifications. Supporting small businesses, especially in developing countries, can be a significant help to the local people.
Fair deal: the brands at Faedah Collection
The way in which fair working conditions are implemented can vary from case to case. How do the brands available from us make a difference in this area? Here's one example: at Indigo Luna the predominantly female team enjoys fair wages and safe working conditions in a pleasant working environment. Yinside Yoga also wants its production to harm neither people nor the planet and promotes the local economy. APU KUNTUR is implementing its self-defined goal of enabling women to earn a good income. In accordance with fair trade guidelines, the company not only pays fair wages, but also provides its workers with good social benefits and communal meals.
A glimpse into a fair future
To ensure that exploitation and injustice no longer have a place in the fashion industry, consumers need to rethink their attitudes. With every single purchase, they bear responsibility and have the opportunity to make a difference. Those who consciously choose sustainable clothing from a fair production chain promote a more equitable economy instead of supporting exploitation. Fair working conditions are not a luxury, but a human right – even in the fashion industry. In addition, such clothing is usually of better quality and more durable. Just like the products in the Faedah Collection.