New framework shows clothing companies the way to responsible purchasing

For over a year, representatives of the former Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile have worked hard with the Ethical Trading Initiative, Fair Wear Foundation and the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles to define responsible purchasing practices. This has led to a Common Purchasing Practices Framework. Purchasing practices are an important factor for positive impact at production sites.

© G.M.B. Akash / ANP
During the process of creating The Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices, trade unions, NGOs, suppliers, brands and many others shared their views on responsible purchasing practices. The framework plays a role in the negotiations on a new sectoral agreement on responsible garments and textiles.

Garment brands now need to ensure that they align their practices with this framework. For this reason, a 'Learning and Implementation Community' was established from September, a peer-learning environment for companies to support practical improvements in purchasing practices. In addition, there is an extensive overview of training possibilities for companies.

For more information, visit this website.