News

A number of clothing companies that signed the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile, are actively speaking out in favor of preserving the Bangladesh Accord. On Monday April 15th, the Bangladesh Supreme Court is expected to reach a decision on whether the Accord has to close its offices in Bangladesh. The hearing has already been postponed several times.

The Leiden Asia Centre (LAC) today published a research report entitled ‘Tightening Belts: Two Regional Case Studies on Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia’.
The signatories to the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT) have studied the report with great interest. The Secretariat has been interviewed regarding the case study that the LAC published about the textile sector.

Today the Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile in cooperation with Fair Wear Foundation hosts a learning seminar: ‘Sourcing responsibly in Turkey. How to do due diligence?’ for garment brands sourcing from Turkey. More than 70 participants from brands learn about specific risks in the garment industry in Turkey. During this seminar, brands learn from experts and experienced brands on how to do their due diligence in this country.

Emma is the first footwear company that signed the Agreement on Garments and Textile. The Dutch company produces safety footwear for different industries. By signing the Agreement the company will commit to work towards a sustainable production chain.

ABN AMRO released its second full UNGP report on 25 February 2019. The 2018 Human Rights Report builds on earlier publications such as the 2015 Human Rights Guide, the 2016 Human Rights Report and the 2017 Update. In this report, ABN AMRO explains the progress made in addressing its salient human rights issues over the past two years.

Textile company Dibella signs via ‘associate membership’ the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile. The company is already a participant of the German Textilbündnis and develops flat linen for textile companies. Dibella aims to deliver sustainable high quality products together with their customers and partners.

On 8 March, parties in association with the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile—Fair Wear Foundation, InRetail and Plan International Nederland and the International Training Centre of the ILO—will host a workshop on gender in the garment supply chain. The workshop is followed by a celebration for International Women’s Day.

How can companies take a better risk-based approach to do due diligence? On February 14, the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile organizes a practical working session at the OECD conference on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector.

On 5 February, a series of workshops on the subject of living wage start. The workshops aim to support companies in the social dialogue with their suppliers and improving their buying practices as a part of their due diligence.

A lot of companies in the Netherlands source their production in Turkey. How can companies source responsibly and avoid risks? Join the seminar, hosted by the AGT and the Fair Wear Foundation on March 14 at the SER.