News

The Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT) has been signed by Sandwich. Sandwich is an international fashion brand with more than 2,200 shops worldwide.

There is increasing concern among companies, public authorities, consumers and civil-society organisations for the welfare of animals in the clothing and textile sector. Nevertheless, economic interests often outweigh those of animals. This is the outcome of research carried out on behalf of the International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC ) focused Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT).

Can problems in the garment and textile industry be tackled at European level? That was the main question addressed during the 4th of June meeting in Brussels on ‘Promoting responsible business conduct and due diligence in the EU textile and garment sector’.

Netherlands-based European clothing chain Zeeman has observed problems at a number of their production sites. Zeeman has disclosed and shared this information in public on their own account, which is a first for the company.

Solidaridad and Sympany have launched a new campaign #Modebewust - literally, fashion-conscious. The campaign draws attention to the challenges which still prevail in the worldwide textile industry.

Recycled materials, eco-friendly production methods and the role of the consumer: sustainability plays an increasing role in the fashion industry. Industry organization Modint organized an Inspiration Day for businesses on 17 April.

On 8 May 2018 the Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textiles organised the workshop ‘Taking the next steps in your due diligence on the topic living wage’. The workshop focused on how to initiate an effective internal dialogue within your company and how to engage the right people.

Over the course of 2017, the parties and adhering banks to the Dutch Banking Sector Agreement (the “DBA”) explored options for banks to display greater transparency about their human rights policies and practices. In accordance with section 6.10.c of the DBA, the parties and adhering banks discussed how client confidentiality relates to the increased expectations of parties and society that enterprises show how they put their responsibility to respect human rights into practice.

How can companies improve their purchasing practices? On June 21 Modint and Solidaridad will host the workshop “Due Diligence: how to contribute to improving the purchasing practices in your company.”

The Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile has developed an assessment framework. The assessment framework describes the criteria that participating companies must meet and also shows how their efforts are assessed.