Performance Apparel Markets - Grado Zero Espace Srl

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Performance Apparel Markets, 1st quarter 2006 Fast track: environmental issues for performance apparel In 1996 Patagonia converted its entire sportswear line to 100% organically-grown cotton Gap, Nike and Levi Strauss have been influenced by Patagonia’s lead Patagonia also uses PCR products in its garments It was the first to make fleece from PCR plastic bottles The company is working to create a fully recyclable garment The office buildings themselves are also designed with the environment in mind Companies are under pressure regarding ethical practices in their manufacturing Consequently they have been forced to develop and implement sets of ethical standards WRAP principles were developed to remove inconsistencies and provide one set of standards WRAP is an independent, non-profit organisation which promotes and certifies lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing In 1996 Patagonia started making its entire sportswear line from 100% organically grown cotton which is cultivated without harmful chemicals. According to Mr Chouinard, moving in this “eco-direction” has made the company more profitable because it has put it in a unique position. Other companies have taken notice. Indeed some larger and higher profile companies—such as Gap, Nike and Levi Strauss—have been influenced by Patagonia’s lead. Patagonia also uses post-consumer recycled (PCR) products in its garments. Indeed, in 1993 it was the first outdoor clothing company to make fleece from PCR plastic bottles. In 2006 it began using PCR filament yarn sourced from Teijin. PCR filament yarn contains between 30% and 50% post-consumer feedstock—in the form of plastic bottles, polyester uniforms, tents and garments—and post-industrial feedstock from yarn and polymer factory waste products. In fact, Patagonia is working to create a fully recyclable garment but until it achieves this goal it will continue to make clothes out of recyclable materials. The company’s office buildings themselves are also designed with the environment in mind. In 1996 Patagonia built a new service centre using recycled and reclaimed materials as well as energy efficient lighting systems. THE BIGGER PICTURE Environmental concerns are just one of a number of key issues affecting apparel companies globally. Many companies are under pressure from consumers, governments and the media on the question of ethical practices in their manufacturing. These ethical issues include workplace regulations, factory conditions and labour standards. When these have been substandard, they have attracted a lot of negative media attention. As a result companies have been forced to develop and implement sets of ethical standards. In order to remove inconsistencies which might occur between companies, and to provide one set of standards, the Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP) principles were developed in the mid-1990s by the American Apparel Manufacturing Association. Today WRAP is an independent, non-profit making organisation which exists for the promotion and certification of lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing. Factories apply (for a fee of US$825) to go through the certification process which involves self-assessment followed by an independent evaluation when the factory is ready. © Textiles Intelligence Limited 7
Performance Apparel Markets, 1st quarter 2006 Fast track: environmental issues for performance apparel Certification is founded on 12 guiding principles which address labour practices, factory conditions, the environment and customs compliance Although borne out of the USA, WRAP is becoming globally accepted Currently there are WRAP monitors in 20 countries who visit factories WRAP’s aims are not to cause undue stress each year but to change mindsets Certification is founded on 12 guiding principles—under the headings labour practices, factory conditions, environment and customs compliance—namely: ● compliance with workplace laws and regulations; ● prohibition of child labour; ● prohibition of forced labour; ● prohibition of harassment and abuse; ● compensation and benefits; ● hours of work; ● prohibition of discrimination; ● health and safety; ● freedom of association and collective bargaining; ● environment standards; ● customs compliance and; ● security. Although borne out of the USA, WRAP is becoming globally accepted and has been endorsed by groups representing apparel manufacturers in 18 countries. Currently, there are WRAP monitors in 20 countries who visit factories and ensure that they are meeting the criteria. Certification is valid for 12 months, during which time a WRAP monitor may revisit the factory unannounced. However, WRAP promotes the line that compliance should not cause undue stress each year—its principles represent a change of mindset rather than a set of criteria which have to be met annually. Much the same can be said for environmental issues. 8 © Textiles Intelligence Limited
Page 1 and 2: Performance Apparel Markets Busines
Page 3 and 4: Performance Apparel Markets ISSN 14
Page 5 and 6: Performance Apparel Markets, 1st qu
Page 7: Performance Apparel Markets, 1st qu
Page 59 and 60:
Performance Apparel Markets, 1st qu
Page 61 and 62:
Page 63 and 64:
Page 65 and 66:
Page 67 and 68:
Page 69 and 70:
Page 71 and 72:
Page 73 and 74:
Page 75 and 76:
Page 77 and 78:
Page 79 and 80:
Performance Apparel Markets A new p
Page 81 and 82:
Technical Textile Markets Business
Page 83 and 84:
World Markets for Woven Textiles an
show all

Performance Apparel Markets - Grado Zero Espace Srl

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?