Babyface Annual ESG Report 2021
Babyface Annual ESG Report 2021
Babyface Annual ESG Report 2021
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Babyface Annual ESG Report 2021
FOREWORD
We are proud to present Babyface’s third ESG (environmental, social and
governance) annual report, which gives an account of the efforts we have made
to make Babyface gradually more sustainable in the tumultuous year 2021.
With our Babyface brand, we want to encourage children to go on adventures,
to discover themselves and the world! Babyface’s ESG policy focuses on the
development of children and is committed to a sustainable planet.
In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated once again the extent of
interdependence within the global supply chain and also the vulnerability of
the chain itself. Lockdowns in our manufacturing countries and in Europe had
a direct impact on our partners and on us as a brand. It made us see the
consequences of our actions deeper in the chain and we have taken
responsibility for them.
Despite these changes, we have managed to continue to grow Babyface together
and to safeguard our relationships with suppliers. This year too, I would like to
thank all employees and our partners for their cooperation and their
commitment to ESG. But above all for their flexibility, because the world around
us changes very quickly. Today more than ever.
The ESG agenda still has some challenging items, but we are proud of our
achievements over the past year and the positive impact we have been able to
make as a brand. For example, we have made great strides in the traceability of
our supply chain, provided training with our partners for suppliers in India and
started a great partnership in the field of circularity.
Enjoy reading this report!
Leonie van Wijk
International Sales and Brandmanager Baby & Kids
EK Fashion
2 3
2021 AT A GLANCE
Summer 2021
278.083
items produced
Winter 2021
315.220
items produced
6,5%
transport by air
93,5%
transport
by sea
35%
turnover growth in 2021
compared to 2020
16%
revenue growth in 2021
compared to 2019
18%
Better Cotton
100%
of all tier 1/2/3 suppliers
are known to Babyface
32 QR-Codes online
8
training courses for senior
and middle management
4
training courses
for factory workers
14
training sessions for
worker committees
12
female
Babyface employees
16%
organic
cotton
Certified for the Global
Recycling Standard
4 5
THE ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY
2017
2018
DE DUURZAME REIS IN EEN NOTENDOP
We first embarked on this journey to make Babyface a more sustainable
brand in 2017. We accept our responsibility and work hard to realise
sustainable growth. The first step we took was signing the Dutch
Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile. This initiative
stimulated us to gain more insight into the supply chain and analyse
and tackle potential risks.
2018 saw the creation of finding internal support and consensus, appointing
staff, and making a budget available to properly carry out our
sustainability targets and tasks. We had intensive conversations with
experts in this field to gain more advice and knowledge. And lastly, we
established a company-side CSR policy. Now, everyone who works at
EK Fashion knows our strategic pillars and which goals we want to
realise. Not just for Babyface but also for all the other brands and
departments. Such a policy gives guidance and structure.
2019
2020
2021
In 2019, we started conversations with our suppliers and established
new codes of conduct. We critically reviewed our own work methods and
sought ways to improve them (including our procurement activities).
We have identified and prioritised the potential risks in our supply chain.
This risk analysis has resulted in five key pillars that now form the core
of our list of priorities.
In 2020, we started to take specific steps and set up several projects to
achieve the goals concerning the five pillars. The projects we focus on
are transparency, living wage, and training programmes to improve the
labour conditions in the factories, which we set up together with human
rights organisation Arisa and the local social organisation SAVE in India.
In 2021, we made further progress in line with the activities in 2020 and
professionalised our work on sustainability. The various projects have
become further integrated into the daily work of the Babyface team,
making ESG increasingly a standard rather than an additional task.
This year we have also been able to buy organic cotton on a small scale
again and have sourced a large proportion of cotton from Better Cotton.
In addition, we have been certified by the Global Recycled Standard to
meet our ambitions for more sustainable materials and circularity.
be
silly!
6 7
2021
Table of contents
Foreword3
2021 At a glance4
Table of contents 8
1 Brand Story 10
Vision 15
Mission 15
Brand Values 15
Sustainable values of Babyface 16
Euretco now EK 16
2 Babyface’s playing field 18
Stakeholders 20
Sustainable Development Goals 22
Interview with Alexandra Clot from tex.tracer 24
3 Deep dive: goals, achievement, next steps 26
No Child Labour 28
Living wage for factory workers 33
Greater sustainability of materials 38
Circularity 41
Reduction of CO 2
, water, energy and chemicals 43
Appendices:
Responsible Business Conduct EK Fashion46
babyface.nl
8 9
01
Brand Story
10 11
1 Brand Story
Children and their development are our focal points. And this doesn’t just apply to the children wearing our
clothes but also to the children of the people who produce our clothes. The future we see is a sustainable one.
We contribute to a sustainable future by manufacturing our clothing sustainably - by using eco-friendly
fabrics and materials and in factories where the employees are treated well and fairly. This is how we ensure
that factory workers can also realise a wonderful future for their own children. We want to help these children
to contribute positively to their own future. One way of doing this is by helping parents explain to their
children why it is so important to take good care of our planet and nature, and how to do this in a playful
manner together with your child.
Dream big
and explore
shoot for
the stars
12 13
1 Brand Story
THE
BABYFACE
VISION &
MISSION
VISION We want to make sure that children around the world can explore the
world in a playful and comfortable manner and, thus, create their own future.
Babyface - Merkwaarden
MISSION We help children embark on an adventure and become more
resilient through play while supporting the parents at the same time. As
children experience our clothes - by seeing the prints, playing games, and
reading our stories - they will experience how it feels to be a 21st-century
Babyface - Merkwaarden
explorer.
zorgen voor elkaar
zorgen voor elkaar
Babyface - Merkwaarden
zorgen voor elkaar
BRAND VALUES
een beetje ondeugend is leuk
een beetje ondeugend is leuk
Care for each other
You can only explore the world from a safe place. A place you can call home
and a safe harbour when you’re unsure about what to do next. We want to
contribute to this safe place with comfortable clothes that last a long time and
made of wonderful materials. This is how we make sure that, whenever you’re
ready, you can learn to crawl, clamber around in playgrounds, and learn how to
ride a bicycle. We also want to create a safe place for the people who make your
clothes. Together with our suppliers, we guarantee that your clothes are
manufactured responsibly and in a safe environment.
een beetje ondeugend is leuk
droom groots, speel en ontdek
Never mind a bit of mischief
What about some small surprises that are sure to make you smile from ear to
ear? The grin on your face when you do something that you’re not supposed to
do, but you do it anyway? Isn’t that what makes life fun? This is also reflected
in, on, and around our clothes. In the drawings, the packaging, and in the
stories we tell. We want you to get a positive view of the world because that’s
exactly what we have!
droom groots, speel en ontdek
droom groots, speel en ontdek
Dream big, play and discover
We firmly believe that by trying out new things and going on an adventure, you
will find out what you enjoy doing and what kind of person you are. If you dare
to dream, you can create your own world. Dream big, play and discover. We will
help you do that! We also dream of a wonderful future for you. So when we are
making your clothes, we also take good care of nature and our planet.
14 15
1 Brand Story
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
AWARENESS & EDUCATION
EK
As a baby and children’s brand, Babyface
A sustainable future requires changes that are
EK supports around 4,200 retailers in
and EK Books. EK Netherlands works together
wants to contribute to the development and
supported and joined by everyone involved. And
various European countries with a wide range
with about 1,500 independent entrepreneurs
skills of children. Children are our future.
this includes you, the consumer, as you play a
of back-office services. EK provides services to
and franchisees. In total, they run almost 2,200
That’s why we don’t just want to take good
vital role in the transition towards a more social
local retail entrepreneurs and is a purchasing
shops in the branches of living, fashion, sports,
care of them ourselves, but also want to help
and greener economy. As our future consumers,
organisation, marketing organisation and
DIY and books.
them discover the world, stand on their own
we also want to get children involved in this
competence network in one.
two feet and discover who they are.
process and topic, in a playful and adventurous
Core activities are retail services, franchising,
Sadly, there is much inequality in the world
manner, so they can learn how to treat and care
EK’s business model is featured by its focus on
wholesale and financial services to independent
and there are many children who don’t have
for others and nature. After all, we are talking
six strategic business segments:
entrepreneurs. Around 300 people at EK Ned-
equal chances to a great future. Both here and
about their future.
EK Home, EK Fashion, EK Living, EK DIY,
erland work with great passion to relieve EK’s
in the countries where our products are made.
EK Sport and EK Books.
retail partners of work where they can, both in
The highest priority in our ESG policy is no
their shops and online.
child labour and a living wage (for the parents).
Approximately 650 employees put in great efforts
CIRCULARITY
to support retail partners and brand suppliers
the best they can. As a service provider for
The shop formulas and floor concepts include
INTERSPORT, Runnersworld, The Athlete’s Foot,
Our aim is to contribute to a sustainable planet
for future generations. This means dealing
EURETCO NOW EK
independent small and medium-sized retailers,
specialist markets and department stores, one
Hubo, Decorette, Topform and Libris/Blz. In
addition, EK Netherlands, through its fashion
responsibly with raw materials, energy and
Babyface is part of the retail service organisa-
of EK’s most important tasks is to lead local
division including Babyface, Born with Appetite,
water. More sustainable materials are relevant
tion Euretco, which has been owned by
independent retailers into the digital future.
Marco Manzini and Inshape, offers top interna-
in this respect, as is the reuse of materials and
other resources such as water and energy.
EK since 2015. In order to further strengthen
the international brand identity, the companies
EK NETHERLANDS
tional brands in the women’s, men’s, baby and
children’s clothing segments.
Step by step, we are working towards circular
will continue under a common name from
On the Dutch market, EK operates with the
initiatives and business models.
April 2022: EK.
divisions EK Fashion, EK Living, EK DIY, EK Sport
16 17
02
Babyface’s playing field
18 19
2 Het speelveld van Babyface
2 Babyface’s playing field
Babyface is in close contact with the world around us. We are committed to a sustainable planet for future
generations. We cannot do this alone. Our stakeholders are vital in order to continue to develop on an
environmental, social and governance level. Every cooperation is characterised by trust, respect and open
conversations. For example, we have been working with all suppliers and agents for at least ten years.
Retailers
NGOs & Institutions
Stakeholders
Tex.tracer
SUPPLIERS
AGENTS
Suppliers
The majority of the Babyface collection is We work with two agents in total through the
produced by suppliers in India and China. The agency Goldvex in China and through the
last stage of the production of the tights takes agency Top Notch in India. We are in close
place in Germany. We work closely with our contact with our agents and greatly appreciate
suppliers and our cooperation is constantly the way they work with us to promote
intensified by various social projects that we sustainability among suppliers.
embrace together.
Agents
TEX.TRACER
With tex.tracer we are actively working on
making our supply chain traceable and
transparent. Through a blockchain-driven
platform and the data provided by suppliers,
the Babyface team gains an increasingly better
understanding of entire chain. This enables us
to make well-considered decisions to become
more sustainable.
NGOS & INSTITUTIONS
Amfori is a global business association for
the promotion of open and sustainable trade.
Amfori enables 2,400 companies to operate
as successful and sustainable businesses by
helping them to monitor and improve the social
and environmental performance of their supply
chains. Through Amfori, Babyface conducts
social audits at suppliers where we produce
our clothing with the aim of improving
working conditions.
Arisa is an independent non-governmental
human rights organisation that has been
committed to defending human rights in
South Asia since 1976. Arisa does this through
advocacy and policy influencing with politicians
and companies, research, critical conversations
and raising social awareness of human rights
violations. Together with other clothing brands,
Arisa and SAVE, Babyface is committed to
improving the working conditions of suppliers
in India and to paying them a living wage.
Social Awareness and Voluntary Education
(SAVE) is a non-profit organisation established
in 1933. SAVE runs various development
programmes to eliminate child labour, support
women and youth and promote fair working
conditions. SAVE is the local presence in the
cooperation with Arisa and Babyface to improve
working conditions at suppliers in India and to
pay a living wage.
Modint is the entrepreneurs’ organisation
for manufacturers, importers, agents and
wholesalers in (company) clothing, fashion
accessories, carpets and (interior) textiles.
Together with over 400 members, Modint is
building a valuable future for our sector by
positively contributing to the policy of relevant
and social issues and by innovating and
expanding the market. Babyface is a member
of Modint and receives support on topics such
as chemicals, impact measurement and more
sustainable material choices.
The Covenant on Sustainable Clothing and
Textiles (CKT) ran from 2015 to 31 December
2021. A broad coalition of companies and other
organisations, including Babyface from 2018
onwards, have joined forces to prevent abuses
such as exploitation, animal suffering and
environmental damage.
RETAILERS
Without retailers, who sell our products and tell
our story to consumers, we are going nowhere.
We are pleased with our international reach
in Europe and America, which allows as many
parents and children as possible to enjoy our
products. On the map you can see where you
can find Babyface, including our top countries
Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium.
20 21
2 Het speelveld van Babyface
RETAILERS BABYFACE
us
United States
Belgium
Luxembourg
Spain
es
BE
Netherlands
lu
Italy
nl
it
Germany
DE
gr
Greece
at
ch
Austria
Czech
Republic
Goal 12 is about sustainable consumption
and production. Babyface contributes to this
by producing high quality clothing that
consumers can enjoy wearing for a long time. We also
work with more sustainable materials such as organic
cotton and Better Cotton. These materials have less
negative impact on the environment than conventional
cotton. Read more about this o pages 38 and 41.
Goal 13 is about tackling climate change.
Babyface contributes to this by working
towards processes that emit less CO 2
and use
less water, energy and chemicals. An example of this is
our Restricted Substances List, a list of chemicals that
we do not want to be found in our clothing. We also
work with more sustainable materials that have a
smaller footprint than conventional materials. Read
more about our next steps on pages 38 and 43.
Goal 17 includes strengthening global
partnerships to achieve goals. Babyface
contributes to this through its partnerships
with stakeholders such as Arisa and SAVE with whom
we implement projects in India on issues such as forced
labour, discrimination & gender, child labour, freedom
of association, living wages and occupational health
and safety. Read more on page 33.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are
17 targets to make the world a better place by 2030.
They are a global compass for challenges such as
poverty, education for all and the climate crisis. The
goals were established by the United Nations in 2015
as a follow-up to the Millennium Development Goals.
Babyface wants to contribute to the achievement of
SDGs with a focus on SDG 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13 and 17.
Goal 1 is about eliminating all forms of
(extreme) poverty. Babyface contributes to
this by making efforts to achieve a living
wage and a safe workplace in parts of the world where
extreme poverty has a strong impact on lives. Read
more about this on page 33.
Goal 3 is about good health and well-being
for all. Babyface specifically contributes to
target 3.9 by encouraging suppliers to reduce
the use of harmful chemicals and to purify used water.
Read more about this on page 43.
Goal 6 includes clean water and sanitation
for all. Babyface contributes to this by
encouraging suppliers to reduce the use of
harmful chemicals and purify used water. Read more
about this on page 43.
Goal 8 includes inclusive economic growth,
employment and decent work for all.
Babyface contributes to this by creating jobs
for the people who make our clothes. Our ambition is to
achieve the payment of of a living wage, to ensure a safe
workplace and provide equal opportunities. Read more
on page 33.
Goal 10 includes reducing inequality within
and between countries. Babyface contributes
to this goal by not allowing discrimination on
the basis of religion, belief, political opinion, race,
gender or any other ground among the business
partners with whom we work. Read more about
this on page 33.
22 23
2 Het speelveld van Babyface
Interview
Alexandra Clot
What does sustainability mean to you?
Can you describe the collaboration between
Evidently, it’s a very broad concept. For me personally,
tex.tracer and Babyface?
it’s effectively about making better choices, in view of
Babyface has joined us as a launching customer, so
the future, but also of the present. In order to make
really since the start of tex.tracer. With our platform
better choices in fashion, I have made some rules for
we support Babyface in making the whole supply chain
myself: I buy little, I only buy things that I “really”
transparent. First of all, Babyface gains a better
need. Then you can always ask yourself: do you really
understanding, which it can act upon. Of course, the
need that T-shirt? And if I do buy something, it’s
platform also supports you with the compliance
usually second-hand. If I buy something new, it has to
modules, and therefore reduces your workload.
be of high quality and have a timeless design. That
way, in ten years time, so to speak, I can still enjoy it as
What is the strength of our partnership?
much as I do now. And then I also do some research
beforehand to see if there are certain standards for
materials and working conditions at the brand.
Once you have done the research which
yields several good brands, which element
of sustainability is decisive for you?
Design and quality, because I think you get more use
out of a product if it’s really well made from really
good materials. And the longer a garment can last, the
less likely you will need something new. So I think
durability is very important.
A very good example of the strength is that we have
effectively taken leaps with Babyface, and I think that
is because we have the same goal and the same
motivation. We’re all on the same page and we really
want the industry to improve. tex.tracer can be used as
a tool to achieve this. So I think that at Babyface, this is
your genuine belief, and that is why there is progress
and why things are being achieved. We also
communicate very openly and honestly with each
other. If something is not good enough with tex.tracer,
then you will let us know fair and square. Your
feedback is extremely valuable to us.
What opportunities and obstacles do you
see in making Babyface’s value chain more
transparent?
There are several obstacles in getting all the suppliers
in the value chain on board. For example, the language
barrier, but also the fear that suppliers have of making
mistakes and losing customers as a result. These kinds
of obstacles also exist in other aspects of sustainability,
such as obtaining a GOTS certificate for the entire
chain.
In terms of opportunities, you really need to look at
the combined strength of all the retailers. If they all
demand more transparency as well, this gives you even
more power in the supply chain and a lot of potential
for new collaborations.
In order to bring about such collaborations, the entire
industry’s mindset really needs to change, because at
the moment, everyone is fighting for their own cause.
I think that a competitor is not your enemy, but can be
a good ally when you know where he makes the
purchases or where he produces.
24 25
03
Deep Dive
26 27
3 Deep Dive
3 Deep dive: goals,
achievement, next steps
Based on a risk analysis of the supply chain and Babyface’s brand values, we formulated
a multi-year plan with specific targets on five pillars in 2019. At the beginning of 2022, we
further specified these objectives. In this chapter, we explain the objectives for each pillar,
our achievements of last year and what steps we want to take in the coming year to
achieve more of the set objectives.
1. No child labour
Unfortunately, there are no international standards
yet to make transparency and traceability measurable
and to be able to report it. That is why Babyface,
together with tex.tracer, has drawn up standards that
we use to report on traceability and transparency.
These standards consist of three levels of traceability
and transparency (abbreviated to T.T levels) and a
clear division of production processes into tiers.
Defining production processes in tiers is still complex
due to the various types of supply chains.
Nevertheless, the tiers that have been established
help to set clear goals.
Babyface never accepts child labour. We work together
with stakeholders tex.tracer, Arisa, SAVE to detect, stop
and prevent child labour.
For the detection of child labour, knowledge of the
production chain is essential. After all, we will only
know whether child labour occurs if we know where our
products are made. To develop an understanding of the
chain, we have been working with tex.tracer since April
2020. Tex.tracer helps us to encourage suppliers to
share their suppliers with us.
With tex.tracer we are actively putting in efforts to
make our supply chain traceable and transparent.
Through a blockchain-powered platform and the
data provided by suppliers, the Babyface team is
gaining more and more insight into the entire chain,
allowing us to make informed decisions to become
more sustainable.
Tiers:
• Tier 0: Logistics (transport/importers/storage),
agents
• Tier 1: Assembly facilities: cutting, sewing,
assembling and packing for shipment
• Tier 2: Processing facilities: fabric production:
printing, dyeing, washing, embroidery
• Tier 3: Processing facilities: yarn spinning, knitting
and weaving
• Tier 4: Raw material suppliers: cotton cultivation,
farms, cattle breeding
T.T Levels:
• T.T Level 1: the partner in the supply chain is
known to Babyface, but has not yet registered with
tex.tracer
• T.T Level 2: The supply chain partner has created a
tex.tracer account. This account includes
information such as the partner’s name, contact
information, address, trade register number and
product groups.
• T.T Level 3: the supply chain partner has uploaded
and verified the order information
28 29
3 Deep Dive
Achievement
The above specification shows that Babyface has
achieved most of its targets for 2021. Achieving these
goals is particularly successful thanks to the
cooperation of our agents in India and China. In
addition, personal contact with our suppliers is
essential. In those personal contacts we can explain
the added value of traceability.
It has not yet been possible to get all tier 1 suppliers
to create a tex.tracer account, because some suppliers
believe it is a lot of work or are afraid of losing their
good position in the market. Especially in uncertain
times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we noticed that
suppliers were even more reluctant to cooperate with
tex.tracer.
QR-codes
In 2020, Babyface started to provide a number of
products with QR codes linked to data from tex.tracer.
When the consumer scans the QR code, he sees the
entire journey that the article has made: from the cotton
field to the warehouse. In this way, we also offer the
consumer 100% transparency. This was continued in
2021 and at the time of reporting, 32 QR codes are online.
As soon as a supplier has registered with the platform
Compliance Initiative (BSCI) platform with respect to
(T.T. level 2), we ask them, among other things, to sign
our Responsible Business Conduct if they have not
this. Read more about this on page 34.
From cotton harvest
in Gujarat, India
already done so. The Responsible Business Conduct
Fair wages for the people who make our products is one
comprises agreements between Babyface and suppliers
on thirteen ESG themes, and child labour is one of them
(see attachment).
Suppliers agree to comply with our standards and we
of the most important means to stop or prevent child
labour. Babyface works together with Arisa and SAVE on
a project basis towards paying a living wage, so that
children of these workers do not have to work
(anymore). Read more about this on page 33.
A Tiny
Story
continue to have conversations about this subject with
our suppliers. We ask suppliers to make our standards
Also by using GOTS-certified organic
Do you know the origin of your garment?
All of our products will get a QR code on
the hangtag. When you scan it you can
see his journey.
To warehousing in
a subject of discussion with their suppliers.
cotton, the chance that child labour
occurs in the chain is much lower.
In addition, Babyface monitors whether suppliers have
The GOTS certificate imposes strict
a valid audit on social issues such as child labour and
requirements on both material
whether there is an action plan for improvement.
use and working conditions. Read more about this
Babyface collaborates with the Amfori Business Social
on page 38.
DOELEN
TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3
2021
2022
Level 1: 100% ✓ Level 1: 100% ✓ Level 1: 100% ✓
Level 2: 100% ✗
Level 1: 100% ✓ Level 1: 100% ✓ Level 1: 100% ✓
Level 2: 100%
Insight into the social risks per supplier where we have reached level 1
2023
2025
Level 1: 100% ✓ Level 1: 100% ✓ Level 1: 100% ✓
Level 2: 100% Level 2: 10% Level 2: 10%
Level 1: 100% ✓ Level 1: 100% ✓ Level 1: 100% ✓
Level 2: 100% Level 2: 33% Level 2: 33%
30 31
3 Deep Dive
wereldkaart
Germany 0,3%
1 tier 1 producent
utilities
food
housing
a living wage
for a worker and their
family should provide.
savings
healthcare
vrachtwagen / boot / vliegtuig
Next steps
The next steps for Babyface in 2022 mainly include
encouraging the tier 1 suppliers who have not created
an account for tex.tracer to do so. These are still five
suppliers. In addition, in 2022 we want to analyse all the
suppliers we have in mind for possible social risks. We
will do this through social audits, about which you can
read more in the next objective.
We will also make efforts to increase the number of
QR codes on products to enable more consumers to
trace the origin of the product.
india 76,8%
5 tier 1 producenten
china 22,6%
7 tier 1
producenten
Achievements
in 2021
100% of all tier 1/2/3
producers in the supply
chain are known to
Babyface
transport
education
clothing
2. Living wage for factory workers
Babyface aims to achieve that everyone who makes Factory Support Programme in Tamil Nadu,
Babyface products is paid a living wage. In some
India
countries, the minimum wage is not enough to provide In October 2020, Babyface started a three-year Factory
decent living standards. By receiving a living wage,
Support Programme with the above parties to improve
excessive overtime should decrease. It would also allow working conditions in its factories in the Tamil Nadu
the children of workers to go to school instead of having region of India. The aim of the project is to address
to work to contribute to the upkeep of their
various social issues including discrimination & gender,
communities.
child labour, forced labour, freedom of association,
living wage & safety and occupational health.
That is why Babyface, together with Fabienne Chapot,
HEMA, O’Neill, Prénatal, The Sting, WE Fashion, Modint, Babyface is expected to map out the entire supply chain
Arisa, SAVE and our four factories in India, is committed and improve its own (procurement) best practices.
to paying a living wage. We want to achieve this main Suppliers are supported by SAVE to establish properly
objective together by carrying out the following projects. functioning consultation committees between labourers
and management, which can handle complaints and
develop preventive measures to reduce or avoid
potential risks in the factories. Another goal is to
Living Wage
increase the workers’ knowledge on labour law so they
A living wage is the remuneration received for a
are better prepared to stand up for their rights. Finally,
standard workweek by a worker in a particular place
Arisa serves as a bridge between SAVE and the clothing
sufficient to afford a decent standard of living for the
brands by making visits to India and giving updates on
worker and her or his family. Elements of a decent
the progress of the project.
standard of living include food, water, housing,
education, health care, transportation, clothing, and
other essential needs including provision for
unexpected events (Source: Global Living Wage).
32 QR-codes online
32 33
4 Inzicht in de keten
ACHIEVEMENT
Factory Support Programme in Tamil Nadu
India
In mid-February 2021, we introduced the Factory
Support Programme at our Top Notch agency in India.
After some critical questions, an appointment was
immediately made to visit our four suppliers together
with SAVE to introduce the programme. All suppliers
responded positively and agreed to cooperate.
Contact with the last of the four suppliers has been a
little more difficult and no steps were taken towards
training for the factory workers and setting up worker
committees. Unfortunately, the visit of this last supplier
to SAVE did not result in further developments.
The implementation of the training courses has been
slower than initially anticipated, partly due to the
COVID-19 pandemic which hit India hard in 2021. Our
agent is keeping us updated on the current situation
Living wage pilot in Tamil Nadu, India
At the moment, the factory workers of the four
companies in India we work with are following the
training programmes set up by Arisa and SAVE. These
factories provide us with all kinds of information such
as the numbers of temporary contracts, employees
working on an indefinite contract, and whether there
is a substantial turnover in workers. This is useful
information to make the project a success. We therefore
intend to start the living wage pilot project with one of
the four factories in 2023.
Social Audits through Amfori BSCI
In addition to these projects, Babyface is constantly
aiming to achieve good working conditions by
conducting social audits in the factories where the
Babyface clothing is made. We do this through the
platform of Amfori BSCI. On the basis of the Amfori
BSCI Code of Conduct with eleven basic principles, our
factories are audited by strictly selected auditors.
geselecteerde auditors.
GOALS
Sociale Audits
11 basic principles Amfori BSCI
1. The right to freedom of association and
collective bargaining
2. No discrimination
3. Fair remuneration
4. Decent working hours
5. Health and safety at work
6. No child labour
7. Special protection for young workers
8. No precarious employment
9. No bonded labour
10. Protection of the environment
11. Ethical business conduct
Factory Support Programme & Leefbaar Loon Pilot
2021 50% ✗ A living wage survey was conducted at four tier 1 suppliers. ✗
2022 80% 4 tier 1 suppliers have followed the Factory Support Programme
2023 100% 1 tier 2 supplier has followed the Factory Support Programme
1 Tier 1 supplier has started a living wage project
2025 100% 1 Tier 1 supplier pays a living wage to workers
SPECIFICATION OF TRAINING CONDUCTED PER FACTORY
Factory
Number of training sessions Number of training Number of training
for senior and middle
sessions for factory sessions for worker
management
workers
committees
Milestone 3 2 6
Geethalaya 2 1 8
Coral Knitwear 3 1 -
Greyfield 2 - -
Up to April 2022, training sessions for senior and middle
management have been held at the four selected
suppliers. The first trainings were well received. Arisa
and SAVE told us that such trainings were new for the
suppliers and therefore very valuable. The suppliers’
and its effect on the factories and their workers. From
our side, we tried not to burden the suppliers too much
with asking for information that is needed to make a
start with the trainings within the Factory Support
Programme and the research for the living wage project.
management learned about the necessity of good
planning and adapting planning and leadership to
individual workers on the shop floor. After all, not every
person can work equally hard. This has reduced the
stress of the workers in the factory.
Worker Committee
A worker committee is a group of elected workers’
representatives who are not members of any of the
registered trade unions in the sector and who deal
with workers’ rights and working conditions (see ILO
Training was also given to factory workers and
Convention 135 for a detailed definition).
established worker committees. The relevance of such
committees has been clearly explained and topics such
as transgressive behaviour, proper sanitation and
ensuring a good working temperature have been
discussed. In conclusion, the trained suppliers
mentioned that the training contains a lot of
information, which is why it is important that it
will be repeated.
Living wage pilot in Tamil Nadu India
In 2020, we started the pilot by talking to our agent
and the relevant factory about starting a living wage
pilot project. The factory is well organised and
medium-sized in terms of the number of employees,
which makes it manageable to start the pilot project
34 35
3 Deep Dive
and learn as much as possible from it. In 2020, in
collaboration with Modint, we calculated the
difference between the actual salary paid and the
living wage at the factory (see illustration). This
calculation was made on the basis of average prices for
fabric, finishing, margins, packaging and working
hours. The result of the calculation is that € 0.50 more
must be paid per article to the supplier in order to pay
the factory workers a living wage.
WAGE LADDER
Living Wage WI:
Lower bound
typical family
Minimum
Wage (SER):
For 2021, the intention was to conduct research with
four tier 1 suppliers to roll out a living wage. This
included how we would bridge the difference of €0.50
per article and ensuring that this extra money would
reach the factory workers. We would also contact the
other three suppliers in 2021 to discuss a living wage
as a first step in expanding the pilot.
Unfortunately, it was not possible to implement the
steps before 2021. As indicated for the project
mentioned above, the main reason for not achieving
the goals is the COVID-19 pandemic. Suppliers in India
had a very difficult time with the crisis and as a result,
many project activities were cancelled, which delayed
the roll-out of the living wage pilot. When project
activities did take place, priority was given to training
programmes to improve working conditions.
Lowest paid
Wage factory
(BSCI)
In addition, contact with the selected supplier for the
living wage project in 2021 has been difficult. Whereas
the project met with much enthusiasm from the onset,
it diminished in the second half of 2021. A partial
explanation is again the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic, as a result of which priority was given
to maintaining the company rather than the living
wage project.
Sociale Audits
At present, two of the twelve Tier 1 suppliers have a
valid audit. This means that the 2021 target has not
been achieved. One of the reasons is that in early 2021,
the Amfori BSCI platform was renewed, which meant
that all connections to suppliers in the platform were
lost. These connections had to be re-established by
manually inviting suppliers to the platform.
Unfortunately, even after repeated invitations,
four suppliers did not accept them.
Another cause is that Chinese and Indian suppliers
were not always accessible to auditors last year
due to COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, audits
have been postponed and fewer suppliers have a
valid social audit.
Next steps
Our agent in India is making every effort to maintain
contact with the suppliers about the Factory Support
Programme and the living wage project. Babyface also
has regular meetings with SAVE, Arisa and Top Notch
to keep in touch with the developments of both
projects and to find out how Babyface can support all
parties in the best possible way. The balance between
stimulating and not asking too much is very
important. This way we intend to reach our goal to
have all four suppliers follow the training programme
in 2022.
In order to increase the number of valid social audits,
it is important that Babyface encourages suppliers to
accept Amfori BSCI’s invitations from Babyface. Hereto
we will have to convey the urgency to the suppliers
through our agents. With regard to the four suppliers
for whom Babyface can initiate audits, we also have to
keep a close eye on when audits expire and when
suppliers’ factories reopen to receive auditors.
36 37
Achievements
in 2021
8 training courses
for senior and middle
management
4 training courses for
factory workers
14 training sessions for
worker committees
3 Deep Dive
3. Greater sustainability of materials
A vital element of environmental social governance
at Babyface is greater sustainability of materials.
The choice of materials largely determines the impact
on people and the environment.
MODINT MATERIALEN MATRIX
Our collections consist of 84% cotton. The cultivation
and processing of cotton have a large negative impact
on people and the environment, especially deeper in the
chain where the cotton is picked by hand. There is a
high risk of possible child labour and we are not yet
fully aware of these locations. Therefore, our focus is on
finding alternatives with greater sustainability to
In order to determine which materials we consider to
have greater sustainability, we use the Modint Fibre
Matrix. We consider all materials in the columns of
‘preferred’, ‘better’ and ‘best’ to be more sustainable.
BEST BETTER PREFERRED CONVENTIONAL
Cotton recycled cotton (GOTS) Organic cotton (GOTS) Better Cotton (BCI)
Man-made
cellulosic fiber
Lyocell with recycled
content
Refibra TM
conventional cotton, such as Better Cotton or organic
Preferred visose
Lenzing Austria
Livaeco by Birla
Cellulose TM
Ecovero TM
cotton with the GOTS certificate. Babyface aims to
purchase at least Better Cotton as an alternative to
conventional cotton, because Better Cotton supports
more farmers in farming with greater sustainability
(see text box). This is our minimum requirement and
our preference is for organic cotton with the GOTS
certificate, because the GOTS certificate has stricter
requirements.
Cotton made in Africa
(CmiA)
Cotton in conversion
Lyocell
Tencel TM
Conventional cotton
Conventional viscose
Wool Recycled Wool (GRS) Recycled Wool (GRS) Responsible Wool (RWS) Virgin wool
Polyester
Polyamide
© Copyright Modint 2021 - the MFM cannot be circulated, printed, copied or used in any other way without
reference to Modint and use of Modint lay-out and logo. Visit www.modint.nl for more information
Mechanically recycled
polyester (GRS)
Mechanically recycled
polyamide
Recycled polyester van
PET bottles (GRS)
REPREVE ®
Chemically recycled
polyamide (GRS)
ECONYL ®
(Partially) Biobased
polyester
Sorona ®
(Partially) Biobased
polyamide
Sorona ®
Linen Organic linen (GOTS) Linen
Hemp Organic hemp (GOTS) Hemp
https://modint.nl/thema/buying-production/documenten/149-modint-fiber-matrix
Virgin polyester
Virgin polyamide
GOTS certified cotton
The GOTS quality label shows that an article contains
at least 70% organic cotton and that all tiers in the
supply chain that contributed to the production of the
article complies with their established social and
ecological conditions. This makes GOTS one of the
leading and most comprehensive quality labels.
Babyface was GOTS certified in 2020, meaning that
when the entire supply chain is GOTS certified,
we can use the GOTS logo on our articles. Not all links
in the chain may be GOTS certified, for example
because it requires an investment from the factory.
In that case we don’t use the logo on the article.
Still, we can proudly state that our articles are made
of organic cotton.
GOALS
2021 50% ✗ more sustainable materials. ✗
2022 50% more sustainable materials.
2023 65% more sustainable materials.
2024 75% more sustainable materials.
Achievement
In 2021, 33% of the materials of the Babyface
collections consisted of alternatives with greater
sustainability. With this, we did not reach our
set target and ended up slightly lower than the
35% organic cotton in 2020.
Organic cotton shortage
One of the reasons for this is that, at the beginning of
the year, we were informed by our supplier that for the
Babyface collection winter 2021 we could not buy any
organic cotton with the GOTS certificate nor any
organic cotton without a label.
The demand for organic fabrics has risen sharply
worldwide and it takes a cotton farmer on average
three years to convert to organic cultivation. This
means that it can take a long time before sufficient
Better Cotton
Better Cotton is a non-profit organisation that aims to
help cotton producing communities prosper and grow
while protecting and restoring the environment.
Through Better Cotton and its partners, farmers
receive training in water efficiency, care for health of
the soil and natural environment, reduction of the use
of the most harmful chemicals and application of the
principles of decent work. Farmers who apply this
system are licensed to sell Better Cotton. Better Cotton
is derived from a mass balance system and is not
physically traceable to finished products. See
bettercotton.org/massbalance for details.
2021
Polyester 11,6%
Polyamide 0,04%
Elastaan 3,3%
Organic
cotton 15,7%
Viscose 0,59%
Better Cotton 17,5%
Acryl 0,25%
Conventional
cotton 50,8%
38 39
4. Circularity
Babyface aims to explore circular business models that may include circular design,
rental and lending models and circular fabrics. The current fashion system follows the
linear model of buying, wearing and throwing away. Circularity, on the other hand,
focuses on a closed-loop where materials, even after being worn, go back into the
production process.
organic cotton is available again. An additional
problem is that in the autumn of 2020, Global Organic
Textile Standard (GOTS) discovered a large-scale fraud
involving fake organic cotton from India. Following an
investigation, GOTS identified 20,000 tonnes of cotton
that had been wrongfully certified as organic. With the
disappearance of the availability of organic cotton with
the GOTS quality mark, the challenges of ensuring
social conditions in the supply chain are growing.
The GOTS certificate not only verifies the quantity of
organic fibres but also the good working conditions
in all links of the production process.
switched all conventional cotton to Better Cotton for
all our jerseys and sweats that are produced in India,
because Better Cotton supports more farmers in
farming with greater sustainability. We are proud
of this!
We have also choices with greater sustainability in our
polyester consumption. Together with a manufacturer
that produces jackets for us, we were able to have part
of our polyester jackets made from recycled polyester
for the 2022 collections. You can read more about this
under the fourth and next pillar ‘Circularity’.
GOALS
2022 10% of the jacket collection is made from (partly from) recycled polyester
2022 80% of the polybags are made from recycled plastic
2023 50% of the polyester used in the Babyface collection is made from recycled polyester
2023 100% of polybags are made from recycled plastic
2025 a circular business model is integrated alongside the current (linear) business
model
Better Cotton
We continue to invest in materials of greater
sustainability in the Babyface collection. Babyface is
not in the business of fighting for the last available
ball of cotton and at sky-high market prices, but is
investing in the transition to cotton farming with
greater sustainability. That’s why we joined Better
Cotton in 2021 and have set Better Cotton as our
minimum requirement for future collections.
Next steps
Due to the shortage of organic cotton, we had to
postpone our targets for 2021 until 2022. In 2021 we
were able to achieve substantial growth in materials
of greater sustainability for the 2022 collections.
For example, for our New Born Capsule ‘Tiny Story’ we
were able to buy organic cotton again. We have also
Achievements
in 2021
18% Better Cotton
16% Organic cotton
Achievement
By 2022 Babyface wants to use at least 10% recycled
polyester instead of conventional polyester. For this
reason Babyface has been certified for the Global
Recycled Standard since January 2022.
We are currently seeking additional support from
circularity experts and companies to help us set up
circular models. In June 2021, two of our employees
will follow a three-day course. We have also contacted
Drop & Loop and Wolkat who are jointly capable of
facilitating the entire chain of recycling and production
for brands such as Babyface. After the first talks we are
very excited about a possible cooperation!
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international,
voluntary standard that sets requirements for the
certification of recycled raw materials and the thirdparty
chain of custody. GRS includes the following
targets:
• Alignment of recycled definitions across multiple
applications.
• Verification of recycled content in products.
• Provide consumers (both brands and end users)
with a tool to make informed decisions.
• Reducing the harmful impact of production on people
and the environment.
• Providing assurance that products are processed with
greater sustainability.
• Encourage higher percentages of recycled material
in products.
40 41
3 Deep dive
5. Reduction of CO 2
, water, energy and chemicals
Babyface wants to look after a sustainable planet, so that our children can continue
to enjoy themselves without any worries. The earth’s climate is changing due to excessive
greenhouse gas emissions and the use of water and chemicals by societies. For example,
a great deal of water, energy and chemicals is consumed in the production of clothing.
Dyeing and finishing textile accounts for 17% to 20% of all industrial water pollution
(Source: globalfashionagenda.com). Growing cotton also uses a substantial amount of water.
In conclusion, in 2021 our ESG Manager became part
of the steering committee of the Green Deal Circular
Textiles of the Amsterdam Economic Board in order
to acquire more knowledge and, together with other
partners, put first initiatives into practice.
For four generations, Wolkat has been an
international group of innovative textile recycling
companies that control the entire textile recycling
chain. The textiles are collected by Wolkat, sorted,
recycled and produced again into a recycled product.
This gives Wolkat a unique position in the world as
they can operate in a fully circular and transparent
manner. Drop & Loop is a Wolkat subsidiary with
clothing-collection machines and boxes mainly in
supermarkets and clothing shops.
Next steps
The next step is to purchase fabrics and yarns made
from recycled polyester.
In addition, we will continue to discuss with Drop &
Loop and Wolkat the development of products from
recycled materials for the Babyface collection. Part of
this collaboration includes encouraging retailers that
sell Babyface to place a collection machine or
collection box in their shop. In this way, Babyface looks
forward to being able to complete the recycling loop.
Achievements
in 2021
Certified for the Global
Recycling Standard
GOALS
2022 Per tier 1 supplier 2 shipment samples have been tested.
2023 Multi-Year Policy on Wet Processes and Chemicals Use and Manufacturing
Restricted Substances List (MRSL) have been set up.
2025 There are no harmful chemicals in our finished products or in the processes
used to make the clothes.
2025 Babyface uses CO 2
-neutral transportation modes and packaging.
Babyface has taken the first steps in reducing chemicals
by drawing up a Restricted Substances List (RSL) in
2019. An RSL is a list of chemicals that we do not want
to be found in Babyface clothing. To ensure this for our
baby collection, Babyface’s baby items comply with
Oeko-tex and REACH standards.
REACH
REACH (EC 1907/2006) aims to improve the protection
of people and the environment by identifying chemical
substances more accurately and at an earlier stage.
This way, we can ensure that products are free of
harmful substances that pose a health risk.
Oeko-tex standard 100
Products with this certificate are free from hazardous
substances. The substances tested are: illegal
substances, legally regulated substances, known
harmful substances and health care parameters.
42 43
3 Deep Dive
Achievement
Although we have not set any targets for 2021 for
reducing CO2, water, energy and chemicals, we have
obviously not been idle.
As of 2020, we calculated how many of our items were
transported by air. In 2020, it turned out that 45% of
CO2 emissions were caused by air shipments, which
only accounted for 2% of total transport. In 2021, 6.5%
of our items were transported by air, unfortunately,
more than in 2020. Our policy is that only in very
exceptional cases aircraft will be used as a means
of transport. This occurred once in 2020, for a large
subsequent order. In 2021, the aircraft was used for
products of which the production had been delayed by
the COVID-19 pandemic. Air transport was necessary
to get the products to the shops on time.
In addition to reducing C02 emissions, we have
also taken steps in the areas of water, energy and
chemicals. Babyface’s new ESG specialist followed
an introductory training course on ‘Wet Processing
and Chemical Management’ at Modint. In addition,
we have made contact with Modint to verify how the
testing of shipment samples is organised.
In addition, we have updated the 2019 RSL in 2021
which reflect new insights on chemicals.
Next steps
At the beginning of May 2022, we will analyse the
Babyface shipment samples for the risk of harmful
chemicals. We will select a number of high-risk
products per supplier and have them tested. In
addition, we will draw up a long-term plan together
with Modint on how we can improve the wet processes
and the use of chemicals in the production of our
clothing together with the supplier. Part of this will
be the setting up of an MRSL.
A Manufacturing Restricted Substances List focuses
on all the chemical substances used in the
manufacturing process of a garment.
A Restricted Substances List only takes into account
the chemicals that end up on the finished garment.
We are aware that we ask a lot from our suppliers,
especially in the context of our two social projects
with Arisa and SAVE. Follow-up steps to reduce CO 2
,
water, energy and chemicals, where we need to make
much use of our suppliers, will be taken after these
projects are completed. We have chosen to do this
to remain realistic in what we can expect from our
suppliers and ourselves in terms of workload.
Achievements
in 2021
6,5% transport by air
93,5% transport by sea
Updated Restricted Manufacturing List
44 45
Responsible Business Conduct EK Fashion
Responsible Business Conduct EK Fashion
EK Fashion * , May 2021
As a major retail service organisation in
Europe, it’s our job to pursue a profitable
and sustainable retail industry. We care
for our collections, the materials and the
full supply chain related to our carefully
selected garments. We aim for long term
relations with our business partners to
co-create the most beautiful product, but
also to take care of the people involved.
We want to get insight in the social and
environmental impact of our products
and work on improvement where needed.
Transparency of production places and
circumstances are of great importance.
EK Fashion has a responsible purchasing
policy based on social and environmental
criteria for the supply chain based on
international standards, conventions and
guidelines. Working in compliance with all
applicable laws and regulations on human
rights, the environment and product safety
is of great importance, but international
standards are leading if they are more
stringent.
We ask all our suppliers and subcontractors,
from raw material to end product, to
support us in our corporate responsibility
program and to work according the
standards below.
1. Our common responsibility – Due
diligence
Under the UNGPs 1 and OECD Guidelines 2 ,
enterprises bear a responsibility for
preventing and reducing any adverse impact
on people and the environment by their
own operation or business relationships in
the production or supply chain. This means
acting in an ethical and transparent way
that contributes to the health and welfare
of society. This is the baseline for our Due
Diligence policy integrated in our corporate
responsibility program.
EK Fashion supports the Conventions of
the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
and expects suppliers to act in accordance
with the conventions of the ILO. These
conventions are, along with the relevant UN
Declarations and the OECD guidelines, the
basis for our responsible business conduct.
We have identified nine specific themes
by mutual agreement and in discussion
with stakeholders which currently merit
the priority attention of enterprises in the
garment and textile sector operating in
the Netherlands in terms of international
responsible business conduct (RBC). These
themes are, in no particular order:
1. Discrimination and gender;
2. Child labour;
3. Forced labour;
4. Freedom of association;
5. Living wage;
6. Safety and health in the workplace;
7. Raw materials;
8. Water pollution and use of chemicals,
water and energy;
9. Animal welfare.
We added, based on the ILO and OECD
guidelines for the garment and footwear
industry:
• Working hours
• Ethical trade, no bribery and corruption
• No Sexual harassment and sexual and
gender-based violence (SGBV) in the
workplace
• Grievance mechanism
We will do our due diligence and give
particular attention on these themes and we
expect this as well from our suppliers. This
means that, with regard to these themes,
suppliers will identify any possible adverse
impact in the supply chain, set specific
objectives and take measures which are
suitable in the light of the insights resulting
from their due diligence process.
We ask you to inform us about any possible
risk regarding human rights violation, animal
abuse and environmental hazards related
to our products to cooperate to minimizing
these risks. To identify these risks, we
prepared a questionnaire and kindly ask you
to fill out and send back to us.
Our buying behaviour
We are part of the value chain and therefore
we want to take our responsibility regarding
sourcing and buying. It is very important
to inform us when our buying behaviour
does not support the international social
and environmental standards set below.
We work according to the following buying
strategy:
Forecasting:
We will particularly ask for long-term
contracts to increase predictability and
stability. This will also enable suppliers
to plan for investments in machinery,
equipment and human resources.
We will:
• work on a stable planning.
• Share forecast and purchasing plan
with our supplier and, if possible book,
capacity.
• Allow to start production early for
NOOS styles
• Communicate changes in your forecast/
purchasing plan on time.
Product development:
• provide clear technical specs and
requirements
• Ask our supplier for feedback on new
developments
• Review our sampling process with
efficiency in mind
• Work with photo’s/online video when
possible or consider virtual prototyping
• Supply a target price for the product
Price negotiation:
• Get insight in price calculations and the
production process
• Calculate in cooperation with our
supplier and getting help to get the best
quality for the best price.
• Consider material cost, labour, transport,
testing, audits and the profit for the
supplier
Payment conditions:
• Pay on time
• Pay what we agreed on Order
placement, production, lead time
• We have a time & action plan with
deadlines for all contributors (buyer and
supplier)
• We agree on realistic lead time
• We make an agreement on late style/
order changes
• We work on understanding the local
and cultural differences
2. Social & Environmental Compliancy
The responsible business conduct aims to
attain compliance with certain standards.
Supplier companies, in addition, must
ensure that the responsible business
conduct is also observed by subcontractors
involved in production processes of final
manufacturing stages. Within the scope
of options for action and appropriate
measures, supplier companies have to
aim at the implementation and reporting
of the following criteria in a development
approach. EK Fashion declares that we will
only work directly with subcontractors 3
that are prequalified through the same
rigorous processes to those used for direct
contractors. Approved subcontracts may
be reviewed on a semi-regular (e.g. annual)
basis to remain approved. Workers of those
sub-contractors should have access to
grievance mechanisms, similar to those of
direct contractors. We ask for transparency
to know where our products are made and
to be able to ask questions regarding social
and environmental conditions.
2.1 Social Compliancy
Below written the most important ILO
conventions related to human rights at the
work floor.
Prohibition Child Labour and working
conditions of young workers ILO
Conventions 10, 79, 138, 142 and 182 and
Recommendation 146.
There shall be no use of child labour. “The
age for admission to employment shall
not be less than the age of completion
of compulsory schooling and, in any case,
not less than 15 years.” “There shall be
no forms of slavery or practices similar to
slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of
children, debt bondage and serfdom and
forced or compulsory labour. [...] Young
workers [in the age of 15-18] shall not
perform work which, by its nature or the
circumstances in which it is carried out, is
likely to harm their health, safety or morals.”
Children and young persons under 18 shall
not be employed at night or in hazardous
conditions.
Where young workers are employed,
business partners should ensure that the
kind of work is not likely to be harmful to
their health or development; their working
hours do not prejudice their attendance
at school, their participation in vocational
orientation approved by the competent
authority or their capacity to benefit from
training or instruction programs.
Business partners shall set the necessary
mechanisms to prevent, identify and
mitigate harm to young workers; with
special attention to the access young
workers shall have to effective grievance
mechanisms and to Occupational Health
and Safety trainings schemes and
programmes.
Child Labour Due Diligence Bill
By signing this RBC you take part in our
Due Diligence Policy and you approve that
you will do anything you can to identify,
prevent and if necessary address the issue
of child labour in our supply chain.
We need to comply with the Dutch Law on
Child labour Due Diligence on combating
child labour in global supply chains, that
comes into force as of January 2020. Dutch
companies and their supply chain business
partners will have to declare that they have
addressed the issue of child labour in their
supply chains. This law requires companies
to identify, prevent and if necessary address
the issue of child labour in their supply
chains. We ask our suppliers to cooperate
and be transparent about sub- contractors
and sub-suppliers and possible risks
within the supply chain of our products
so we can cooperate in combating child
labour. Risk studies show that the severe
risks are mainly at cotton farming and wet
processing (like spinning mill) stage.
EK Fashion’s CSR manager, needs to be
informed in high risk situations, for example
when cotton comes from countries or
facilities where forced labour is required
and so the risks on child labour occurs.
Ask your suppliers about their social
management systems, latest audit reports
or certifications like WRAP, SA 8000, Fair
Trade, GOTS, Better Cotton or Organic
Content Standard, or any other standard
that entails Child labour.
Prohibition of Forced and compulsory
Labour and Disciplinary Measures ILO
Conventions 29 and 105.
There shall be no use of forced, including
bonded or prison, labour. All forms of
forced labour, such as lodging deposits or
the retention of identity documents from
personnel upon commencing employment,
are forbidden as is prisoner labour that
violates basic human rights.
Prohibition of Discrimination ILO
Conventions 100, 111, 143, 158, 159, 169
and 183.
No discrimination shall be tolerated in hiring,
remuneration, access to training, promotion,
termination or retirement based on gender,
age, religion, race, caste, birth, social
background, disability, ethnic and national
origin, nationality, membership in workers’
organisations including unions, political
affiliation or opinions, sexual orientation,
family responsibilities, marital status, or
any other condition that could give rise to
discrimination.
No Sexual harassment and sexual and
gender-based violence (SGBV) in the
workplace
Our business partners are encouraged to
adopt a zero-tolerance policy on sexual
and gender-based violence and strict
measures against sexual harassment in
its own operations. The enterprise should
articulate its expectations of suppliers and
other business partners to likewise adopt
1
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are a set of guidelines for States and companies to prevent, address and remedy human
rights abuses committed in business operations. http://www.ungpreporting.org/
2
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises are recommendations addressed by governments to multinational enterprises operating in or
from adhering countries. They provide non-binding principles and standards for responsible business conduct in a global context consistent with
applicable laws and internationally recognized standards. http://www.oecd.org/corporate/mne/
3
Subcontracting to third parties is a fairly common practice at many stages of the garment supply chain. Subcontracting enables an enterprise to
respond quickly to short lead times and changes in orders, to specialize in certain tasks. Outsourcing, however, can also decrease transparency in
the supply chain and has been demonstrated to increase the risk of human rights and labour abuses and environmental impacts in higher-risk contexts.
Therefore the due diligence measures that Euretco should take to mitigate these risks should be increased. Source: OECD due diligence guide
*EK Fashion is a trade name of Euretco B.V.
46 47
Responsible Business Conduct EK Fashion
a policy on sexual harassment and sexual
and gender-based violence. Enterprises are
encouraged to include the following in their
internal policies
• a commitment to foster an environment
at work free from harassment, bullying
and violence
• clear consequences for breaking the
enterprise’s standards
• a commitment to hear grievances, to
provide a “reprisal-free” complaints
mechanism (e.g. operational-levelgrievance
mechanism) and to maintain
the confidentiality of workers or
employees who raise complaints
Freedom of Association and the Right to
Collective Bargaining ILO Conventions 11,
87, 98, 135 and 154
The right of all workers to form and join
trade unions and bargain collectively shall
be recognised. The company shall, in those
situations in which the right to freedom
of association and collective bargaining
are restricted under law, facilitate parallel
means of independent and free association
and bargaining for all workers. Workers’
representatives shall not be the subject
of discrimination and shall have access to
all workplaces necessary to carry out their
representation functions.
Payment of a living wage ILO Conventions
26 and 131
Wages and benefits paid for a standard
working week shall meet at least legal or
industry minimum standards and always be
sufficient to meet basic needs of workers
and their families and to provide some
discretionary income. Deductions from
wages for disciplinary measures shall not
be permitted nor shall any deductions from
wages not provided for by national law be
permitted. Deductions shall never constitute
an amount that will lead the employee
to receive less than the minimum wage.
Employees shall be adequately and clearly
informed about the specifications of their
wages including wage rates and pay period.
EK Fashion works with its suppliers to
make salaries transparent and to establish
living wages that are paid to employees to
provide for the basic needs of the employee
and his family. Together, we formulate
measurable goals and draw up an action plan.
Working Hours ILO Conventions 1 and 14
and ILO Recommendation 116.
Hours of work shall comply with applicable
laws and industry standards. In any event,
workers shall not on a regular basis be
required to work in excess of 48 hours per
week and shall be provided with at least
one day off for every seven-day period.
Overtime shall be voluntary, shall not exceed
12 hours per week, shall not be demanded
on a regular basis and shall always be
compensated at a premium rate.
Safe and healthy working conditions ILO
Convention 155
A safe and hygienic working environment
shall be provided, and best occupational
health and safety practice shall be promoted,
bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge
of the industry and of any specific hazards.
Appropriate attention shall be paid to
occupational hazards specific to this branch
of the industry and assure that a safe and
hygienic work environment is provided for.
Effective regulations shall be implemented to
prevent accidents and minimise health risks
as much as possible. Physical abuse, threats
of physical abuse, unusual punishments
or discipline, sexual and other harassment,
and intimidation by the employer is strictly
prohibited.
No Sandblasting
EK Fashion does not accept the sandblasting
process being used for our products, since
this is affecting the health of workers.
Legally binding employment relations
Obligations to employees under labour or
social security laws and regulations arising
from the regular employment relationship
shall not be avoided through the use of
labour-only contracting arrangements, or
through apprenticeship schemes where
there is no real intent to impart skills or
provide regular employment. Younger
workers shall be given the opportunity
to participate in education and training
programmes.
Ethical trade: no bribery and corruption
Enterprises should consider the good
practices put forth in the OECD Good
Practice Guidance on Internal Controls,
Ethics and Compliance, which includes:
• Strong, explicit and visible support and
commitment from senior management
to the company’s internal controls,
ethics and compliance programmes or
measures for preventing and detecting
bribery, including the bribery of foreign
public officials;
• A clearly articulated and visible
corporate policy prohibiting bribery,
including the bribery of foreign public
officials; and
• Oversight of ethics and compliance
programmes or measures regarding
bribery, including the bribery of foreign
public officials, including the authority to
report matters directly to independent
monitoring bodies such as internal audit
committees of boards of directors or of
supervisory boards, is the duty of one
or more senior corporate officers, with
an adequate level of autonomy from
management, resources and authority.
Grievance mechanism
EK Fashion needs a commitment to hear
grievances from workers, to provide a
“reprisal-free” complaints mechanism (e.g.
operational-level-grievance mechanism) and
to maintain the confidentiality of workers
or employees who raise complaints. For
example Amfori has an online grievance
mechanism at their website. It provides a
platform for individuals and organizations
to submit a grievance if they feel they
have been negatively affected by amfori’s
activities. The amfori secretariat will review
the External Grievance Mechanism process
where necessary to continuously improve
the grievance handling procedure. We ask
Amfori to remind workers of their rights and
this online grievance mechanism. 4
2.2 Environmental Responsibility
Suppliers should assess significant
environmental impact of operations
and establish effective policies and
procedures that reflect their environmental
responsibility. They will see to implement
adequate measures to prevent or minimise
adverse effects on the community, natural
resources and the overall environment.
EK Fashion asks suppliers to have
procedures and standards for the use of
water and energy, handling and disposure
of chemicals and other dangerous materials,
waste management, emissions and effluent
treatment. The procedures and standards
must meet at least the minimum legal
requirements.
No use of energy of non-renewable
sources and minimizing Green house
Gas (GHG) emissions
Suppliers shall keep records of the current
energy sources and emissions and reduce
the use of energy of non-renewable
sources. Targets will be set to work with
green energy sources and thus reduce
emissions to air.
The consumption of energy of nonrenewable
origin is one of the main
causes of greenhouse gas emissions. The
production of textile and garments is an
energy intensive process. Measuring GHG
emissions is a critical first step to reducing
the carbon footprint of an enterprise’s
activities. It helps an enterprise to assess its
impact on the climate and to design costeffective
emission reduction plans.
• Establish an energy management plan
at the site-level that includes companywide
coordinated measures for energy
management. We ask our suppliers
to measure, report and minimize their
energy consumption and GHG wherever
possible.
• Also, we do encourage our suppliers
to make use of renewable energy
sources like wind- and solar energy. We
ask our supplier to research and use
technologies which use less energy, like
LED lightning.
• Implement best available techniques
(BAT) as defined by Best Available
Techniques Reference Documents for
the sector or sub-sector 3 5 .
• Implement energy efficiency measures
(e.g. energy conservation technology,
optimization of steam generation and
pressurized air, waste heat recovery
from waste water and waste gas,
process optimization, etc.)
• Implement energy conservation
measures (e.g. implementation of
energy saving through improvements in
the process and reaction conditions)
• Increase efficiencies and quality so as
to reduce need for re-processing due to
failures
• Install and operate accurate meters
and/or measuring software as a
fundamental step to benchmarking
performance and to initiating efficiency
improvement
Limitations to water use and clean waste
water
The supplier shall measure water use and
determine whether it can source from water
stressed areas responsibly – for example, by
promoting water efficiency and/or reducing
process dependence on fresh water
amongst its suppliers. Waste water must be
treated and tested before releasing to the
environment. The supplier shall comply to
national waste water legislation.
Throughout the production of textiles, a lot
of water is used. In general, most water is
used for cotton cultivation (2/3 or more of
the total volume). Textile processing uses far
less water but causes most water pollution.
This puts great pressure on the availability
and the quality of water in areas where
cultivation and processing take place. Water
use, the source and waste water in the wet
processing also deserves serious attention,
because of the local pollution impact.
• We ask our suppliers to deliver a
(waste) water policy, testing procedure
and/or a copy of one of the standards.
We ask our suppliers to provide, (LCA)
data on water, energy and chemicals
and emissions. Use the ZDHC (Waste
Water) guidelines and the Unido water
calculator: https://watercalculator.dnvgl.
com/Home/Form.
• We want to be informed about the
water source (rain, groundwater, lake,
etc)
• We would like to offer suppliers more
information on a cleaner production
process through the ZDHC, OECD
guidance or MODINT Factsheets which
we could provide to you.
No hazardous Chemicals
No hazardous chemicals shall be used in
processing stage and released in water
or air. Employees shall be protected and
equipped with the right safety measures
and appropriate training. Chemicals shall be
stored and labeled accurately.
Chemicals are used everywhere in the
production of goods. Apart from the
pesticides and fertilizers in the natural fiber
production, the ‘big’ issue, mainly in the
textile chain, is the use of chemicals in
bleaching, dyeing, printing and finishing
and how it effects workers, water and air
effluents.
• Design phase: The base of the use of
chemicals use lies in the design choices.
We ask our business partners to inform
us if any design decision leads to the
use of hazardous chemicals.
• Manage and report production
phase: From there it is important
for our company to know which
specific chemicals are used (chemical
inventory) and how they are used in
the processing. The use of harmful
chemicals during these stages of
production could be harmful for the
environment and the workers and may
leave traces in the final product and
thus appear to the consumer.
• Make a Chemical Risk assessment:
An environmental or human health
risk assessment includes hazard
identification, hazard characterization,
exposure assessment and risk
characterization.
The first two steps are regarded as the
process of hazard assessment. The
methodology of the environmental risk
assessment should align with OECD
guidance. See OECD Environmental
Risk Assessment Toolkit 6 .
The methodology of the health risk
assessment should align with the World
Health Organization guidance. See
International Programme on Chemical
Safety, WHO Human Health Risk
Assessment Toolkit: Chemical Hazards 7 .
Health risks are also addressed in Module 5,
Occupational Health and Safety.
4
https://www.amfori.org/sites/default/files/amfori%20External%20Grievance%20Mechanism%20policy-.pdf
5
https://eippcb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/reference/
48 49
Responsible Business Conduct EK Fashion
Restricted Substances List (RSL)/
Manufacturing Restricted Substances
List (MRSL)
The restricted substances list (RSL) in
annex 1 is intended to inform our suppliers
on international (upcoming) regulations
restricting or banning the use of chemicals
in apparel products including accessories
attached to garments for example zip
fasteners, buttons, etc. and packaging
materials. The RSL takes most of the
world’s regulations into account (incl.
REACH, POP), as well as harmful chemicals
listed by NGO’s.
• We ask our suppliers to purchase
materials without harmful substances.
Please inform your fabric- or yarn
supplier about the RSL and risk matrix
where chemicals are related to certain
raw materials and processing steps and
inform EK Fashion about test results
based on risk assessments.
• If the supplier buys directly from
chemical agencies make sure it are
firms with a CR management system.
• Make use of the (ZDHC)MRSL (https://
www.roadmaptozero.com/mrsl_online).
It is there to provide suppliers with
a harmonized approach to managing
chemicals during the processing of raw
materials into the readymade fabric
within our supply chain. The MRSL
achieves this by providing a clear list of
priority chemicals and specifying the
maximum concentration limit of each
substance within commercial chemical
formulations.
• We ask our suppliers to inform us
about wet processing management (of
sub suppliers) to eliminate hazardous
chemicals from our products, to keep
a chemical inventory and to work with
Material Safety Data Sheets for workers.
Inform us when you/sub suppliers
cooperates with ZDHC, SAC (Higg
Index) or Amfori BEPI.
• Implement best available techniques
(BAT) as defined by Best Available
Techniques Reference Documents for
the sector or subsector. See Integrated
Pollution Prevention and Control,
Best Available Techniques Reference
Document for the Textiles Industry,
2003) 8 .
Valid Processing standards
A valid health OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
product certificate covers most of legal
requirements of this RSL. Processing
standards are of higher value, like: GOTS,
Blue Sign or Step (or similar). These
standards, in the annex, make sure that
that no harmful chemicals are used in
processing.
• When commercially acceptable, we
ask our suppliers to work as much as
possible with one of the following or
similar standards and to provide us with
a copy of the scope and transaction
certificates.
• It is important to work with accredited
audit organisations ( e.g. by textile
exchange.)
Raw Material Policy
EK Fashion wants to lower the impact of
her raw materials. Cotton is one of the most
polluting fibres and very important for our
collections, therefore we want to work with
the better, low impact options.
• We ask our suppliers to keep records
on the content and source of our raw
materials
• To source for sustainable or preferred
raw materials (indicated in annex 3)
and offer alternatives to conventional
materials.
• It is important to measure, reduce and
reuse material waste where possible.
In annex 4 we listed standards and
certifications, related to sustainable raw
materials like organic- or recycled cotton,
which aims to reduce the impact during
cultivation and/or processing of textile fibres.
The standards and certifications cover the
fibre production phase which impacts water-,
chemical- and energy use, effluents and
possibly labour conditions. They do not cover
the finishing substances used, e.g. dyes that
are included in the processing standards.
• We ask our suppliers to offer available
sustainable raw materials and to use/
ask for one of the following or similar
standards and to provide us with a copy
of the scope and transaction certificates
or other proof of compliancy.
Valid raw material certifications
In annex 4 we listed standards and
certifications, related to sustainable
raw materials like organic cotton, aim to
reduce the impact during cultivation and
processing of textile fibres. The standards
and certifications cover the fibre production
phase that has impact on water, chemical
and energy use and labour conditions. They
do not cover the finishing substances used,
e.g. dyes that are included in the processing
standards.
• We ask our suppliers to use one of the
following or similar standards and to
provide us with a copy of the scope- and
transaction certificates.
Animal welfare
We ask suppliers of wool, silk, leather,
down and feathers and any other animal
derived fibre:
• To prevent, reduce and eradicate animal
suffering in the production or supply
chain.
• To provide animal welfare guarantees
when products of animal origin are
used.
• To follow below provision guidelines
where animals are concerned in our
supply chain:
1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - by
ready access to fresh water and a diet
to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from Discomfort - by providing
an appropriate environment including
shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease -
by prevention or rapid diagnosis and
treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour -
by providing sufficient space, proper
facilities and company of the animal’s
own kind.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress - by
ensuring conditions and treatment
which avoid mental suffering.
Endangered Species Policy
EK Fashion does not accept any raw
materials from any endangered species as
listed on the IUCN Red List 9 , as critical
endangered, near threatened, endangered,
extinct in the wild, or vulnerable on the
IUCN Red List. Therefore, suppliers must
provide animal welfare guarantees when
products of animal origin are used.
EK Fashion does not accept Real exotic
animal skins (incl. snake, alligator, crocodile,
lizard and ostrich).
Fur -EK Fashion does not accept animal fur
Silk - EK Fashion does not accept silk from
moth that have been boiled alive.
Animal hair (e.g. Cashmere, Angora,
Mohair) - EK Fashion does NOT permit
that hairs are collected from animals in an
animal-unfriendly manner (see guideline
above).
• We ask our suppliers to provide a third
party certificate that proofs good animal
husbandry.
Leather - Real leather and suede from
sheep, pigs, goats and cattle reared for
meat production & synthetic leather are
accepted. All other leather variations are
NOT permitted!
• We prefer leather processed through
facilities rate by Gold, Silver, Bronze by
the Leather Working Group or facilities
STeP by OEKO-TEX certified.
Down Feathers Policy - EK Fashion does
not accept Down/Feathers from live-plucked
birds and from force fed birds. EK Fashion
only accepts Down/Feathers from meat
production and prefers Down/Feathers
that are certified to the Textile Exchange
Responsible Down Standard.
• Our business partners must submit a
declaration or certificate guarantee that
all Down filled garment/items are Nonlive
plucked down.
Wool & Mulesing Policy - We endorse the
IWTO- standards for animal welfare and
demand that the Five Freedoms for Animal
Welfare must be respected. Mulesing is a
surgical procedure carried out on (mainly
Merino) sheep to prevent flystrike.
• EK Fashion only accepts wool from
sheep that have not been mulesed
and prefers wool that is certified to
the textile Exchange Responsible Wool
Standard. Recycled wool, certified
according to the recycled wool standard
could be a solution to prevent mulesing.
Man-made Cellulosic Fibres Policy - EK
Fashion does not accept products (Viscose,
Rayon, Modal and Lyocell) deriving from
illegally logged sources, ancient and
endangered forests, as listed in the IUCN
Red list as critical endangered, near
threatened, endangered, extinct in the
wild, or vulnerable. EK Fashion prefers
sustainably certified wood products (e.g.
FSC)
Packaging - Since plastic is nonbiodegradable,
recycling is a part of global
efforts to reduce plastic in the waste stream,
especially the approximately eight million
metric tonnes of waste plastic that enter
the earth’s ocean every year. Soft Plastics
are also recycled such as polyethylene film
and bags.
• We ask our supplier to actively research
and offer options which are a better
choice for the environment: Reusable,
recycled and/or reduction of packing
materials.
Plastic - We ask our suppliers to use
preferred plastics for our products
and packaging like recycled plastics
and biodegradable plastics (see GRS
certification) of e.g. PLA (corn sugars).
Cardboard - We ask our suppliers to use
recycled or FSC/PEFC certified cardboard.
We aim to only use cardboard and paper
packaging which consists of 100% recycled
paper fibre.
Waste reduction - We ask our suppliers
to reduce (raw) material wase as much
as possible and preferably join a recycling
program (packaging waste, material cutting
waste etc.)
3. Management System, Monitoring,
documentation, verification
The supplier company shall define and
implement a management system to
ensure that the requirements of the
Responsible Business Conduct can be
met. Management is responsible for the
correct implementation and continuous
improvement by taking corrective measures,
as well as the communication of the
requirements of the RBC to all employees
and subcontractors. It shall also address
employees’ concerns of non-compliance
with this Code of Conduct. EK Fashion will
be informed about non-compliances and
follow up.
• If the buying behaviour of EK Fashion
impacts the compliancy to this RBC we
will be informed immediately.
In our accompanied questionnaire we
will ask you to provide us with sufficient
information to prove the origin and
sustainability of our products. If you have
any questions please let us know.
The requirements in the Responsible
Business Conduct are requirements that
we want to achieve together. These are our
common goals. We are open for discussion
if suppliers are not capable to meet these
requirements. We are certain that many of
our suppliers have even higher demands
of themselves. Therefore, we want you to
provide us with the relevant certifications
and reports to confirm this. By signing this
RBC statement, you commit yourself to it.
The undersigned hereby confirms that:
We have read the Responsible Business
Conduct (RBC) and accept the terms
required of us as suppliers and will inform
and cooperate with our subcontractors and
sub suppliers working on products of EK
Fashion. We will inform EK Fashion and
discuss non- compliances and the issues
involved in their product’s supply chain.
6
https://www.oecd.org/env/ehs/risk-assessment/environmental-risk-assessment-toolkit.htm 7 https://www.who.int/ipcs/methods/harmonization/areas/ra_toolkit/en/
8
https://eippcb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/reference/BREF/txt_bref_0703.pdf
9
IUCN Red List: Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information
source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. See https://www.iucnredlist.org/
50 51
Babyface intends to be transparent about the sustainable steps we take and how
we do this. We trust to have contributed to this through this annual report. If you
should like to learn more about the products of Babyface and our journey towards
sustainability, please contact us.
Babyface, part of EK Fashion
Koninginneweg 1, 3871 JZ Hoevelaken, Netherlands
Contact: sustainability@ek-retail.com
Copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced and/or published by photocopy or film or in any other way without the prior permission of EK Fashion.
EK Fashion is not liable for any errors in this report.