Why get accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia?

By getting accredited, you are demonstrating that your business values the people who make your products. It means that no matter where a worker is in the supply chain, you have had third-party checks undertaken to ensure compliance with the relevant Australian workplace laws.

ECA accreditation gives you a competitive edge because it allows you to demonstrate independent, third-party assurance direct to your customers. Once compliant, you can use the ECA certification trade mark on your Australian made TCF products and in a range of other promotional formats.

ECA connects your business with relevant government procurement and retail opportunities. Many ECA accredited businesses have secured government tenders through their ECA accreditation.

ECA’s accreditation program is only focussed on textile, clothing and footwear products made in Australia. A major benefit of accreditation is the use of the certification trade mark that allows customers to know that the textile, clothing or footwear product that they are purchasing has been manufactured locally.

In a highly competitive industry, customers have access to products at any price point and they can be overwhelmed with choice. Being ECA accredited gives you the opportunity to differentiate your business and appeal to a growing ethical customer base.

Where possible, ECA tries to assist accredited businesses with their manufacturing relationships. Being part of the ECA community means it can be easier to find local manufacturers or value adders that will meet your needs. If you are a manufacturer, you will also be promoted to potential clients looking for new suppliers - it’s a win-win!

Just because a product is made in Australia, it does not mean that it has been made the right way. ECA accreditation allows you to demonstrate your compliance directly to potential customers and purchasers through the use of ECA’s certification trade mark. This will set you apart from your competitors.

When it comes to Australian labour laws, businesses need to ensure they are up-to-date with their obligations. As part of the accreditation process, you will also work collaboratively with Compliance Officers from the TCF Union and be guided through your responsibilities.

ECA assists you in managing the risks associated with supply chains, particularly if you are outsourcing. Not only is there great value in third-party compliance and supply chain management for TCF workers, it can also be used to manage brand reputation risk as public awareness of unethical business practices builds.