An Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA), accreditation not only demonstrates to your customers that your business is committed to supporting the local Australian textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry, but also that your supply chain is transparent and ethical from design to dispatch. ECA’s accreditation program is focused on ensuring that local garment workers are being paid appropriately, receiving all the legal minimum entitlements and working in safe workplaces throughout the entire supply chain. In the local industry many workers are not aware of their rights and entitlement and many businesses utilise highly fragmented supply chains and outsource parts of their making to outworkers or homeworkers. An ECA accreditation certifies that your business values the people that make your products. It means that no matter where they work, or where they work in the supply chain, you have had third-party checks undertaken to ensure compliance with the relevant Australian workplace laws. By being accredited you are contributing to a stronger, more ethical industry in Australia.
Show That You Value The People Who Make Your Products
By getting accredited you are demonstrating that your business values the people who make your products. It means that no matter where they work, or where they work in the supply chain, you have had third-party checks undertaken to ensure compliance with the relevant Australian workplace laws.
Connect With Customers
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 textile, clothing and footwear products and in a range of other promotional formats.
Demonstrate That Your Business Has An Ethical Supply Chain
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. It sets you apart from your competitors.
Show Your Products Are Made In Australia
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 that they are purchasing has been manufactured locally in Australia.
Promote Your Ethical Production
In a highly competitive textile, clothing and footwear 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.
Receive Industry Training & Education
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 Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia and be guided through your responsibilities.
Retail & Procurement Recognition
ECA connects your business with relevant government procurement and retail opportunities. Many ECA businesses have secured government tenders amplified by their accreditation.
Network With Local Manufacturers & Other ECA Businesses
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 yourself, you will also be promoted to potential clients looking for new suppliers. It’s a win-win!
Manage Risks & Protect Your Business
ECA assists you in managing the risks associated with supply chain, particularly if you are outsourcing. Not only is there great value in third-party compliance and supply chain management for the textile, clothing and footwear workers, it can also be used to manage brand reputation risk as the public interest in unethical business practices continues to increase.