Procurement
Corporate Procurement: Act Ethical, Think Local
Corporate procurement wields immense power to shape economies, societies, and communities. From uniforms and PPE to promotional merchandise, businesses have the opportunity to drive positive change through their procurement choices. By leveraging this power strategically and ethically, companies can support local industries, drive innovation, mitigate risk, and uphold human rights.
The Local Textile, Clothing, and Footwear Industry
Australia’s textile, clothing, and footwear (TCF) industry remains a vital part of the local economy, contributing more than $27.2 billion annually, generating a further $7.2 billion in exports, and employing almost half a million people. However, “locally made” does not always mean “ethically made.”
Similar to the TCF industry globally, the industry in Australia faces risks of poor labour conditions, exploitation, and modern slavery—primarily due to complex, often hidden supply chains.
These risks are compounded by a heavily gendered workforce; over 70% of local garment workers are women, many from migrant, refugee, or asylum-seeking backgrounds who may have limited English proficiency. Outworkers (predominantly women working from their homes in isolation) are particularly vulnerable due to the hidden nature of their work and the lack of oversight of their working conditions.
Thankfully, businesses have a unique opportunity to contribute to positive, systemic change and play a role in ending exploitation in the garment industry by choosing local and ethical procurement. By supporting ethically accredited suppliers, companies can uphold human rights, ensure fair treatment of workers, and foster a sustainable and thriving local industry.
The Case for Choosing Local and Ethically Accredited Businesses
Ethical procurement from Ethical Clothing Australia accredited businesses goes beyond compliance; it offers a range of benefits that enhance business operations, strengthen brand reputation, and contribute to a fairer society. By choosing locally and ethically sourced products, your company can…
- Protect Human Rights: Ethical procurement protects workers’ rights, including social rights to ensure fair wages are paid, and maintains safe working conditions, aligning with global efforts to eradicate modern slavery.
- Mitigate Risk and Ensure Compliance: Ethical procurement simplifies compliance with local, national and international standards, regulations, and laws reducing administrative burdens.
- Minimise Legal and Reputational Risks: Adopting ethical procurement practices helps organisations minimise the risk of legal issues and protect their reputation from the negative impacts of unethical supply chain practices.
- Increase Efficiency and Flexibility: Investing in ethical procurement shortens production timelines and offers greater flexibility for customisation, enabling quicker responses to market demands and streamlining operations
- Highlight Ethical Commitment: Ethical procurement aligns with ESG and SDG frameworks, showcasing a company’s dedication to ethical practices and social responsibility.
- Boost Confidence and Transparency: Ethical procurement improves visibility and accountability in supply chains, supporting efforts to reduce exploitation through better monitoring and oversight of production processes.
- Encourage Innovation: Ethical procurement provides stable contracts that enable local manufacturers to invest in new technologies and practices, fostering innovation and skills development in the sector.
- Shorten Supply Chains: Procuring locally reduces dependence on international supply chains, minimises disruptions, and contributes to the resilience and sustainability of the local manufacturing industry.
- Foster Employee Pride and Alignment: Sourcing ethically produced uniforms and PPE can foster a sense of pride and alignment among employees, reflecting the company’s values and commitment to responsible practices.
- Boost Trust: Supporting local workers, families, suppliers, and manufacturers through ethical procurement enhances brand reputation and fosters goodwill.
Why Ethical Clothing Australia Accreditation?
Ethical Clothing Australia is a not-for-profit accreditation body dedicated to protecting the rights of local garment workers and championing local manufacturers. For nearly 25 years, our rigorous accreditation program has helped businesses meet their obligations under the Textile, Clothing, Footwear, and Associated Industries (TCFAI) Award and other relevant Australian workplace legislation.
Leveraging the subject matter expertise of the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union, our industry-specific and multi-stakeholder approach is recognised globally as one of the strongest audit and accreditation systems. Together with our growing community of accredited businesses, we raise awareness about the importance of ethical production, centred on the rights, experiences, and voices of workers.
Doing Good is Good for Business
Local and ethical procurement is not just a trend; it’s the future of responsible business. By supporting accredited Australian manufacturers, businesses can enhance their brand reputation, appeal to ethically conscious consumers, reduce supply chain risks, and gain a competitive advantage – all of which contribute to increased profitability and long-term success.
If your company wants to ensure that your uniforms, merchandise, and PPE are made under fair conditions—where workers receive the wages and rights they deserve under Australian law—it’s time to commit to procuring from businesses accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia.
Are you ready to lead the way and set a powerful example of what it means to be a socially responsible business? Contact us today.
Explore our Directory of accredited ethical businesses and for more information please visit: bit.ly/ethicalcorporateprocurement.
