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Date Submitted: 04/18/2013 07:29 AM
www.thetimes100.co.uk
Providing consumers with ethically sourced garments
Summary
Introduction
Much of UK high street fashion is produced abroad because of the lower material and labour costs in these countries. In order to meet consumer demand, Primark works with manufacturers worldwide. This study shows how Primark sources clothes in an ethical, fair and cost-effective way.
Producing on a large scale
Efficient operating process at Primark
Using fabrics produced locally to the manufacturer Reducing packaging and extensive use of multi-pack product
What are business ethics?
Business ethics are rules of conduct and principles that involve ‘doing the right thing’. They look after all those involved in the business process. Primark’s values include: • • • taking care of employees being good neighbours building ethical business relationships.
Minimal advertising
Focus on key garment sizes
Using off-season factory time for production
Ethics in practice
Primark ensures that its partners also act responsibly by: • having an Ethical Trade Director, who ensures Primark sources ethically and leads a team of ethical managers based in the key sourcing countries • being a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), an international body that improves workers’ lives worldwide. Primark also respects human rights and sets guidelines for employment in suppliers’ factories. Primark offers low prices through economies of scale, lean production and efficient operations. These make its manufacturing practices both efficient and ethical. For example, by using offseason factory time, costs are lower and staff get work when they might not have otherwise.
EDITION
Primark is aware of the challenges of operating ethically. It works in partnership with industry and international bodies seeking to promote good ethics. Primark bases its Code of Conduct on the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Code, which promotes ethical opportunities for workers....