About Gina Tricot
| Design process
| Social responsibility
Shop consciously | Our collaborations | Our staff | Work for us
Shop consciously | Our collaborations | Our staff | Work for us
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
CODE OF CONDUCT
Corporate Responsibility
Gina Tricot takes responsibility all the way from production to the completed garment in the store. Taking responsibility for our employees’ wellbeing is as important as taking responsibility for the impact our products have on the world around us. We thus place a number of requirements on our suppliers.
We manage our purchasing activities from the head office in Borås, Sweden, and sometimes on-site in our suppliers’ countries. We visit our suppliers to maintain production quality and to ensure that our stringent ethical requirements are complied with.
As regards wages, working hours, health and safety issues, those that we hire to manufacture our products must follow our code of conduct. The requirements are based on international labour standards (ILO). We have also chosen to add requirements based on chemicals management and animal husbandry.
Environmental responsibility
We are openly proud of our day-to-day environmental work. Its foundation is a solid environmental policy and clear environmental targets that help us to continually improve our activities.
Gina Tricot’s head office in Borås is a certified Green Building. This means that the building consumes at least 25% less energy than the amount prescribed by Swedish construction standards. We also always have green electricity contracts for our stores and offices. All of Gina Tricot’s plastic bags were replaced by bags made of recycled plastic in the spring of 2011.
Members organisations
Gina Tricot has been a member of BSCI, the Business Social Compliance Initiative, since 2008. BSCI is an organisation with more than 700 member companies that aims to improve working conditions in supplier countries. BSCI gathers hundreds of companies around a shared code of conduct and supports them in their work to create ethical supply chains. As a member of BSCI, Gina Tricot has access to a platform for following up our suppliers and, as a participant in BSCI, must implement the shared conduct of conduct in our supply chain. http://www.bsci-intl.org/resources/information-kit
Along with around thirty other Swedish textile and leather companies, we are also part of the Sweden Textile Water Initiative, STWI. The aim is, over two years, to learn more about the major factors in the textile and leather industry that have an impact on water quality. STWI is seeking to produce guidelines for sustainable water use in the production chain. The project runs until May 2012 and is conducted in partnership with SIWI. (SIWI = Stockholm International Water Institute) www.stwi.se
In order to keep us updated and informed in the field of chemicals, Gina Tricot has been a member of Swerea IVF’s chemicals group since 2008. This gives us access to expertise and allows us to share experiences with other companies in the industry. http://extra.ivf.se/kemi/
Donating clothes
We work with the Human Bridge and Fretex aid organisations. Excess garments, defective goods and clothes that do not fulfil our quality standards are donated to charity and a range of aid projects. Gina Tricot never donates clothing that does not fulfil the safety demands or chemicals restrictions with which we comply. http://www.humanbridge.org and http://www.fretex.no
Environmental policy
Gina Tricot’s environmental policy
Together with the following environmental objectives, our environmental policy is an important tool in our efforts to take into account the environment and to work constantly with improvements to our business.
Know-how
We shall inform, train and motivate all employees so that they can perform their duties in an
environmentally responsible manner. Responsibility for the environment shall be a natural
part of the daily operations. Environmental legislation and regulatory demands shall constitute
the minimal basis for our environmental work and we aim to exceed these demands.
Our collections
We shall utilise the opportunity to replace materials and/or products with those that are less
harmful, as well as increasing the number of collections made of more sustainable materials.
Our suppliers shall comply with laws and regulations in the countries where they operate.
The list of restricted chemicals is continuously updated to enable us in collaboration
with our suppliers to ensure that we comply with REACH and the industry
standards.
Stores and offices
We shall prioritise environmental issues when setting up new stores and implement environmental
improvements in existing facilities. We shall use energy in a responsible and
economical manner and gradually shift to electricity from renewable energy sources in all
stores and offices. We will work to minimize waste and recycle what we can.
Information
The information about Gina Tricot’s environmental impact and environmental work is important
and shall be available to everyone. We shall communicate closely with our customers and other stakeholders in order to make the most of their comments in developing our business.
To live up to our environmental policy, we shall
Take the environment into account when investing and ensure that the costs of environmental
improvement measures are profitable in the long term.
Utilise knowledge of environmental issues and promote and encourage our employees to get involved and inform others.
Promote and encourage environmental awareness among our suppliers and customers, and make them aware of their environmental responsibilities.
Actively collaborate with other companies, suppliers, authorities and organisations to work together for a more sustainable textile production. Our ability to make an impact is strengthened by working together.
Clearly label goods produced using alternative materials to facilitate the customer to make an active green/environmental choice.
Base our environmental targets on environmental impact, and monitor, evaluate and revise our environmental policy continuously.
Prioritise reuse and recycling.
Prioritise environmental work and allocate resources.
Spread good ideas and experiences.
Utilise knowledge of environmental issues and promote and encourage our employees to get involved and inform others.
Promote and encourage environmental awareness among our suppliers and customers, and make them aware of their environmental responsibilities.
Actively collaborate with other companies, suppliers, authorities and organisations to work together for a more sustainable textile production. Our ability to make an impact is strengthened by working together.
Clearly label goods produced using alternative materials to facilitate the customer to make an active green/environmental choice.
Base our environmental targets on environmental impact, and monitor, evaluate and revise our environmental policy continuously.
Prioritise reuse and recycling.
Prioritise environmental work and allocate resources.
Spread good ideas and experiences.
BSCI Code of Conduct
In accordance with the ILO Conventions, the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN's Conventions on children's rights and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the UN Global Compact and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and other relevant internationally recognised agreements, the BSCI Code of Conduct aims to attain compliance with certain social and environmental standards. By signing the BSCI Code of Conduct companies are, within their scope of influence, committed to acknowledge the social and environmental standards laid down in this Code and to take appropriate measures within their company policy for their implementation and compliance. Supplier companies, in addition, must ensure that the Code of Conduct is also observed by subcontractors involved in production processes of final manufacturing stages carried out on behalf of BSCI members.
Within the scope of options for action and appropriate measures, these supplier companies have to aim at the implementation of the following criteria in a development approach:
Within the scope of options for action and appropriate measures, these supplier companies have to aim at the implementation of the following criteria in a development approach:
1. Legal compliance
Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, industry minimum standards, ILO and UN Conventions, and any other relevant statutory requirements whichever requirements are more stringent. In the agricultural context, ILO Convention 110 shall be respected.
2. Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining
All personnel shall have the right to form, join, and organise trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively on their behalf with the company. The company shall respect this right, and shall effectively inform personnel that they are free to join an organisation of their choosing and that their doing so will not result in any negative consequences to them, or retaliation, from the company. The company shall not in any way interfere with the
establishment, functioning, or administration of such workers’ organisations or collective bargaining. In situations where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining are restricted under law, the company shall allow workers to freely elect their own representatives. The company shall ensure that representatives of workers and any personnel engaged in organizing workers are not subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation for reason of their being members of a union or participating in trade union activities, and that such representatives have access to their members in the workplace.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 11, 87, 98, 135 and 154.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 11, 87, 98, 135 and 154.
3. Prohibition of Discrimination
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.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 100, 111, 143, 158, 159, 169 and 183.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 100, 111, 143, 158, 159, 169 and 183.
4. Compensation
Wages paid for regular working hours, overtime hours and overtime differentials shall meet or exceed legal minimums and/or industry standards. Illegal, unauthorised or disciplinary deductions from wages shall not be made. In situations in which the legal minimum wage and/or industry standards do not cover living expenses and provide some additional disposable income, supplier companies are further encouraged to provide their employees with adequate compensation to meet these needs. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure are forbidden, unless this is permitted by national law and a freely negotiated collective bargaining agreement is in force. Supplier companies shall ensure that wage and benefits composition are detailed clearly and regularly for workers; the supplier company shall also ensure that wages and benefits are rendered in full compliance with all applicable laws and that remuneration is rendered in a manner convenient to workers.
All overtime shall be reimbursed at a premium rate as defined by national law. In countries where a premium rate for overtime is not regulated by law or a collective bargaining agreement, personnel shall be compensated for overtime at a premium rate or equal to prevailing industry standards, whichever is more favourable to workers’ interests.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 12, 26, 101, 102 and 131.
All overtime shall be reimbursed at a premium rate as defined by national law. In countries where a premium rate for overtime is not regulated by law or a collective bargaining agreement, personnel shall be compensated for overtime at a premium rate or equal to prevailing industry standards, whichever is more favourable to workers’ interests.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 12, 26, 101, 102 and 131.
5. Working Hours
The supplier company shall comply with applicable national laws and industry standards on working hours and public holidays. The maximum allowable working hours in a week are as defined by national law but shall not on a regular basis exceed 48 hours and the maximum allowable overtime hours in a week shall not exceed 12 hours. Overtime hours are to be worked solely on a voluntary basis and to be paid at a premium rate. In cases where overtime work is needed in order to meet short-term business demand and the company is party to a collective bargaining agreement freely negotiated with worker organisations (as defined above) representing a significant portion of its workforce, the company may require such overtime work in accordance with such agreements. Any such agreement must comply with the requirements above.
An employee is entitled to at least one free day following six consecutive days worked. Exceptions to this rule apply only where both of the following conditions exist:
a) National law allows work time exceeding this limit;
and b) A freely negotiated collective bargaining agreement is in force that allows work time averaging, including adequate rest periods.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 1 and 14 and ILO Recommendation 116.
An employee is entitled to at least one free day following six consecutive days worked. Exceptions to this rule apply only where both of the following conditions exist:
a) National law allows work time exceeding this limit;
and b) A freely negotiated collective bargaining agreement is in force that allows work time averaging, including adequate rest periods.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 1 and 14 and ILO Recommendation 116.
6. Workplace Health and Safety
The company shall provide a safe and healthy workplace environment and shall take effective steps to prevent potential accidents and injury to workers’ health arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work, by minimising, so far as is reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards inherent in the workplace environment, and bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards.
A clear set of regulations and procedures must be established and followed regarding occupational health and safety, especially the provision and use of personal protective equipment, access to clean toilet facilities, access to potable water and if appropriate, sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided. The company shall ensure that any dormitory facilities provided for personnel are clean, safe, and meet the basic needs of the personnel. All personnel shall have the right to remove themselves from imminent serious danger without seeking permission from the company.
Workplace practice and conditions in dormitories which violate basic human rights are forbidden. In particular young workers shall not be exposed to hazardous, unsafe or unhealthy situations.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 155, 184 and ILO Recommendations 164 and 190.
In particular, a management representative responsible for the health and safety of all personnel and accountable for the implementation of the Health and Safety elements of the BSCI shall be appointed. All personnel shall receive regular and recorded health and safety training, moreover, such training shall be repeated for new and reassigned personnel. Systems to detect, avoid or respond to potential threats to health and safety of all personnel shall be established.
A clear set of regulations and procedures must be established and followed regarding occupational health and safety, especially the provision and use of personal protective equipment, access to clean toilet facilities, access to potable water and if appropriate, sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided. The company shall ensure that any dormitory facilities provided for personnel are clean, safe, and meet the basic needs of the personnel. All personnel shall have the right to remove themselves from imminent serious danger without seeking permission from the company.
Workplace practice and conditions in dormitories which violate basic human rights are forbidden. In particular young workers shall not be exposed to hazardous, unsafe or unhealthy situations.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 155, 184 and ILO Recommendations 164 and 190.
In particular, a management representative responsible for the health and safety of all personnel and accountable for the implementation of the Health and Safety elements of the BSCI shall be appointed. All personnel shall receive regular and recorded health and safety training, moreover, such training shall be repeated for new and reassigned personnel. Systems to detect, avoid or respond to potential threats to health and safety of all personnel shall be established.
7. Prohibition of Child Labour
Child labour is forbidden as defined by ILO and United Nations Conventions and/or by national law. Of these various standards, the one that is the most stringent shall be followed. Any forms of exploitation of children are forbidden. Working conditions resembling slavery or harmful to children's health are forbidden. The rights of young workers must be protected. In the event that children are found to be working in situations which fit the definition of child labour above, policies and written procedures for remediation of children found to be working shall be established and documented by the supplier company. Furthermore, the supplier company shall provide adequate financial and other support to enable such children to attend and remain in school until no longer a child.
The company may employ young workers, but where such young workers are subject to compulsory education laws, they may work only outside of school hours. Under no circumstances shall any young worker’s school, work, and transportation time exceed a combined total of 10 hours per day, and in no case shall young workers work more than 8 hours a day. Young workers may not work during night hours.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 10, 79, 138, 142 and 182 and Recommendation 146.
The company may employ young workers, but where such young workers are subject to compulsory education laws, they may work only outside of school hours. Under no circumstances shall any young worker’s school, work, and transportation time exceed a combined total of 10 hours per day, and in no case shall young workers work more than 8 hours a day. Young workers may not work during night hours.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 10, 79, 138, 142 and 182 and Recommendation 146.
8. Prohibition of Forced and compulsory Labour and Disciplinary Measures
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.
Neither the company nor any entity supplying labour to the company shall withhold any part of any personnel’s salary, benefits, property, or documents in order to force such personnel to continue working for the company.
Personnel shall have the right to leave the workplace premises after completing the standard workday, and be free to terminate their employment provided that they give reasonable notice to their employer.
Neither the company nor any entity supplying labour to the company shall engage in or support trafficking in human beings.
The company shall treat all personnel with dignity and respect. The company shall not engage in or tolerate the use of corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion and verbal abuse of personnel.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 29 and 105.
Neither the company nor any entity supplying labour to the company shall withhold any part of any personnel’s salary, benefits, property, or documents in order to force such personnel to continue working for the company.
Personnel shall have the right to leave the workplace premises after completing the standard workday, and be free to terminate their employment provided that they give reasonable notice to their employer.
Neither the company nor any entity supplying labour to the company shall engage in or support trafficking in human beings.
The company shall treat all personnel with dignity and respect. The company shall not engage in or tolerate the use of corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion and verbal abuse of personnel.
- In accordance with ILO Conventions 29 and 105.
9. Environment and Safety Issues
Procedures and standards for waste management, handling and disposure of chemicals and other dangerous materials, emissions and effluent treatment must meet or exceed minimum legal requirements.
10. Management Systems
The supplier company shall define and implement a policy for social accountability, a management system to ensure that the requirements of the BSCI Code of Conduct can be met as well as establish and follow an anti-bribery / anti-corruption policy in all of their business activities. Management is responsible for the correct implementation and continuous improvement by taking corrective measures and periodical review of the Code of Conduct, as well as the communication of the requirements of the Code of Conduct to all employees. It shall also address employees’ concerns of non compliance with this Code of Conduct.
The following annexes are integral part of this Code of Conduct:
-Declaration of the supplier company
- Terms of implementation
- Consequences of Non-Compliance
Brussels, November 2009
The following annexes are integral part of this Code of Conduct:
-Declaration of the supplier company
- Terms of implementation
- Consequences of Non-Compliance
Brussels, November 2009
Declaration
Declaration of Liability Regarding Compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct
We, the undersigned hereby confirm:
- That we have received and taken due note of the BSCI Code of Conduct of November 2009, the BSCI System: Rules and Functioning, and the Management Manual.
- That we are aware of all relevant laws and regulations of the country or countries in which our company operates.
- That we will inform >Name of BSCI Member< in case of conflict between provisions of the BSCI Code of Conduct and any applicable laws or regulations in our countries of operation.
- That we will observe and conform to the BSCI Code of Conduct in its entirety based on a development oriented approach and without amendment or abrogation.
- That we will inform all of our subcontractors of the contents and requirements of the BSCI Code of Conduct, and that we will ensure that they also comply with the provisions incorporated therein.
- That >Name of BSCI Member< and any organisations acting on its behalf may carry out audits with or without notice at our business premises and the business premises of our subcontractors at any time.
Furthermore:
- We agree to carry out a self-assessment of our social performance, and that of our subcontractors upon the request of >Name of BSCI Member<, and to submit the details of these assessments to Name of BSCI Member for evaluation. This will take the form of a completed BSCI self-assessment questionnaire.
- We shall notify >Name of BSCI Member< of the location of all business premises used for the production of goods and / or delivery of services for >Name of BSCI Member<. We guarantee that the production of goods and / or delivery of services for >Name of BSCI Member< is carried out exclusively at the locations we have indicated. We understand that failure to inform >Name of BSCI Member< of the location where work for its products and / or services are carried out is adequate justification for the immediate and unconditional termination of all business and contractual relationships.
- We will use the BSCI management manual exclusively for purposes relating to business and monitoring activities of the BSCI and >Name of BSCI Member< . We will not allow any third parties not involved in the BSCI compliance/monitoring process to have access to this manual.
Date.......................... Name of Company ..........................
Signature..................... Company Stamp/Seal
Name.......................... Address...................................
This document must be signed by a duly authorised representative of the company and returned to >Name of BSCI Member<.
- That we have received and taken due note of the BSCI Code of Conduct of November 2009, the BSCI System: Rules and Functioning, and the Management Manual.
- That we are aware of all relevant laws and regulations of the country or countries in which our company operates.
- That we will inform >Name of BSCI Member< in case of conflict between provisions of the BSCI Code of Conduct and any applicable laws or regulations in our countries of operation.
- That we will observe and conform to the BSCI Code of Conduct in its entirety based on a development oriented approach and without amendment or abrogation.
- That we will inform all of our subcontractors of the contents and requirements of the BSCI Code of Conduct, and that we will ensure that they also comply with the provisions incorporated therein.
- That >Name of BSCI Member< and any organisations acting on its behalf may carry out audits with or without notice at our business premises and the business premises of our subcontractors at any time.
Furthermore:
- We agree to carry out a self-assessment of our social performance, and that of our subcontractors upon the request of >Name of BSCI Member<, and to submit the details of these assessments to Name of BSCI Member for evaluation. This will take the form of a completed BSCI self-assessment questionnaire.
- We shall notify >Name of BSCI Member< of the location of all business premises used for the production of goods and / or delivery of services for >Name of BSCI Member<. We guarantee that the production of goods and / or delivery of services for >Name of BSCI Member< is carried out exclusively at the locations we have indicated. We understand that failure to inform >Name of BSCI Member< of the location where work for its products and / or services are carried out is adequate justification for the immediate and unconditional termination of all business and contractual relationships.
- We will use the BSCI management manual exclusively for purposes relating to business and monitoring activities of the BSCI and >Name of BSCI Member< . We will not allow any third parties not involved in the BSCI compliance/monitoring process to have access to this manual.
Date.......................... Name of Company ..........................
Signature..................... Company Stamp/Seal
Name.......................... Address...................................
This document must be signed by a duly authorised representative of the company and returned to >Name of BSCI Member<.
Terms of Implementation
All suppliers are obliged to take the measures necessary to implement and monitor the BSCI Code of Conduct:
Management Responsibilities:
- by informing management and suppliers about the content of the BSCI Code of Conduct.
- by establishing where responsibility lies within the company's organisation regarding all BSCI Code of Conduct issues.
- by appointing one or more management employees to be responsible for implementation of the BSCI Code of Conduct.
- by monitoring company compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct and implementing necessary changes at its facilities.
Employee Awareness:
- by giving a statement of their support for the principles of the BSCI Code of Conduct to their employees and by informing and instructing their employees and those of their subcontractors regarding the contents of the BSCI Code of Conduct. The company must have the BSCI Code of Conduct translated in its entirety into the appropriate local language(s) and have it displayed in a prominent position at its facility and other premises. Employees must also receive verbal orientation and information regarding the Code of Conduct in a language they understand.
- by regularly training employees in workplace safety and on the impact of their activity on society and the environment.
Record-Keeping:
- by keeping records of the names, ages, working hours and the wages paid to all employees and making these documents available to BSCI auditors on request.
- by documenting the location of dangerous materials and other potential hazards
- by monitoring and maintaining safety equipment and materials
- by keeping up to date documentation regarding relevant statutory requirements and regulations.
Complaints and Corrective Action:
- by appointing an employee responsible for handling complaints related to BSCI issues.
- by documenting and investigating complaints from employees or third parties related to BSCI issues, and reporting on their substance and any necessary corrective measures arising from them.
- by making the resources available to implement necessary corrective measures.
- by refraining from dismissals or other disciplinary measures against employees who pass on information regarding compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct.
Suppliers and Sub-Contractors:
- by making the introduction of social standards and compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct a condition of all contracts into which it enters with suppliers.
- by asking suppliers to report regularly about their progress in implementing the BSCI Code of Conduct.
Monitoring:
- by providing BSCI Members with relevant information about their activities and all production sites.
- by allowing audits of their business premises and activities and those of their subcontractors to be carried out at any time with or without prior notice by organisations acting on behalf of BSCI members.
- by informing management and suppliers about the content of the BSCI Code of Conduct.
- by establishing where responsibility lies within the company's organisation regarding all BSCI Code of Conduct issues.
- by appointing one or more management employees to be responsible for implementation of the BSCI Code of Conduct.
- by monitoring company compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct and implementing necessary changes at its facilities.
Employee Awareness:
- by giving a statement of their support for the principles of the BSCI Code of Conduct to their employees and by informing and instructing their employees and those of their subcontractors regarding the contents of the BSCI Code of Conduct. The company must have the BSCI Code of Conduct translated in its entirety into the appropriate local language(s) and have it displayed in a prominent position at its facility and other premises. Employees must also receive verbal orientation and information regarding the Code of Conduct in a language they understand.
- by regularly training employees in workplace safety and on the impact of their activity on society and the environment.
Record-Keeping:
- by keeping records of the names, ages, working hours and the wages paid to all employees and making these documents available to BSCI auditors on request.
- by documenting the location of dangerous materials and other potential hazards
- by monitoring and maintaining safety equipment and materials
- by keeping up to date documentation regarding relevant statutory requirements and regulations.
Complaints and Corrective Action:
- by appointing an employee responsible for handling complaints related to BSCI issues.
- by documenting and investigating complaints from employees or third parties related to BSCI issues, and reporting on their substance and any necessary corrective measures arising from them.
- by making the resources available to implement necessary corrective measures.
- by refraining from dismissals or other disciplinary measures against employees who pass on information regarding compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct.
Suppliers and Sub-Contractors:
- by making the introduction of social standards and compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct a condition of all contracts into which it enters with suppliers.
- by asking suppliers to report regularly about their progress in implementing the BSCI Code of Conduct.
Monitoring:
- by providing BSCI Members with relevant information about their activities and all production sites.
- by allowing audits of their business premises and activities and those of their subcontractors to be carried out at any time with or without prior notice by organisations acting on behalf of BSCI members.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If a supplier fails to meet the requirements of the BSCI Code of Conduct, and if no solutions can be agreed upon and implemented within a reasonable amount of time, a BSCI member may choose to halt current production, cancel corresponding contracts, suspend future contracts and/or terminate the business relationship with the non-conforming supplier. If an audit reveals less than full compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct, the supplier must take the prescribed corrective actions without delay. The period of time the supplier has to implement these corrective measures will be agreed upon with the auditors, but may not exceed twelve months. If a supplier excluded in the past on grounds of non-compliance shows later that it can comply fully with the BSCI Code of Conduct, there is, in principle, no reason why a business relationship cannot be resumed.
