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Australian brands in the limelight over how they treat workers

Perhaps more surprising is the inclusion of Inditex, owner of fast fashion giant Zara, in the top five.

Knop said fast-fashion brands have “contributed to a truly disruptive cultural shift, but some brands are actually doing more to mitigate the exploitation of workers than others.” explains.

Zara ranked high on the list despite its reputation as a giant of fast fashion.credit:bloomberg

She said the report is aimed at companies with more than $50 million in annual revenue because large employers “are in the position to do the most harm to the environment, but they are also in the position to make the most impact if they improve their practices.” I said I was focused.

One positive is that more brands are becoming more transparent about the final stage of factories where their garments are actually made. increase.

But given that the 120 companies surveyed had an average total score of 29, Knopf says even the companies ranked in the top 20% “still have a long way to go.”

“There is some good news, but I hope companies pick up the pace of change,” she said.

Melbourne-based Nobody Denim has shown progress toward paying factory workers a living wage.

Melbourne-based Nobody Denim has shown progress toward paying factory workers a living wage. credit:Getty

Julie Boulton, sustainability strategist at the Monash Institute for Sustainable Development, said indicators such as the Ethical Fashion Report “are very valuable in bringing attention to this issue.” She said a huge number of people still don’t habitually think about where their clothes come from.

“We know what we produce and what we consume. [goods] It’s too high for the world to handle,” he said. report On how the fashion industry can transition to a sustainable future.

A study by the Australian Fashion Council found that the average Australian buys 56 new pieces of clothing each year. However, most of them are cheap, with the average item costing just $6.50.

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Tamzin Laurason, a lecturer at RMIT University’s School of Fashion and Textiles, wonders whether reports like this can raise awareness of ethical fashion while changing consumer behavior. .

She said more laws are needed to create a level playing field so that consumers can shop with more confidence. That means consumers don’t have to do a lot of work with every purchase,” she said.

Lucian Tonti, author tanned and sustainable fashion advocates said it could be confusing “when a brand operating at the pace of fast fashion ranks high in a report like this.”

“Internationally, the industry acknowledges a lack of consensus on what is sustainable and ethical,” she said. “Over the next few years, I think we will become more clear and hopefully find a way forward. Until then, consumers need to approach all sustainable claims with discernment.” I have.”

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Australian brands in the limelight over how they treat workers

Source link Australian brands in the limelight over how they treat workers

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