Ethical Sourcing Policy

We’re committed to maintaining our leadership role in our industry, by subscribing to high standards of ethical conduct.

We continually seek to ensure that the products and services we source are ethically produced.

Pre-Inspection

Prior to working with or investing in any factory/production facility our Production Manager (also a Trade-Bags Company Director) will personally inspect the facility. Most inspections are random (unannounced) to ensure that the facility can be viewed in operation, rather than in presentation-mode.

Also, to be sure about any facility we will ensure that we see one of our orders on the production floor because on some occasions the facility presented by the supplier may not actually be the facility used for production.

We need to be sure that our supply partners are adhering to our standards and the only way to do this is turn-up.

Preferred Suppliers

Must comply with relevant laws, regulations treaties, covenants or other agreements, such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards. Our suppliers must demonstrate a commitment to implementing policies and practices consistent with our own.

Labour Standards

We expect suppliers to have sound labour practices; we expect them to treat their employees fairly, in accordance with local laws and regulations relating to labour and employment.

Employment is Freely Chosen

Suppliers will not use forced, bonded or involuntary labour (prison labour). Workers must not be required to lodge ‘deposits’ or their identity papers with employers; they must be free to leave once their shift ends, or after giving their employer reasonable notice.

Child Labour

Suppliers shall not use child labour. ‘Child’ is deﬁned as a person who is younger than the local legal age for completing compulsory education. Suppliers shall verify the age of their workers and maintain copies of their workers’ proof of age. Suppliers shall follow all applicable laws, regulations and the ILO standards regarding working hours and conditions for all employees.

Involuntary Labour

Suppliers shall not use involuntary labour. ‘Involuntary Labour’ is deﬁned as work or services extracted from any person under threat or penalty of its non-performance, and for which the worker does not offer himself or herself voluntarily. It includes all manner of prison, bonded, indentured and forced labour. Workers must be free to leave once their shift ends and free to leave their employment after reasonable notice.

Immigration Law Compliance

Suppliers shall only employ workers who have a legal right to work, including workers obtained through an employment agency. Workers’ legal rights to work must be validated by reviewing original documentation prior to commencement of work.

Working Conditions are Safe and Hygienic

Suppliers shall provide a safe and hygienic working environment. They shall also provide continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and the ILO standards. Suppliers shall ensure that personal protective safety equipment is available and that workers are adequately trained in its use. Safeguards on machinery must meet or exceed local laws, and workers shall be provided with all appropriate protective equipment.

Working Hours

All working hours will comply with national laws and benchmark industry standards, whichever affords greater protection. Overtime work should be voluntary, and overtime should not be requested on a regular basis. Suppliers shall guarantee breaks and days off in compliance with applicable law.

Wages and Benefits

Suppliers shall provide wages and beneﬁts that comply with all local laws and regulations or match prevailing local manufacturing or industry rates, whichever is higher. Overtime pay shall be calculated at the legally required rate, regardless of whether workers are compensated hourly or by piece rate.

Regular Employment is Provided

To every extent possible, suppliers must ensure that all work is performed according to a recognised employment relationship established through national law and practices. Obligations to employees still apply even if employees :

work under apprenticeship schemes where there is no real intent to impart skills or provide regular employment
work under labour-only contracts
work from home
are required to sign and re-sign ﬁxed-term contracts of employment

Please find the attached files regarding the policy in the attachments below: