Interesting article on guardian.co.uk
I just read an interesting article on The Guardian´s website. The article raises some questions which I think are essential for finding solutions to one of the most complex and diverse challenges of our industry: improving working conditions at supplier factories.
It´s questions like these: Is it per se wrong to source from developing countries? How much does the sales price of a garment tell about working conditions? And what can retailers do to tackle this challenge? The article also provides answers to these questions. It states that “retailers and brands have a choice: turn a blind eye to poverty and abuse, or use their buying clout to help change things for the better”, and I could not agree more with the second choice. The article also puts light on some measures which I think are key to turn this responsibility into reality. For example, building up long term, trustful relations with suppliers and helping them to improve their management systems. Other very important points are the need for collaboration and further efforts to help improve social dialogue in many of the countries where garments are made.
Complementing our extensive factory audit program, these are today some of the key focuses in the daily work of the more than 85 people at H&M around the world working to help our suppliers in becoming more sustainable. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all the hard work which has lead to so many improvements already and for tackling today´s often complex challenges with great passion and dedication.
Read the article and related information about H&M´s work here:
Helena Helmersson is our Head of Sustainability. Opinions expressed are her personal views and do not necessarily represent the official views of H&M. Do you have questions or feedback? Please click here.