Did you know...?

That RISE: Reimagining Industry to Support Equality is a new initiative that was formed by BSR’s HERproject, Gap Inc. P.A.C.E, CARE, and Better Work? Let's take a closer look at what RISE is, which core strategies it pursues, and which specific areas of the garment industry it addresses.

That the new Fair Work Monitor, conducted by CNV Internationaal in collaboration with Cambodian trade unions, has shed light on alarming issues surrounding the living conditions of garment workers in the country?

That Bangladesh has a unique approach to implement model enterprise clinics in the RMG sector? Read our interview with Syed Saad Hussain Gilani, Chief Technical Advisor, ILO, about the importance of health facilities in RMG factories and what benefits they provide.

That the legislative landscape and the difficulty of financing decarbonization, the challenge presented at August’s Supplier Meet-up – waste management – resonated broadly across the group?  

That buyer surveys on Purchasing Practices do not produce credible data, and waste money and resources that brands and retailers could be spending elsewhere in the business? Read the latest article from Better Buying Institute President, Dr. Marsha Dickson and why she wants to put the brakes on, before this train gets out of control. 

That the textile industry in Pakistan has faced significant challenges in recent times, including the impact of the pandemic, economic crisis, and political unrest? Read our interview with Azizullah Goheer, Secretary General, of the Pakistan Textile Exporter Association (PTEA), to learn more. 

That exactly two years ago, we launched the Asia Garment Hub? Find out what our members have to say, get to know the team behind the Hub, and learn from our co-directors what exciting projects are coming up in the near future.

That grievance management - if handled right - can be an opportunity for more success in the factory? Read our interview with Sonja Westphal, founder and CEO of e-learning platform Sustify, about the importance of individual training, manufacturers' concerns, and why a system change is needed to introduce sustainable structures in grievance management.

That the launch webinar for the "Apparel Supplier’s Guide: Key Sustainability Legislations in the EU, US, and UK" is happening next Tuesday, 1 August? Don't miss out and register in time! You can find all information here. 

That the EU Commission is proposing rules to make producers responsible for the full lifecycle of textile products and to support the sustainable management of textile waste across the EU?

That leading apparel suppliers, in partnership with GIZ FABRIC and Transformers Foundation, will release a groundbreaking report on July 20th on sustainability-related legislation and their impact on global apparel suppliers and beyond?

That in light of the global trend towards digital payments, the importance of digital wages is on the rise? Read our interview with Virak Nuon, National Officer-Digital Wage Project of Better Factories Cambodia, about how digital wage payments have positively impacted workers' well-being in the garment industry.

That the Asia Garment Hub has a range of exclusive features from inside the industry in Asia? Dive into our new "Hub Exclusives" section and discover relevant topics from the garment and textiles industry!

That German brand ARMEDANGELS recently stated in their marketing campaign that there are no sustainable products? Read our interview with Katya Kruk, Impact & Innovation Director at ARMEDANGELS, about brand values, the influence of consumer behavior, the importance of transparency and fair wages.

That the first Bangladesh Circular Economy Summit is just around the corner and that the focus is on the general principles of the circular economy and how they apply to the Bangladesh economy as a whole and to the manufacturing sectors?

That the challenge shared at this month Supplier Meet-Up was about the difficulty of establishing data supply chains for LCA analysis? Read the full reflection piece about the 'Hidden Burdens of Well-Intentioned Standards' here. 

That starting June 1, Remake is launching the #NoNewClothes Challenge? The challenge calls on consumers to not buy new clothes for 90 days. We speak with Katrina Caspelich, CMO of Remake, about how this challenge addresses the larger systemic issues in the fashion industry.

That the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, in collaboration with GIZ FABRIC and TAFTAC, established the Responsible Business Hub (RBH) to address the increasing global demands for due diligence and sustainability?

That the Dindigul Agreement is the first legally binding agreement on Gender and caste-based violence in Asia, involving brands, supplier factory, local trade union and global labor stakeholders? 

That Pakistan's largest textile exhibition is coming up soon and that the theme of Texpo 2023 is "Weaving the way to Sustainability"? If you want to know more about Texpo, which stakeholders will attend, and what other topics will be discussed, you can learn more here. 

That this month’s Supplier-Meet-Up was about switching from coal to biomass? The company in question had already invested significantly in renewables - they have their own solar farm, and their goal is to be 100% renewable and 50% carbon neutral by 2026.

That 10 years ago this month, over 1130 Bangladeshi workers died and thousands more were injured when the Rana Plaza building collapsed? We want to know what has changed? Is the industry safer, and the Bangladeshi government better able to monitor compliance? What challenges remain?

That China is the world's largest exporter of textiles, with annual export revenues recently reaching $150 billion, and that more than 8 million people are employed in the textile industry? Learn more about the textile sector in China in our country profiles. 

That our digital library holds more than 770 resources across eight focus topics, including Purchasing Practices, Climate & Environment, Gender, Business & Productivity, and Digitalization?

That the objective of the Switch Garment project is to increase the competitiveness of Cambodian garment factories and decrease the industry's environmental impact through the adoption of sustainable energy practices?

That Bangladesh already has existing complaints structures for workers in the export-oriented textile and garment sector?

That the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) promotes the Bangladesh Apparel Sector and strengthens collaboration among the most influential stakeholders in the industry to tackle systemic issues?

That Supplier Meet-ups are private off-the record conversations open only to suppliers held once per month and each month, one supplier shares a specific a challenge they’re facing while the rest of the group shares feedback and offers support? Read this month’s challenge related to the cost of material certification. 

That you can learn a lot about Sustainable & Productive Business in the garment sector in just 5 minutes? Watch our Ask an Expert video with Anne Sutanto, Vice CEO of Indonesian Apparel giant PT Pan Brothers to learn more.

That we have a new theme page on the Asia Garment Hub? In this section you find news, best practices, current events and trainings around the topic of Due Diligence.

That BMZ is organizing a side session together with UNEP at the OECD Garment Forum in February? If you want to know how to get out of the policy tangle and coordinate a sustainable and circular textile value chain, learn more here.

That at last month’s Supplier Meet-Up, we tried out a new format: one supplier volunteered to share a challenge they’re dealing with while the rest of the group helped explore possible courses of action? Read why you should let go of the belief that decarbonization saves money.

That the amfori Climate Lab is a new initiative to raise climate awareness, deepen the conversation with amfori members, assess gaps and brainstorm collectively on ways to improve together and support each other?

That Germany's new act on supply chain due diligence came into force on January 1st, 2023? Find out what Dr. Marsha Dickson, president and co-founder of the Better Buying Institute, has to say about how brands and retailers can comply with Germany's new Supply Chain Due Diligence law.

That we recently updated our Supplier Meet-Ups page? And that the next Supplier Meet-Up will take place this Thursday 12 January at 9:30AM CET? Find out more here!

That "Hanging by a thread - the textile industry in Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic" is a digital exhibition designed to summarise results and showcase activities from different projects of the German Development Cooperation that were implemented in the textile industry in Asia during the pandemic?

That German outdoor brand deuter has developed a Promise Policy? We talk to Marco Hühn, Head of Quality Management, CSR, Repair Service at deuter Sport GmbH, about the importance of understanding suppliers' needs, and how the Promise Policy can help prepare for corporate Due Diligence obligations in supply chains at national and EU level.

That Remake published its Fashion Accountability Report 2022 based on their updated scoring system, which measures companies’ actions towards social and environmental justice goals, rather than their promises alone? Learn more about the positive trends in the fashion sector in 2022 and the negative impacts that require urgent change.

That we've completed our first video for our "Ask an Expert" section? If you want to learn more about transparency, watch the video and meet our experts Hannah Lennett and Ganga Sekar from the collaborative supply chain mapping platform Open Supply Hub.

That EdTech pioneer Quizrr reaches up to 1000 workers every day with its digital training tools? Read our interview with Spenser Bomholt Fain and Sandra Granath from Quizrr about the importance of representation, Quizrr's latest training course on Occupational Health & Safety, and what to consider when filming training materials.

That the next (virtual) Supplier Meet-Up is just around the corner? What’s being discussed? Host Kim van der Weerd picks up last month’s conversation to explore practical next steps vis-à-vis manufacturer collaboration. Is there a collaboration idea on the table that has enough interest that it’s worth testing?

That the Transformers Foundation's 2022 Annual Report has clear words when it comes to the issue of chemical certification? Unnecessarily complicated, woefully ineffective. Learn more about Fashion's chemical certification complex.

That the Asia Garment Hub has launched a new section called the "Asian Dialogues Series"? The series aims to cultivate regional, sector-specific dialogue and promote cooperation between actors from across the supply chain. Learn more about the series and who initiated it!

That the 27th UN Climate Conference could be the last chance for the fashion industry to fight climate change? Find out what's on the fashion industry's agenda at COP27.

That the Labour First campaign is an effort to put the workforce first and to enhance the provision of social security in Punjab? Learn more about the campaign's objectives and who started it.

That denim manufacturer Saitex became the first certified B-Corp factory in Asia? We speak to Oanh Nguyen, HSE & Sustainability Manager at Saitex about the challenges to implement lasting sustainability, responsible business, and the importance to include workers with different abilities.

That our author Kim van der Weerd is looking into the question of whether collaboration among manufacturers can help transform fashion? As a result of the recent Supplier Meet-Ups, she reflected on the difference between the terms "partnership" and "collective." Read her latest thoughts on the Asia Garment Hub's Supplier Meet-Up.

That the ILO has published its latest Workers' Manual on Productivity? Learn how the Guideline was developed and why it can help increase understanding and productivity in factories through enhanced social dialogue, compliance with labour standards and improved working conditions.

That the Thai garment and textiles sector remains a significant employer, providing jobs for some 850,000 workers - 70% of them female, and many of them migrants from neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR? Check out our latest country profile on Thailand and discover more up-to-date data.

That Fashion Declares, an industry-wide bottom-up global movement, will host an event on "How to promote Transparency & Accountability in fashion supply chains?" Join the webinar and learn about the first steps to improve governance, transparency in fashion supply chains – moving beyond greenwash and diversity and inclusion.

That the latest reflections on the Asia Garment Hub’s Supplier Meet-Up provides you with practical tips for talking to manufacturers about decarbonization? Find out why many of the manufacturers attending the sessions were troubled with the way decarbonization is approached in the fashion industry and how an attempt to start to shift the dialogue could look like.

That after two years of COVID break, the Asian Dialogues Conference finally returned to the stage as an in-person event? In case you missed the conference, we have summarized the most important statements and key findings for you.

That we have launched a new section on the Asia Garment Hub called Ask an Expert? Whether you're looking to better understand the supply chain or make your workplace more socially and environmentally responsible, we hope this section can help you overcome barriers to action. This is why we're bringing in industry experts to help answer your questions.

That we recently revamped our Learnings & Tools section? If you're looking for specific training, e-modules, and learning opportunities for your stakeholder group, this is a good place to start. Find out how you can improve, adapt or change the way you work with materials specifically designed for your organisation, company, business or institution.

That financial inclusion increased all over the world last year despite COVID-19? Find out why the use of digital wages can enhance inclusion and led to enormous dividends for women.

That web-based self-assessment tools like SheDil can help companies to conduct gender responsive human rights due diligence? An interview with Per N. Bondevik, human rights due diligence specialist in global supply chains, and co-developer of SheDil.

That exactly one year ago, we launched the Asia Garment Hub? Time for a look back at what has happened in this year. A conversation with the project's co-directors David Williams (ILO) and Constantia Chirnside (GIZ).

That barriers and stigmatization prevent people with disabilities from participating equally in the labour market? Find out why this is especially true for the garment and textiles sector and what measures can be taken to advance the issue of inclusion.

That the recent debate over the Higg Index and the emerging industry focus on supply chain due diligence have something in common? You're just one click away from the answer. 

That the EU recently drafted a proposal for a new law that would tighten corporate due diligence in global supply chains? Find out what impact this will have on the garment sector!

That the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and Qima will run a webinar on ESG and Due Diligence risk assessment? Tune in to hear about how you can evaluate whether your risk assessment covers the basics, ways to add value with input from workers and communities and tactics for agility in your risk assessments.

That governments around the world are increasingly moving to require corporations and businesses to take responsibility for the impacts of their supply chains by conducting what is known as human rights due diligence? Find out everyting what you should know about Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence!

That the recent Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index revealed that brands and retailers who have subscribed with Better Buying over two or more supplier ratings cycles continued to improve their Purchasing Practices even during Covid-19?

That the Asia Garment Hub had hosted its second supplier meet-up in early June? Held on the first Thursday of every month, these informal and unrecorded sessions bring manufacturers together in conversation about sustainability topics affecting their business and the industry in Asia. This month's conversation was on the help and support required for decarbonizing the supply chain. Interested in this issue?

That the Asian Dialogues on Sustainability in the Textile and Garment Sector hosted a session on the topic of to what extent will Due Diligence legislation shape Purchasing Practices, and how can suppliers make their voices heard?

That the technical seminar "A deeper dive" will provide producers with an overview of the web-based training course “Climate Action Training for the Fashion Industry”? The training supports textile, garment and footwear manufacturers to better understanding the impact of climate change, to learn how to account greenhouse gas emissions and to implement measure to cut the emissions. 

That our next Supplier Meet-Up is happening this Thursday? For this edition, it’s time to strategize! Building on last month’s decarbonization conversation, we’re looking at what the industry can take from existing models to achieve its climate goals (featuring the Apparel Impact Institute).

That the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), together with wagely, - a consortium of Quizrr and Ulula -, has launched a new initiative to boost financial inclusion for garment workers? The pilot will help 135,000 workers in Bangladesh (60% of whom are women) build financial and digital literacy skills so they can access services that empower and improve their lives. Find out more here!

That the Asia Garment Hub held its first Supplier Meet-Up last week? These informal and unrecorded sessions bring together garment factories from across Asia to discuss leading industry challenges.  Held on the first Thursday of every month, the most recent topic was on how factories are responding to brands’ climate and decarbonization targets. Check out our first reflection piece of the event series!

That the promotion and implementation of responsible business practices including gender equality is no longer an option for companies, but a requirement by markets, and an opportunity for companies to be more competitive, productive and resilient to address labour-related risks?

That the Asia Garment Hub is hosting Supplier Meet-Ups on the first Thursday of every month? The first one is all about de-carbonization. Are de-carbonization targets sensitive enough to national context and infrastructure? If you're a supplier, join us on 5 May for an off-the-record discussion about what it would take to deliver on collective decarbonization goals.

That it is becoming increasingly evident that making the transition from cash to digital payment solutions is an important driver for the financial inclusion and security of vulnerable populations?

That more than 150 individuals and organizations have already registered on the Asia Garment Hub? Learn more about who’s doing what and where in Asia in our Who's Who section. 

That green sustainability metrics are evolving quickly, with financial institutions increasingly adopting them? Find out why innovation in green financing is key to ensure a fair and just transition. 

That there is guidance for brands and manufacturers in promoting the employment of people with disabilities in a non-discriminatory and practical manner? 

That you can play an active role in shaping the Asia Garment Hub into one of THE leading platforms to help garment industry understand, promote and operationalize Decent Work and Sustainable business practices across the supply chain? Let us know what you think in our User Feedback Survey!

That the labour law app "Seth Yerng - Our Rights" aims to empower Cambodian garment workers and improve their knowledge of occupational health and safety issues and legislation? And that the app already hit 10,000 downloads since its launch in March 2021?

That Better Work has launched a new eLearning course aimed at helping industry stakeholders understand the impacts of supply chain decisions?

That the garment and textiles industry in Asia is a highly feminized sector? As a result, it is women workers who typically bear the biggest burden of the inequalities and injustices of the global fashion supply chain.

That nonprofit organization Remake has updated its approach to holding the industry to account? The 2021 Remake Fashion Accountability Report relies on the expertise of labour rights professionals, professors of human rights, employment, fashion and law and leading experts in the fields of sustainability, environmental justice, and circular economy.

That the garment and textiles production is one of the oldest industries in India, directly employing more than 45 million people, and that India is now the sixth largest exporter of garment and textiles in the world? Check out our latest country profile on India and discover more up-to-date data.

That the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector 2022 will explore a diverse array of themes critical to industry resilience and sustainability -from purchasing practices to supply chain dialogue models, living wages to climate risk mitigation and adaptation, and from mandatory due diligence to public procurement?

That 3D solutions for fashion design, development and merchandising can not only increase the efficiency of fashion companies, but also reduce the production of physical samples, speed up product development and reduce textile waste? Learn more about this topic and read our interview with Sharon Lim, co-founder and CEO of Tech Company Browzwear. 

That the ILO and BGMEA recently reached an agreement in which 700 safety committee members from 75 garment factories in Bangladesh will be trained on occupational safety and health (OSH), hazard identification and risk assessment, building safety culture, management of fire accidents and COVID-19 guidelines?

That gamification can be a powerful educational tool in global supply chains? Swedish EdTech company Quizrr is launching a global program that turns important labour rights issues like responsible recruitment and forced labour into engaging content for garment factory workers, managers and other industry actors.

That the Global Deal organized a Masterclass Series on Sound Industrial Relations? In these sessions experts from the garments and textile sector discuss how to improve working conditions and productivity in the industry through Social Dialogue.

That supply chain resilience and transparency are vital issues for the fashion industry in the next twelve months? Find out where fashion - and sustainability - are heading in 2022.

That the Asia Garment Hub has more than 500 unique resources on a wide range of decent work and sustainability topics? Click through our digital library to find data, analysis, audio and video content that suits your needs, and share your own resources with our growing industry community.

That there are 4,500 factories in the garment and textiles industry in Bangladesh, employing about 4,8 million workers, 61% of them are women? Interested in more up-to-date data on Bangladesh or other country-specific data? Then click through our country profiles!

That a recently published ILO paper on the post-COVID future of global apparel outlines 3 possible scenarios that could emerge in the industry after the pandemic?

That Grievance Mechanisms, when used effectively, can offer the prospect of a real and sustainable resolution at the factory level?

That ILO's self-directed training modules on Women’s Leadership and Gender Equality in the garment sector can help you identify the key challenges faced by women in the world of work?

That clear procedures with strong messages from leadership can help reduce gender-based violence & harassment and make women workers feel safer?

That a brand new technology has made it possible for manufacturers to recycle blends of cotton and polyester for the first time?

That The Industry We Want (TIWW) is working on a new Purchasing Practices Metric and inviting manufacturers to have their say?

The fashion industry is responsible for between 5% and 8% of global carbon emissions –more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined?

That more than 60 million workers around the globe will benefit from the ILO code of practice on safety and health in textiles, clothing, leather and footwear industries?

That STTI stands for Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative? Learn more about the initiative and the core principles that manufacturers have set out to prevent the companies they buy from breaching them.

That the documentary «The Conscience of Clothing - Mode.Macht.Menschen.» is a film project providing an intimate insight into the precarious conditions Cambodian garment workers face?

The Asia Garment Hub offers a section specifically dedicated to the topic of Learning. Find trainings, e-modules and learning opportunities for your stakeholder group.

The Climate Action Training is designed to enable suppliers to achieve the 30% reduction target by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 - An interview with Tracy Nilsson, adidas' Senior Director of Social-Environmental Affair.