Asia Garment Hub

Commuting accidents, occurring on the direct route between work and essential locations, contribute significantly to global traffic fatalities—93% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries, where many garment and footwear factories are based. The International Labour Organization estimates 211,000 annual worker fatalities from road traffic accidents, with nonfatal injuries resulting in the loss of 13.3 million healthy life years each year. These accidents also lead to substantial economic losses from medical costs, lost productivity, and the impact on families. The "Action Manual and Checklist for Employers and Workers in the Garment and Footwear Sector to Enhance Workers’ Commuting Safety" emphasizes that improving commuting safety requires a collective action approach involving governments, employers, workers, and other stakeholders. The manual aligns with ILO standards, which consider commuting safety an integral part of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). It includes practical checklists to help identify and address commuting risks, focusing on both immediate actions at the workplace and broader systemic changes. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/exSuTz_9 #WorkplaceSafety #TrafficSafety #ILOStandards #OSH #WorkersWellbeing

#Bangladesh's readymade garment industry, supplying major brands like H&M and Zara, restarted operations after violent protests and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had kept it shut for weeks. Curfews and disruptions hit Bangladesh's leading sector hard. With the Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus at the helm of the interim government, there is hope for recovery. H&M has promised to support the Bangladeshi suppliers. Although the factories have suffered only slight damage, the financial losses are overwhelming. Plans are underway to return the industry to safety and stability. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/evNnKUzZ

As we mark our third anniversary, we reflect on the journey and growth of the Asia Garment Hub. Over the past three years, the platform has become a crucial resource for the garment and textiles industry in Asia, offering a wealth of features designed to support #Sustainability and #DecentWork up and down the supply chain. With everything from industry news and country profiles to thematic explainers and innovative new collaborations, the Hub strives to keep the industry informed. We're proud of our progress and efforts to support a more sustainable and collaborative industry. Here’s to the next chapter of growth, learning, and impactful change. Thank you for being part of our journey! Meet the team ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gmb8fi2f #AGHTurns3 #MeetTheTeam Constantia Chirnside David Williams Nasya Quintanilla Juliette Tafreschi Monileak Ean Zarmina Khan

How convenient would it be to find key data about the garment and textiles sector in Asia in one digital space, instead of having to scour the web for different sources? That's what the Asia Garment Hub offers! We consolidate the latest national industry statistics from leading authoritative sources and provide a comprehensive overview of key industry players in each country. It’s a game-changer for anyone needing up-to-date, accurate information on the sector. ✅ Country Profiles ✅ Industry Data ✅ Stakeholder Mapping Check it out ➡️ https://lnkd.in/egYwzHuF

The garment industry is booming, with the global market expected to reach USD 1.79 trillion by 2028. However, this growth conceals a disturbing reality: worldwide, tens of millions of garment workers face poor working conditions and human and labour rights violations. This is particularly acute in Asia, home to some 60 million garment workers, and for women workers in particular, who face added disadvantages due to gender pay gaps and workplace discrimination. Fast fashion often exacerbates these issues through its fast-paced, flexible and ecologically damaging production model, as well as its frequent lack of transparency. Almost nine in ten of the largest global brands don't report the number they produce annually, though estimates suggest it ranges between 80 to 150 billion items. This is where grassroots organizations like NoSweat come in. Since 2000, NS has been supporting garment workers in their struggle for better conditions and fair labour practices. Ranging from creative supermarket demonstrations to international solidarity campaigns, their activism has helped centralize demands for powerful, independent trade unions, and real ethical practices in the garment industry. Jay Kerr, the convenor of NS, and Mick Duncan, its founder, share their journey from creative activism to setting up No Sweat Clothing, which sources garments only from unionized factories. Their work emphasises that buying ethical fashion is not just a simple choice, but a way to help fight against labour abuses in fashion. Read the full article on FairPlanet ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eEwvYrji #EthicalFashion #FairTrade #LaborRights #Sustainability #DecentWork #NoSweat #FastFashion #WorkersRights

As we celebrate our third anniversary, we’re thrilled to share messages from some of our valued members who reflect on their experiences and the Hub's impact. With over 260 members and a wealth of resources across 12 countries and 9 focus themes, including #DueDiligence and #SkillsDevelopment, the Hub continues to grow and serve the garment industry’s needs. Hear from our members: 🌟 Joyce Chau, amfori - Trade with Purpose Director, APAC: “Congratulations to Asia Garment Hub for its 3rd Anniversary! We are committed to continuing our support for a responsible and sustainable garment industry.” 🌟 Mia Tucker, Manager, Strategy & Global Partnerships, Issara Institute: “The Hub is an invaluable resource for insights into human rights and sustainability, helping us connect with stakeholders and improve outcomes.” 🌟 Smita Nimilita, RISE Manager: “We use the Hub to support gender equality and avoid duplication in our programs, especially in Indonesia.” 🌟 Nolan Clack, BD & Marketing Director, The Mekong Club: “The Hub’s platform is crucial for sharing best practices and tackling issues like forced labor.” Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gF-48fAf #AGHTurns3

Need a quick overview of our technical documents? We are pleased to announce the development of a series of ‘Quick Reference Guides!’ These guides will distil key information from the respective technical document to create a high-level overview, in a more reader-friendly format. 🚀The first in the series - ‘Responsible Solvents Approach Quick Reference Guide!’ Big thanks to Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the FABRIC Asia II project for their support in this initiative. Click the link to read more - https://lnkd.in/em8sJnwV #roadmaptozeroprogramme #sustainablemanagement #quickreferenceguide

This month, we mark 3 years of the Asia Garment Hub, your go to resource for all things sustainability in the Asian garment sector. Since its launch, the Hub has evolved into a key player in fostering #Sustainability, #Innovation, and #Collaboration across the industry. Hear from our co-founders, Constantia Chirnside (GIZ) and David Williams (ILO), as they reflect on our milestones for 2024, new features, and the Hub's role in advancing sustainable practices. Explore our revamped navigation, expanded resource library, and exciting new initiatives like the Fashion Producer Collective (FPC) and "Skills Development" thematic page. The Hub's strength lies in its collaborative spirit, connecting industry partners, creating valuable content, and driving ethical manufacturing practices. Discover how the Hub is empowering industry professionals and learn how you can get involved. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gTugM6iZ #AGHTurns3

The EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (#CSDDD) came into effect in July 2024. By the end of July 2026, Member States will need to incorporate this directive into their national laws. This landmark regulation establishes new due diligence standards for large EU businesses and non-EU companies generating significant revenue in the EU. The CSDDD's impact extends beyond direct compliance, influencing how companies manage their entire supply chains through commercial contracts. As both flexible and binding legal tools, contracts are crucial for enforcing human rights and environmental due diligence (#HREDD) standards across supply chains. The Responsible Contracting Project's latest policy brief delves into how the CSDDD will affect contracting practices and outlines best practices for aligning contracts with due diligence requirements. It also emphasizes that while contracts are pivotal, they alone cannot solve human and labour rights and environmental issues. A comprehensive approach involving continuous engagement and monitoring is essential. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g7yRy3mN #DueDiligence #Sustainability #CorporateResponsibility #EURegulations #PolicyBrief #SupplyChains #CS3D

At the Source Fashion trade show in London, industry leaders debated whether the #Fashion industry must choose between #Profit and #Sustainability. Jo Mourant, Head of Sustainability at Next, highlighted the company's progress in meeting sustainability targets while also achieving financial growth. Former ASOS.com CEO Nick Beighton argued that while profit is essential, it shouldn't be the sole purpose of a business. He advocated for better quality and transparency in fashion, even if it leads to higher prices. As new #EULegislation demands greater #Transparency from fashion brands, the industry faces challenges but also opportunities to align profitability with sustainability. The question remains: can fashion do both? Read the full explainer on just-style.com | The apparel industry news & information site ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gHx3SgMb