Several clothing brands are falsely claiming that their products are made responsibly and with respect for human rights, according to the Consumers’ Association, the Clean Clothes Campaign (SKC), and the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO). The organisations are calling for stricter action against this practice, known as “social washing”.
According to the Consumers’ Association, companies present themselves as socially responsible while serious problems persist in their supply chains. They promote fair wages and safe working conditions, yet their suppliers often face unsafe workplaces, poor employment terms, or even forced labour.
The organisations reviewed how fashion chains and clothing brands communicate about social responsibility on social media, in shops, on websites, and in sustainability reports. These claims were compared with independent research. “What turns out is that the reality is often different from the clothing brands would have you believe. Human rights are regularly violated in the factories,” said Sandra Molenaar, director of the Consumers’ Association.
Audits
In response to accusations, many brands point to external commercial audits that claim to demonstrate compliance. The report’s authors strongly criticise these audits. They argue that because fashion companies pay the auditing firms themselves, their independence is doubtful. In addition, audits are often announced in advance, giving suppliers time to hide problems. Even when abuses are reported, they are not visible to the public, and the audits are not published. SKC, SOMO, and the Consumers’ Association say it therefore remains unclear whether companies act on any shortcomings identified.
Of the eighty clothing brands examined, eight were found to be particularly misleading. As a result, the organisations filed reports with the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).Among the eight were WE Fashion, Nike, and Puma. The organisations are urging the ACM to monitor social washing more actively. The ACM has said it is taking the report seriously and will investigate what action it can take.
Puma said it has created an improvement plan for one of its sites. This follows an unannounced January inspection at an Indian tannery, where workers were found to be exposed to hazardous chemicals and working excessive hours.. WE and Nike did not respond to questions from ANP on Tuesday morning.
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