Jabong has been named India’s first company to achieve Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Foundation Membership. The ETI is a global alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promote ‘freedom, security and equity’ in their supplier companies. Its members include Gap, John Lewis Partnership and Marks & Spencer. Jabong’s management team is committed to using its buying power to lead the way to better working conditions across the sub-continent’s vast supply chain. Jabong buys from more than 4,000 local suppliers who employ, directly or indirectly, thousands of workers.
CDC and Jabong have developed an Environment & Social Action Plan, which includes the appointment of a dedicated compliance manager and budget, as well as the new supplier Code of Conduct, which protects the rights and conditions of workers. All future supply agreements will require commitment to the Code of Conduct, and more than 80 new suppliers have signed the Code since January. Jabong expects cent per cent of its direct suppliers to be committed to the Code within two years.
Praveen Sinha, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Jabong, said of the ETI membership, “We’re immensely proud to be India’s first ETI member. Jabong is working hard to be the best and biggest fashion destination in India; at the same time we recognise the responsibility that comes with it. We, as a company, have always focused on a long-term strategy and ethical trade practices can’t be ignored. ETI membership is an important step in the journey to improve the lives of supply chain workers and we’re delighted to have partnership of CDC in getting there.”
