What is a Code of Conduct in the fashion industry?

Thumbnail Code of Conduct

A term you will often see on this website is Code of Conduct. This post will give a quick explanation so you don’t have to open a new tab to look up the term.

According to Oxford Reference the official definition of Code of Conduct is:

A statement setting out guidelines regarding the ethical principles and standards of behaviour expected of a professional person or company

Oxford Reference

In other words, a Code of Conduct is an agreement with rules and regulations within and between organizations and people. It shows what kind of behaviour is not accepted and what is expected. In the case of a fashion brand, the standards are used to hold their suppliers accountable. When used well, suppliers are asked by the brand to sign their Code of Conduct and external audits are held to ensure the rules are complied with. Every brand’s Code of Conduct can look different and can be less or more detailed.

The labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are often used to create a Code of Conduct. These include:

  • Freedom of association
  • The right to organize
  • The right to collective bargaining
  • No forced labour
  • No child labour/minimum age
  • Equal & living wage
  • No discrimination
  • Healthy and safe working conditions
  • Maximum/reasonable working hours
  • Security of employment

What to watch out for

When a brand has a Code of Conduct, it does not automatically mean it is a very sustainable brand because you don’t know to what extent they actually check their suppliers. External social audits by for example Fair Wear Foundation or SMETA need to be conducted to get a clear view of what’s going on in the factories. Moreover, it is possible only some suppliers in their entire supply chain signed the Code of Conduct while they also work with suppliers that have not signed it. So, always try to find more information on how the Code of Conduct is used and complied with.

Some brands with good Codes of Conduct

The three brands below have some of the best Codes of Conduct from the brands listed on this website so far.

VEJA

VEJA’s Code of Conduct consists of 20 principles that are each described in 3 languages. The Code of Conduct is clear and easy to understand and a lot of attention was also given to the visuals by adding images and coloured pages. VEJA claims their production locations are regularly checked.

VEJA

Check their full Code of Conduct
HERE

Nudie Jeans

Nudie Jeans’ Code of Conduct is constructed like a contract and the last page has space for signatures. The Code starts with an introduction and is followed by detailed descriptions of twelve principles. They claim all their suppliers signed the Code of Conduct and regular audits are conducted by Fair Wear Foundation or independent consultants.

Nudie Jeans

Check their full Code of Conduct
HERE

Maggie Marilyn

Like the previous one, Maggie Marilyn’s Code of Conduct is constructed like a contract and starts with an introduction including a personal message from Maggie. They divided their Code of Conduct into around 18 principles and some extra ones that touch on some practical aspects. They claim all their suppliers signed the Code and they started third party audits in September 2020.

Maggie Marilyn

Check their full Code of Conduct
HERE

Share this post with your friends

Other
posts

Model wearing a brown mini skirt from sustainable brand Maggie Marilyn

30 Sustainable Mini Skirts For Summer 2022

The summer solstice was just a few days ago, and one of the pieces you’ll see a lot in summer 2022, is a mini skirt. Mini skirts first made an appearance in the 60s but the 2022 version is more inspired by the early 2000s: low-waisted and very, very short. Not everyone will feel comfortable wearing a skirt that’s nearly the size of a belt, so I’ve compiled a list of 30 ethical and wearable options that you can also continue wearing after this season if you do a bit of layering….

Read More »
Thumbnail for article 'Washable Paper: Is It Sustainable Or Just Greenwashing?'. Light blue jeans with a patch on the back, and a bag made from washable paper. Text: Vegan Leather - Jacron

Washable Paper: Is It Sustainable Or Just Greenwashing?

Not sure if you have ever heard of ‘Jacron’, I hadn’t. But if you love wearing jeans, you might already know what material it is. In this article you will learn more about Jacron, how it is made, if it is a sustainable alternative for leather and you will see an overview of sustainable fashion brands who are using this material…

Read More »
Three outfits worn by Zendaya's character Rue and some sustainable items to recreate the looks

How To Dress Like Rue From Euphoria In A Sustainable Way

When there’s a new TV show that takes place in high school or college, you know the fashion won’t disappoint. There have only been two seasons so far of Euphoria, but the style of the main characters has already made a big impact. You can see Euphoria-inspired items everywhere from fast fashion brands. However, there are many sustainable brands who have similar pieces as well. So, if you’re obsessed with the fashion in Euphoria, consider checking sustainable brands and secondhand shops first, so we don’t harm the planet too much with our fashion cravings. Click to read the guide on how to dress like Rue…

Read More »

Share your thoughts on this topic!

1 thought on “What is a Code of Conduct in the fashion industry?”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *