Introduction:
In recent years, the fashion industry has been under intense scrutiny for its lack of ethical and sustainable practices. However, the global pandemic has brought about a shift in consumer behavior as more people are opting for sustainable and ethical fashion products. Boohoo, a fast-fashion online retailer, has recently taken a step towards improving its ethical standards by signing up to a new regime. This decision was made following the acquisition of Dorothy Perkins, a well-known high-street brand. In this blog post, we will discuss Boohoo’s decision to improve its ethical standards and what this means for the fashion industry.
New Ethical Standards Regime
Boohoo has recently signed up to the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, which is a set of guidelines for ethical working conditions. The ETI is a leading alliance of companies, trade unions, and NGOs that work together to improve working conditions in the supply chain. The Base Code includes eight fundamental principles, such as no forced labor, no child labor, and decent working hours, wages, and benefits.
Boohoo’s Past Controversies
Boohoo has faced numerous controversies in the past regarding its unethical working conditions, including low wages, poor working conditions, and workers’ rights violations. In July 2020, an investigation by The Guardian revealed that workers at a Boohoo factory in Leicester, UK, were being paid less than the minimum wage and were working in unsafe conditions. This led to a public outcry, and many customers boycotted the brand. Since then, Boohoo has been working towards improving its ethical standards.
Acquisition of Dorothy Perkins
In February 2021, Boohoo announced the acquisition of Dorothy Perkins, a well-known high-street brand. This move will give Boohoo access to a wider customer base and help the brand to diversify its product offerings. However, it also means that Boohoo is taking on the responsibility of upholding Dorothy Perkins’ ethical standards. This is a significant challenge as Dorothy Perkins has a reputation for being a responsible and ethical brand.
The Future of the Fashion Industry
Boohoo’s decision to sign up to the ETI Base Code is a step in the right direction for the fashion industry. It is a clear indication that consumers are demanding more ethical and sustainable fashion products. As the demand for ethical fashion products continues to grow, fashion brands must adapt to this change and adopt sustainable and ethical practices. The fashion industry has a responsibility to ensure that the people who make their clothing are not exploited and are treated fairly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Boohoo’s decision to sign up to the ETI Base Code is an encouraging step towards improving the fashion industry’s ethical standards. It is refreshing to see companies taking responsibility for their actions and actively working towards improving their practices. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of creating a truly sustainable and ethical fashion industry. It is important that consumers continue to demand more from the brands they choose to support and hold them accountable for their actions.
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