5 Ways the Balinese Factory I work with are ethical

The number one thing my clients ask me when deciding to manufacture overseas- Is the Factory ethical?
Put simply yes.

When starting Fashion Source Connect, this was number one on my priority list. To align myself and my business with factories that uphold ethical practises and to be as transparent as possible about my production processes. I mean any fashion business can scream black and blue they are ethical- but our customers want more than that.

The industry is crying out for more than that.

They want proof.
I want proof.
Exactly how are you ethical?

I recently visited one of the Factories I work alongside in Bali. We have been working together for the last 2 years manufacturing garments for clients. Well not me obviously. I have been managing production. This question was the first question all my clients asked me when they opted to manufacture in Indonesia. Is the Factory ethical?

Until recently I was just taking the word of the Factory owner. As soon as the covid cloud lifted and international travel was back on the cards, I was booking those flights to Bali quicker than you can say Bintang singlet.

I wanted proof myself.  I want to be able to say to my clients:
"Here is the Factory"
"Here are images of them working on your garments"

And yes I have seen all of this in person, and can back all of these buzz words with actual proof. Backed by both conversations with the Factory owner and experiencing it first hand during the Factory visit.

So here's how the Factory I work with demonstrate ethical practises:


1. Fair wages and working conditions

The Factory workers are paid above award rates. The working conditions are safe, clean and adequate hours and breaks are provided. Factory hours are strictly 9-5 Monday to Friday with a one hour lunch break (workers even have a little nap during lunch time). If overtime is required, it is paid and penalty rates apply. Overtime are hours after 5pm during the weekday, and weekends. Manufacturing on Saturday and Sunday is a last resort, and only ever considered when the Factory are behind deadlines


2. No forced labour or child labour

All Factory workers are there because they choose to be. They are paid fairly for their services. There are no child workers.

3. Respect for Human Rights

The Factory respects the rights of its workers, the rights to work in a safe and healthy environment, to be paid a fair wage and respects and upholds all religious holidays (There are times when production has ceased for a few days due to religious holidays of Hindu or Muslim workers).


4. Transparency

This Factory has an open door policy. They welcome client visits and are transparent about their operations and practices. The Factory owner and I spent several days sourcing fabrics and trims, meeting suppliers and sorting through production issues. All the while, answering the 700 million questions I had about ethical operations and processes.

5. Environmental Responsibility

Where possible when printing fabrics we always opt for Screen Printing. This method uses less water than traditional methods such as Digital printing and is less harmful for the environment.

Clients are given the option for their garments to be shipped in Cassava bags over plastic poly bags. These bags are made from the starch of Cassava, are biodegradable and clients can then reuse this to ship the garments to their customers.

 

See more of my Factory Visit on instagram