We recognize the value of the work done by people in our supply chain and we also acknowledge the importance of knowing where our clothing is coming from. By putting initiatives in place aimed at increasing traceability and transparency, we always work to ensure that the highest standards in terms of human and labor rights are respected. And to clarify our expectations with business and supply chain partners, we have developed a Global Supplier Code of Conduct.
OUR POLICIES
The Code outlines our policies and establishes mandatory standards relating to:
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
The Supplier Code builds on the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
Suppliers and Subcontractors are expected to be committed to minimize the environmental impact of their production processes and products and to respect ecosystems and biodiversity, taking into consideration soil conservation and the management of the surrounding territory.
Certification of the environmental management system according to international standards (i.e. ISO 14001) is strongly recommended for manufacturing processes of large scale or with significant impact on the environment.
ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE STANDARDS
Suppliers shall comply with all applicable animal health and welfare laws and regulations and shall commit to the welfare of the animals including but not limited to breeding, raising, handling/herding, transportation, catching and slaughtering.
Our Global Supplier Code of Conduct has been updated as of March 2022, and can be found at the link below.
SUPPLIERS
Suppliers shall commit to the ‘Five Freedoms’ for welfare of farmed animals:
RESTRICTED SUBSTANCES LIST
Aware of the increasing global problem caused by the use of toxic and harmful-to-health substances for workers involved in production activities within the clothing industry, and for customers who use those products, North Sails Apparel established a framework for the restriction and prohibition of substances that must not be present under any circumstances in our products.
The Restricted Substances List (RSL) is communicated together with the Global Supplier Code of Conduct with all our partners. Every participant in North Sails Apparel’s supply chain must comply with the guidelines established in this document, certifying that none of the products developed under any order or work request issued by North Sails or any of its brands contains any of the substances marked as restricted in this document or, if any substance is contained, that it is present below the established limits.
Our RSL sets guidance around the use of pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, perfluorinated compounds, and more. The complete RSL can be found at the link below.