Compliance Evaluation
An independent inspection process verifies that apparel factories and material suppliers comply with environmental and social standards. Through systematic supply chain auditing, brands evaluate the working conditions, waste management and chemical usage of their manufacturing partners. This process helps identify potential risks in the production network.
Auditing reports are used to maintain transparency for consumers and regulators.
Verification Protocol
Auditors conduct on-site visits, review business records and interview workers to ensure that the facility meets local labor laws. This supply chain auditing includes verifying that the mill is not using forced labor or discharging untreated wastewater into local rivers. Brands use these findings to decide whether to continue their relationships with specific suppliers.
Corrective action plans are established for minor non-compliances.
Chain Of Custody
Document audits trace the flow of raw materials from the farm or recycling plant to the finished garment. This verification is essential for certified organic or recycled products, where transaction certificates must match the shipped quantities. The auditing process prevents the mixing of certified and non-certified fibers.
This tracking is critical for protecting the brand against greenwashing claims, ensuring that all eco-labels are backed by verifiable evidence.
Audit Frequency
Suppliers are audited annually or bi-annually depending on their risk rating and past performance. High-risk factories are subject to unannounced inspections to ensure continuous compliance with the brand’s code of conduct.
