Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability Policy

Purpose. This policy sets the standards that CAQA Loom and Last applies to its own workplaces and to the suppliers of fabric, leather, trims and services, and the environmental commitments the business makes.

1.Scope

This policy applies to all purchasing of materials, components and outwork services and to the operations of both manufacturing sites. It supports the business's obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 and the outworker provisions of the Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Associated Industries Award.

2.Labour standards

The business will pay all workers at least the award rate, keep accurate time and wage records and will not use child labour, forced labour or unregistered outworkers. Suppliers must confirm in writing that the same standards apply in their operations and in the operations of their subcontractors. Any supplier that cannot provide a current declaration must not be used for new orders until the declaration is received.

3.Supplier approval

Every new supplier must complete the supplier questionnaire and provide an ethical sourcing declaration before the first purchase order is raised. The Supply and Dispatch Coordinator will review declarations annually and record the status in the supplier file. High-risk categories, including leather, cotton and finished trims from overseas, will be assessed for country and process risk and, where the value warrants it, visited or audited by a third party.

• Signed ethical sourcing declaration
• Evidence of registration with the relevant industry bodies where applicable
• Safety data sheets for every chemical product supplied
• Fibre and material composition certificates for fabric and leather

4.Materials and waste

The business will prefer certified organic, recycled or traceable fibres where the client brief and price allow. Cutting waste will be sorted into reusable offcuts, recyclable fibre and general waste. Leather offcuts will be retained for repair work. Dye and print effluent must pass through the Preston trade waste treatment tank and be discharged only within the limits of the trade waste agreement.

5.Chemicals

Dyes, auxiliaries, solvents, adhesives and cleaning products must appear in the hazardous chemicals register before they are brought on site. Restricted substances specified by a client must be excluded from the bill of materials and confirmed by supplier declaration or test report.

6.Reporting and review

Supplier declaration status, waste volumes and trade waste test results will be reported quarterly to the General Manager. This policy will be reviewed annually and after any breach or complaint relating to labour standards or environmental performance.