Ethical clothing comes in many shapes and sizes, but confusingly there are also many regulating groups that ensure clothing is truly ethical. I spoke at length about the Fairtrade organisation and label in a recent blog article (link) but it is definitely worth expounding upon the admirable work by the people at the Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP) who fulfil a slightly different role in the fight for ethical production standards.

WRAP is an independent group consisting of a board of directors containing experts in relevant fields such as human rights, corporate responsibility, and the rule of law and professional inspectors that monitor the 600+ participating factories. Their stated aim is to “substitute arbitrary, duplicative, and costly inspections with a uniform measure of legal, ethical, and humane manufacturing practices”.

wrap_logo_acp1 Its a WRAP

The WRAP logo

WRAP is different in that, rather than an accreditation for a brand or company, it regulates specific factory conditions, ensuring that “manufacturers of Sewn Products will comply with laws and regulations in all locations where they conduct business”, will not use forced or child labour and “will provide a work environment free of harassment, abuse or corporal punishment in any form”. WRAP’s ultimate aim is for the adoption of consistent standards by all apparel manufacturers and the eradication of the duplication of monitoring to ensure that all apparel is manufactured in “lawful, humane and ethical conditions”.

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