Swedish apparel retailer H&M has expanded its sustainability work in Myanmar. It is one of the leading fashion retailers working effectively in the sustainability sector. H&M has been actively involved in improving working conditions and strengthen workers’ rights in countries where their products are manufactured. It has production in Myanmar as well.
H&M group believes that all its products should be manufactured under good working conditions and with consideration to environment, health and safety. The company has been putting in strong efforts to treat people with respect and the workers are provided with good, fair and safe working conditions.
The company had conducted risk analysis to assess both business and sustainability conditions before deciding to source from a particular market. For Myanmar, the analysis included meeting with local civil society, government and industry leaders, visiting factories to gain a better understanding of the working conditions in Myanmar and conducting a thorough internal analysis of opportunities and challenges. This is in addition to our regular requirements for suppliers to sign and comply with the company’s code of ethics and strict sustainability commitment, which is based on applicable UN and ILO conventions and recommendations.
“We have a local sustainability team working in Myanmar, whose main responsibility is to make sure that every order is placed with the right supplier according to our high standards. We regularly visit all our suppliers and have meetings with factory management to provide support and follow up on their sustainability performance and competence. When it comes to the suppliers mentioned in the report we carried out a deep follow up of the findings through unannounced visits,” according to H&M press release. (RR)