Supply chain transparency just got edgy
Fashion label INDIGENOUS has taken supply chain transparency to the smart phone age through the introduction of its Fair Trace Tool app. The app allows you to scan the bar code of any one its garments, allowing you to see directly who made it and what processes were involved in its production. The information is displayed through several mediums including text and video.
Heather White, founder of Verite, an organization that keeps a watchful eye on working conditions worldwide, has praised the label for its efforts and initiative.
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Is the mica supply chain linked to slavery?
Cosmetics containing a mineral product called mica are becoming increasingly popular due to its glitter like quality; it is usually found in products such as blush and eyeliner. There is however an ugly side to the supply chain of this material.
60% of the world’s Mica is sourced from India, yet a number of concerns have arisen in recent years as a result of child labor allegations. According to Aidan McQuade, director of Anti-Slavery International, the biggest challenge in regulating the Mica industry in India is that current auditing procedures are proving to be too ineffective, even when carried out by third party companies. There is often a lack of consistency; visits are individual and not over a long period, which means the slavery can be hidden. Above all “social auditing”, as these kinds of inspections are referred to, lack an investigative approach i.e. searching for problems as opposed to merely observing.
Mcquade notes that the issue can be resolved with government intervention, through introducing legislation to force companies to come clean, should their mica supply chains contain forced labor.
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Life after death for prosthetics
Ever wondered what happens to a metal hip when its owner passes on? A recently published article by the BBC this week answered that very question; detailing how medical devices are saved from the scrap heap, and given a second life through being recycled to be used for a myriad of purposes.
One example cited was Orthometals, a firm based in Holland, which accumulates 250 tons of metal annually from European crematoriums. The metal is then bought by car and airplane manufacturers.
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