‘Cry for help’ notes found in Primark products
In two separate incidents, notes have been found by consumers in Primark products, alleging the garments were manufactured under unethical and possibly slave labor conditions. In the first incident, a Primark customer in Ireland found a scrap of paper and a prison identification card with a message written in Chinese, in a pair of trousers. The note claimed the garment in question had been produced in a prison where inmates were forced to work 15 hour shifts producing clothes, and treated inhumanely. The trousers in question, although purchased in June 2011, were never worn, and forgotten by the customer until recently.
In the second case, a similar note was found in a dress which implied similar working conditions.
Primark recently reported that they have launched an investigation into the matter.
The legitimacy of the notes is not yet entirely certain. Regarding the first incident, Primark claims that since 2009, the supplier where the trousers originated from has been audited nine times. Furthermore, that prison-like or slave labor conditions were never found.
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Coca-cola to expand ‘Project Last Mile’
Coca-Cola has announced plans to broaden its ‘Project Last Mile’ scheme to include an additional 10 countries in Africa. Working in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development, the Global Fund and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project uses Coca-Cola’s supply chain knowledge to help government agencies get medical supplies to isolated areas in Africa.
An additional $21 million is to be invested in the scheme.
To read more, click here.
Asos a victim of arson
British online fashion retailer ASOS resumed business this week, after temporarily suspending orders over the weekend after a fire last Friday. The fire left 20 per cent of its total stock blemished at its main warehouse in Barnsley, England.
Initial findings by local police suggest that the fire was deliberate. A criminal inquiry will be undertaken.
To read more, click here.
Have a nice weekend.
