The Purchasing Practices in Manufacturing initiative by the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), supported by the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS), aimed to explore how the principles outlined in the Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices (CFRPP) for apparel and textiles (A&T) could be applied across a range of manufacturing sectors.  

Responsible purchasing practices (RPP) are vital for improving labour conditions and ensuring sustainability across supply chains. By broadening the focus beyond textiles and food, the initiative sought to identify barriers to RPP implementation and develop solutions to drive lasting, positive change in diverse industries. 

Everyday purchasing practices—such as inaccurate forecasting, short-term planning, last-minute order changes, below-cost pricing, late payments, and inadequate sampling—directly affect supplier stability and workers’ conditions. These issues can lead to excessive overtime, low wages, poor health and safety standards, and reliance on temporary labour. 

Investing in responsible purchasing and building strong partnerships with suppliers offers significant benefits to businesses, including improved supply chain stability and efficiency gains through better communication, planning, and processes. The initiative used workshops, consultations, pilot projects, and collaboration with supply chain partners to enhance understanding of the human rights impacts of purchasing practices and to support companies in embedding RPP into their operations. 

What have been the impacts for workers?

What have been the impacts for suppliers?

Project outputs

File(s)

Responsible purchasing practices in manufacturing industries

An overview of ETI's initiative which assessed the extent to which the five overarching principles of the Common Framework for the garment and footwear sector could be effectively applied across other manufacturing sectors.

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File(s)

Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices in Manufacturing Industries (CFRPP MI)

The framework is a reference point to support companies in manufacturing industries to engage with stakeholders and take practical action to improve their purchasing practices.

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File(s)

Mining of metals & minerals: A rapid assessment

This research report examines the state of human rights due diligence within downstream companies, highlighting critical gaps and opportunities to drive more robust action towards a fairer and more sustainable mining sector.

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Document

Responsible purchasing practices in European legislation

How the human rights aspects of CSDDD relate to the Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices in Manufacturing Industries (CFRPP MI).

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