The Industry We Want and Better Buying collect data to help drive progress across the garment and footwear industry

In this valedictory blog, Martin Buttle looks at the evolving world of ethical trade.

Global production systems for many high street goods – based on high speed and low-cost sourcing – pose a significant risk to the rights and working conditions of supply chain workers.

As part of two days of discussions, the OECD’s annual garment trade forum debated recent progress in the commercially sensitive area of purchasing practices.

ETI’s Executive Director, Peter McAllister said that reported cuts, particularly to orders that have already been agreed, are “totally unacceptable within responsible business practice”.

As retailers foster closer working relations with their suppliers, how is the role of buyers evolving?

ETI has launched a new ethical trade training course for buying staff, designed to help companies drive ethical trade to the heart of the way they do business.