Adidas is turning the focus of its Modern Slavery Outreach programme on tier two suppliers, in addition to gaining more insight into raw material sourcing for leather and natural rubber, and making Turkey its primary focus for engagement.
In an update on the German sportswear giant’s efforts to eradicate slavery in its supply chain, the firm said it has targeted all tier two suppliers including dyers, finisher and tanneries, from high-risk countries like Taiwan, China, Vietnam and Indonesia.
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Modern slavery capacity building workshops were held, during which, high-risk practices such as the retention of identity documents or the partial withholding of worker salaries, as a forced measure of saving, were identified. It also found that unregulated recruitment agencies are increasing the risk of forced labour.
Remedial action will involve follow-up engagements with trained suppliers on actionable plans to address the issues, the rollout of refresher training where necessary, the expansion of training to other high-risk countries, and the launch of a due-diligence programme focusing on labour brokers and recruitment agencies in relevant high-risk countries.
Adidas says it will also focus on the natural rubber supply chain in Vietnam – the source of the firm’s natural rubber – where it will partner with NGOs active in the agricultural sector and other industries sourcing from Vietnam, such as tyre manufacturers, to increase pressure on the sector.
Cotton sourcing will also be an area of focus for the company, with plans to review the social and labour conditions in high volume cotton production countries such as India, China and Pakistan. It will work with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and other brands to examine opportunities to engage and test collaborative models at the field level.
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By GlobalDataAs a signatory to the Responsible Sourcing Network’s (RSN’s) Yarn Ethically and Sustainably Sourced (YESS) initiative, Adidas says it will engage with RSN and their other partner brands in a drive to eliminate forced labour at spinning facilities.
“As we move forward with our programme goals and delivery, we are committed to improving and refining our approach working in close collaboration with institutions seeking to end modern slavery, such as the Bali Process Government and Business Forum on Human Trafficking, The Mekong Club, International Organization for Migration, Fair Labour Association and others,” Adidas explained.
