FAQ

A: Our aim is a sustainably compliant supply chain, which we hope to achieve through supplier dialogue, long-term business relationships and our compliance procedure. Factories must comply with our Code of Conduct. Suppliers are therefore obligated to always declare to us which sub contractors they use for Kwintet production. Monitoring audits are conducted regularly and internal follow-up is done in dialogue with the suppliers for continuous improvement. In case non-compliance issues are found, ongoing remediation plan is formulated to ensure the best interest of workers. Supplier training will also be arranged to build capacity of the suppliers.

A: We expect a sustainable compliance level and continuous improvement, as a condition of a long-term business relationship. We give suppliers time for remediation instead of immediate drop-out, since the latter choice could do more harm to the employees than good. If, however, suppliers fail to show commitment, co-operation, remediation and improvement, they will be phased out and replaced. This aspect is one of several on which our sourcing practices are based.

A: FWF (Fair Wear Foundation) is a multi-stakeholder initiative based in the Netherlands, to support and promote good labor conditions in garment production. FWF provides support to member companies, such as information on local legislation, labor standards and culture, and access to multi-stakeholder dialogue to further improve the compliance program.

FWF provides a system to assure the quality of the Kwintet group’s compliance program. For example, verification audits are conducted on a sample of our Preferred suppliers. FWF also conducts a Management System Audit on our sourcing practices, CSR organization and other aspects, to assess if our purchasing mode facilitates the implementation of the Kwintet Code.

A: Our Code of Conduct restricts any form of child labor. We monitor the situation through audits, supplier remediation and dialogue. The compliance manual offers factory management guidance on how to comply and work proactively to prevent child labor. However, if child labor is found in a factory, the supplier must immediately carry out a remediation plan according to Kwintet’s procedure, meaning:

- The supplier must take full responsibility for ensuring that the child can attend and remain in school until he/she is no longer a child; e.g. provide adequate financial support to the child so that he/she can complete their education.

- The supplier must guarantee the child’s employment when he/she is no longer a child.

- If the supplier fails to do the above, Kwintet will see this as grounds to cancel all collaboration with them.

A: Our Code is based on Fair Wear Foundation’s Code of Labor Practice, which includes a living wage. There is a debate among stakeholders as to what a living wage is and how basic needs are met. Until any hands-on conclusions are reached, we will monitor the debate as well as have a continuous dialogue with FWF, on how to proceed practically on the matter.

In the meantime, our suppliers must pay at least minimum wage and are encouraged to provide adequate remuneration to their employees, in order for their basic needs to be met. We also participate in some MSI (multi-stakeholder initiatives) in countries where the gap between minimum wage and living wage is wider. We are, for example, represented in the Local Buyers’ Forum in Bangladesh. From here, a dialogue with the government and garment manufacturers’ association bodies is held regarding a call for an annual review of minimum wages in the country.

A: Please feel free to contact Kwintet’s CSR Department at suppliercompliance@kwintet.com if you have any further questions about Kwintet’s CSR activities