Are there real sustainable clothing manufacturers Bali? Are they the same as ethical garment and clothing manufacturers based in Bali Indonesia?
Warning: This post is open for a debate. You are encouraged to do your own research and come to your own conclusion
Faced with the finding that fashion is among the most polluting industries, a lot of brand owners are looking into more sustainable garment production process. There has been a suggestion that recycling discarded clothes can reduce the pollution, but apparently recycling clothes is easier said than done.
One better way for brand owners to achieve sustainability is by appointing a sustainable clothing manufacturer. However, finding the true sustainable clothing manufacturers in Bali is not so straight forward. It involves some research and considerations, especially about the followings:
1. Definition
Using the services of sustainable clothing manufacturers Bali could be beneficial for your clothing line marketing plan.
In a very simplified explanation, sustainability is achieved when a garment manufacturer conducts its complete garment production process in methods that are not harmful to the planet nor to the workers involved.
Sustainable vs Ethical: It Is Confusing!
The definitions of sustainability and ethical are often being confused.
Those claiming to be sustainable clothing manufacturers Bali are naturally also happen to be ethical because they treat their workers fairly. No child worker, no discrimination, safe working condition, etc.
However, being an ethical manufacturer in Bali doesn’t guarantee that its production process isn’t harmful to the planet.
So, sustainable clothing manufacturers Bali must be the ones that are happen to be ethical. But ethical clothing manufacturers don’t always practice sustainability.
2. Certification
When it comes to verifying the claims of being sustainable clothing manufacturers Bali, there isn’t a single body that is universally accepted as the ultimate authority in certifying such claim.
There are many organizations with different standards and methods that issue their own certifications.
Examples of Know Certification Bodies
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- Bluedesign
- Fair Wear Foundition
- OEKO-Tex
- B Corp
So, securing a certificate as a sustainable clothing Bali from an institution doesn’t guarantee that the said manufacturer really is sustainable a according to a different institution.
3. Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
Being ethical, which is the integral part of being sustainable, should not be limited to the treatment of the employees. It should also covers the universally accepted business ethics, such as having NDAs.
How can a business be sustainable for long if its trade secrets are being shared to other parties without its consent? Imagine having your well thought designs being passed on to your competitors by your appointed manufacturer.
To prevent this, Promoda Bali always offer the customers to sign NDAs.
And by the way, what’s the point of being “not harmful to the planet nor the workers involved” if it is harmful to the longevity of your own business?
4. Print & Dye Suppliers
This is a fact
Despite the claims of being sustainable clothing manufacturers Bali, most of the print & dye suppliers they are using aren’t registered at the local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
However, to be fair, the print & dye suppliers could be “ethical” themselves. They treat their workers fairly and they aren’t in any way fear for their safety and they are happy to collect their wages as per the agreement with the owners.
In this case, “fair treatment” of the workers is a matter of perspective. Their working environment may seem “poor”, but not in any way they fear for their safety. They may work long hours per week, but in total they get 2 months of holiday per year (not including Sundays). Their wages might be very low according to European standard, but (could be) enough to send their kids to local college.
5. Factory Visit
What better way to review sustainable clothing manufacturers Bali than to pay visit to their business places? It is absolutely normal for brand owners to ask the manufacturers if they could pay a visit. Brand owners can use this opportunity to ask questions which answers are not available already on their websites.
Recommendations:
- Make an appointment before you visit the sustainable clothing manufacturers Bali. This way they can prepare everything that might be useful for you.
- Prepare your designs, not just “ideas”. It’d be even better if you bring your complete tech pack.
- Prepare your questions. Only ask things that aren’t made clear on the manufacturer website or company profile.
- With the permission of the person in charge, inspect the working space and see if there is any sign of violation of basic human rights.
- Find out about how the manufacturer manage the waste, cuts and excess fabrics. See if the manufacturer is polluting the land.