London: The 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy spurred a global awareness of exploitative garment industry practices, prompting consumers to seek ethical alternatives. As scrutiny shifts towards brands like Shein and Decathlon, the rise of sustainable shops offers viable options, yet caution against overconsumption remains vital.
In April 2013, the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh, which housed a garment factory manufacturing apparel for major brands like H&M, Mango, Primark, and Inditex, tragically collapsed, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand workers. This catastrophic event drew global attention to the dire working conditions, low wages, and disregard for human rights prevalent in some garment factories in Bangladesh. Since the disaster, consumer awareness regarding ethical purchases has significantly increased.
Beyond the well-known brands that were implicated in the Rana Plaza collapse, attention has shifted towards online retail platforms, particularly the Chinese fashion brand Shein. Gaining immense popularity in 2020, Shein has faced serious allegations of overworking its employees, including members of the Uyghur community residing in Xinjiang, China. Various organisations have filed complaints against Shein, highlighting concerns regarding overexploitation and the poor living conditions experienced by these workers. Reports suggest that Shein is not the only contemporary brand accused of benefiting from alleged forced labour involving Uyghurs.
Amidst the ongoing scrutiny of fast fashion brands, some consumers are seeking to avoid purchasing from brands regarded as unsustainable or exploitative. Vestiaire Collective, a platform dedicated to the resale of luxury and designer clothing, does not permit the buying or selling of fast fashion brands. In its commitment to sustainability, the platform explicitly avoids brands such as Asos, H&M, Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, C&A, Desigual, Uniqlo, Primark, Hollister, Calzedonia, Jennyfer, and Abercrombie & Fitch, with no legal repercussions arising from the allegations against these brands thus far.
A newer name emerging under scrutiny is Decathlon, which has been accused of using Chinese subcontractors allegedly involved in child exploitation and forced labour practices related to the Uyghur community. An investigation conducted by Disclose and Cash Investigation reports that one of Decathlon’s subcontractors, Qingdao Jifa Group, reportedly relies on a forced labour network in China. In response to these accusations, Decathlon’s management issued a statement condemning all forms of child labour and hidden labour, asserting their commitment to implementing necessary measures to uphold integrity and respect for fundamental rights.
For consumers concerned about ethical and sustainable consumption, alternative options have been highlighted. Local sustainable shops and second-hand goods are increasingly becoming viable alternatives without compromising on the affordability associated with fast fashion. The emergence of thrift stores in urban areas, including chains like Les Petits Riens and independent shops, has provided consumers with appealing pricing alongside significant ecological benefits. However, recent investigations have cautioned against the risk of overconsumption in the second-hand market, urging consumers to remain mindful of excessive purchasing habits even within this sphere.
Source: Noah Wire Services
