The new Bangladesh agreement on the safe production of clothing has so far been signed by 77 companies. It was announced last week that the agreement with Bangladesh has been extended for another two years. Companies can rejoin it, which Dutch brands such as Zeeman, WE, Hema and international companies such as Puma, Inditex and Asos have already done.
The previous agreement was signed by about 200 companies, but Joris Oldenziel, who is involved in the implementation of the agreement, is already satisfied. “Almost all major companies from the previous agreement have also signed this.” Because the agreement was only extended last week, not all companies have yet had the time to join, Oldenziel thinks. He expects more companies to commit to it in the coming weeks.
The agreement, officially it International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, contains legally binding agreements for clothing brands on improving fire and construction safety in clothing factories. For example, customers are obliged to have factories inspected and to implement any improvements.
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