Impact
SUMMARY OF OUR IMPACT
OUR IMPACT & COMMITMENT MODEL
Etiko is derived from the Greek word for ‘ethical’. The business was created to ensure workers and producers in apparel, footwear and sports ball supply chains get a fair go. Delivering positive social impact has been its core business since being launched 10 years ago.
All of Etiko’s products are manufactured by workers in countries and regions typically dis-empowered and exploited by mainstream businesses, and therefore trapped in cycles of poverty. The key raw materials in its shoes and garments are typically produced in ways that pollute and degrade local ecosystems and trap farmers in poverty.
Through its fair trade purchasing model, Etiko ensures that each product it sells reduces inequality and tackles poverty. The business’ commitment to organic and FSC certified inputs also means its products create a cleaner, greener world.
Overall, Etiko’s sourcing relationships with its suppliers rewards them for doing the right thing, helps them grow successful businesses and supports their communities.
Etiko provides its customers with the opportunity to invest their purchasing dollar in these businesses and create lasting positive social and environmental change. It is a scalable business and impact model – more sales delivers greater revenue to the business and positive impact in the supply chain.
WE USE ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
CASE STUDY: Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills
The Rajlakshmi Cotton Mill sources its cotton from Chetna Organic Cotton, a Fairtrade cotton project supporting 6,000 farmers. Rajlakshmi orients its production around sustainability; it is certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and reuses 50 percent of its waste water. This is achieved by collaborating with dye houses and installing reverse osmosis machines. Sludge is converted into fertiliser and fabric scraps are taken from the cutting tables and recycled to produce paper.
Worker Benefits and Community Projects
- Education for workers
- Children eye examination and operation site
- Free transportation to and from factories
- 10% annual bonus regardless of profitability
- 2 weeks of festival leave
- Skills training for upward mobility
- Subsidized canteen services
Rajlakshmi management and staff collaborate with a local NGO to calculate a living wage for employees every six months - and ensure that the lowest paid workers are paid above this rate. Wages are verified by independent third party audits to ensure compliance with Fair Trade USA standards.