Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Brands Commited to Reduced Inequalities
Latest Reduced Inequalities Brand Actions
Giving Back & Making a Difference
Our team ethos for social responsibility and sustainability endeavours is to support charities and give back where we can. We most recently raised funds for MDN (Motor Neuron Disease) and Breast Cancer Awareness and are always on the lookout for great causes to support. A number of our team are active in donating their time for various charities and events. Part of our Diverse Workplace activities also include devouring some truly delicious foods from a number of countries our team are from. We also have a number of regular affiliations we support such as Anglicare, Paralympics, Bayside Community and Polished Man.
Evidence
Ethical production and supply chain
The Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018, was a great catalyst for our team to prioritise and further drive ethical sourcing initiatives across our global value-chain As a global apparel company, we recognise that we are responsible for ethical conduct within our value-chain. All of our business partners must sign and demonstrate compliance with our Ethical Sourcing Policy, and participate in our ethical sourcing programs. We have long-standing partnerships with our sourcing partners and factories, and are working collaboratively with them to take positive actions for society and the environment. We have long standing, well established relationships with our supply partners. As a result, we believe that we can work collaboratively with them to ensure that Bisley's values and stipulated standards are not only shared with but also, agreed to by our supply partners. In addition, we have joined a number of ethically based and environmentally focused NGO's and organisations as part of our ongoing commitments.
B Corp Certified
B Corp Certification confirmed that our community and the environment are stakeholders in our impact-driven business model and our commitment to balancing social and planetary good in everything we do against the highest standards of transparency and accountability. We are now part of a global network of businesses shifting our global economy from a system that profits few to one that benefits all.
Evidence
Ethical Manufacturing
We make all of our underwear ethically in China. We ensure safe and respectful working conditions for all our makers. As part of our sustainable fashion practices, we are uncompromising on the materials and processes we use, including regenerated eucalyptus and utilising waste to create recycled items. We invented our own recycled elastic because we could not buy it.
Underwear Recycling
Underwear is delicate and worn every single day, and therefore has a limited life with a high turn-over rate. You cannot donate it in Australia, so the only pathway is landfill. With 204 million underwear items being imported into Australia every year that is a lot of waste! We live by our values and exist to create positive change, so we take back our waste, plus other brands! How does it work? Our mail-in underwear recycling system is dedicated to our customers. We would love to take everyone's underwear regardless of purchasing from us, but it costs us approx 42c per pair to recycle and the sale of our underwear covers some of that cost. We are a social enterprise running on low margins and would really love your support to help make this happen. How is underwear recycled? We sort, sanitise and send for shredding. They are then processed to have a second life as carpet underlay or insulation.
Indigenous Collaboration
We are deeply disturbed by the treatment and dislocation of Indigenous people from their land. We believe we have an obligation to pay rent to Indigenous people for the land we operate on. 50c from every item purchased with us goes to Indigenous programs. We must all be considering how we can contribute to paying the rent in Australia and we hope that this acknowledgment on our product will spark that conversation and action. What is Pay the Rent? The Pay the Rent Grassroots Collective is an Indigenous organisation that supports Indigenous initiatives, and advocate for the need to ‘Pay the Rent’ in reparation of benefitting from stolen land. All funds given to Pay the Rent are distributed according to the insights and wisdom of the Sovereign Body, who centre the self-determination, social justice and sovereignty of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in all they do. Some of their projects include contributing toward funeral expenses within Indigenous communities and financial support to those affected by deaths in custody. Additionally we are working with Arakwal people (Byron Bay, our head office) to fund programs of their choice. So far their first program is around protecting and sharing culture, we will post updates when they are ready. But we are very clear that we do not expect anything nor dictate, the money is theirs to use as they see fit. We will share stories because it is healing for all.
Plastic Free Packaging
We made our packaging minimal in size to preserve natural resources. We use recycled kraft board. We developed it utilising soy-based inks instead of the more common fossil fuel ink. There is zero plastic and small amount of animal free glue holding it together. We transfer our stock into kraft card pick boxes. They are picked and mailed in a small compostable mailer. We are looking into reusable mailers because whilst compostable mailers are great, the reality is there are so few facilities in Australia that can take them, if you can add them to your home compost that is the best current way.
One-for-one Underwear Donation
We are incredibly proud of the underwear that we are able to donate through our one-for-one campaign. It all started one day when we found thousands of meters of elastic at one of our factories that was destined for landfill, and this sparked a transformation in our business model. We now utilise all of our factories' deadstock – from other customers’ cancelled orders, half rolls, leftover elastic - to create the underwear we give away. The special thing is, they are all different. We have a close 10-year relationship with the factory that makes our donation underwear, based on mutual trust. They have been using BCI and organic cotton, as well as Oeko-Tex non-toxic dyes, for many years to unsure their fabrics are safe. WHO DO WE DONATE TO? If you have an organisation that needs underwear donations, please contact us. The National Homeless Collective. A local Australian charity that provide programs and resources for people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and social disadvantage. Kara House Kara House provides support to women and children affected by domestic and family violence. They offer crisis accommodation, outreach and emotional support to those in need, and are waiting on new donations. Days for Girls In many areas of the world, having your period means not going to school. Days for Girls creates critical period packs and sewing circles to prevent girls from leaving their education in developing parts of the world.
Pre-loved Bras - creating positive change
Second-hand bras and crops that are in good to excellent condition are sorted through our warehouse pick and pack training program and donated to help support women in need to lead healthy fulfilling lives with Support the Girls. Reuse is even better! Send us your bras and we will quality check them, and send them to Support the Girls a charity that supplies bras to women in need. The sorting of these bras also creates work for Social Engine. If your bras are in poor condition please still send them in, we will recycle them
Evidence
Social Traders Certified
This certification shows that our business, as part of our constitution, has a social, cultural or environmental purpose as its primary objective, and ensures that our primary efforts and resources are invested into this purpose.
SoftLanding
SoftLanding is a social enterprise company which provides employment to people otherwise experiencing barriers to employment. SoftLanding picks-up mattresses and bases directly from outside your home address for a fee. They keep mattresses and bases from landfill as they recover components to recycle.
Ethics & Diversity
We continue to implement and foster initiatives to increase diversity and inclusiveness in our leadership and broader workforce. We have a diverse global workforce that includes a range of skillsets, perspectives, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and qualifications. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we are committed to providing opportunities to all employees and applicants, and prohibiting discrimination and harassment. In line with our strategic objectives, our board of directors demonstrate attributes and experience conducive to representing the best interests of our stockholders, including a range of skill sets, perspectives, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and qualifications. See our attached Corporate Social Values Report for more information.
Empower with Literacy
Through our partnership with i=Change, Enbacci supports the Empower with Literacy project. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to fall through the cracks of our education system, trapping them in a cycle of vulnerability and illiteracy. This devastating gap is particularly evident in remote Indigenous communities, where the writing abilities of year 9 students are at year 1 level. If not addressed in the early years, this issue continues into adulthood. In remote areas, up to 70% of Aboriginal adults are ‘functionally illiterate’. This is a national tragedy. We believe literacy is freedom; to take control of your life, be informed, have a voice, stand up for your rights, resist exploitation, be self-confident and self-reliant. Literacy unlocks the door to learning and a world of endless possibilities. The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation is transforming lives through community-driven, ground-breaking and best practice literacy programs. Working in English and Indigenous First Languages, ALNF is committed to creating sustainable, long-term change. $12 pays for a day of specialised literacy support in an Indigenous community.
Protect A Woman
As part of our partnership with i=Change, one of the projects we support is Protect a Woman. The Women's Community Shelters experienced a 25% increase in inquiries for safe accommodation for women and children who are homeless or escaping domestic violence during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Existing services were already at full capacity, with more than 50% of women seeking shelter turned away due to a lack of beds. Across Australia, around 56,000 women are homeless each night, many with young children. Now, there are many more. Women unable to access shelters are left vulnerable, disconnected from community and support networks.Women’s Community Shelters is dedicated to providing women and children with a safe place to stay and an opportunity to rebuild their lives. $50 provides a hot meal and a safe, comfortable place to stay for one night.
Conscious Choice - Our Roadmap to 2030
Rather than telling a customer that a product is more sustainable, we would like to increase awareness amongst consumers on why they are choosing a particular product, based upon actively assessing the product’s fibre composition, the labour conditions, and its environmental impact. This is what Conscious Choice stands for; the customer making a conscious purchase for a product that has been made using preferred fibres (Pillar 1), better packaging (Pillar 2), has high environmental standards (Pillar 3), and like all of our products is ethically manufactured (Pillar 4). These criteria fall under our foundational Conscious Choice 4-pillar product labelling model. Products carrying this label will be produced using the most sustainable materials and packaging and with high social and environmental manufacturing standards.
Pillar 3 - Ethical Production
Our workplaces in Australia and China are regularly audited for ethical and safe work practices and they have been for 24 years. We have a zero-tolerance policy for child and forced labour and hold our manufacturers to very strict standards regarding award wages, overtime payments and providing a safe and humane place to work. As part of our ethical sourcing program all the factories we work with are regularly audited. This assures that our factories can be held accountable for worker wellbeing. In addition to, having to meet the standards set by our customers who sell our products, they must also pass audits of the recommended well-established global social compliance programs and be compliant with local law, whichever stricter. These social responsibility frameworks include SEDEX, WRAP and Amfori BSCI. To pass these audits, factories must comply with various stringent standards in the areas of labour rights and working conditions and health and safety and incorporate Conventions from the International Labour Organization. We only work with factories that respect their employees, pay living wages and provide a safe and fair place to work.
Pillar 4 - Environmental Standards
All our factories must sign our environmental and zero tolerance of hazardous chemicals policies. Our apparel factories are also audited using the third-party audit methodologies such as WRAP or Amfori BSCI. In each of these frameworks a Performance Area (Amfori BSCI) or Principle (WRAP) is dedicated to the protection of the environment. Our factories making products labelled with our Conscious Choice-products must score either an A or B on the Amfori BSCI audit or obtain a Gold or Platinum score on the overall audit.
Evidence
Social Initiatives #igiveasock
We feel committed to contribute to the lives of the people we touch and the communities we do business in. At Underworks we believe it is our corporate responsibility to make sure that everyone has access to basic clothing items such as socks and underwear. Since 2019 we have run our IGiveASock program, and this year is bigger than ever. We have donated more than 24,000 essential clothing items to people experiencing disadvantage, including homelessness, poverty, and mental health issues. We have partnered with several community organisations such as Food Bank, The Salvation Army and St Kilda Mums, to make sure these essentials get directed to people most in need. Additionally, we actively donate our excess samples to people in need and recycle our damaged stock through external textile recycling partners to prevent waste and enable a more circular economy.
Community support programs
Linen House has always believed that supporting our local community is as important as developing high quality products. That's why our community support programs include donating 10% of the sale of selected products to marginalised and vulnerable members of our community.
Traceable, Ethical Supply Chain
We are proudly 100% traceable! Each of our suppliers has been carefully chosen for their commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. The suppliers we work with share our values around creating a more responsible manufacturing industry and ensure their workers are paid a living wage.
Women and Minorities in Leadership
Sustainable Choice is female founded and operated, we’re pro-LGBTQIA+, believe in equal opportunity and are actively pursuing cultural diversity in our staff, supporting SDG 5 (gender equality) and 10 (reduced inequalities).
Wages and Benefits
By paying all our employees a living wage and offering the best benefits that we can afford, Sustainable Choice addresses SDGs 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 3 (good health and well-being), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 10 (reduced inequalities), and 11 (sustainable cities and communities).
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up.
Evidence
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up.
Pre loved candles lighting up a new home for survivors of domestic violence
We welcome donations of good quality and clean used candle containers. We refill and currently donate to Sydney based organisations supporting survivors of domestic violence and refugees, when setting up a new home.
The Gidget Candle
Gidget Foundation exists to promote emotional wellbeing for expectant and new parents and to raise awareness of perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA). CandleXchange collaborated with Gidget Foundation to create this sentimental Jasmine and Mint candle, named in honour of Gidget's daughter Jasmine. All funds raised from the sale of the Gidget candles are directed to the Foundation’s Gidget House program which provides free psychological support (up to 10 sessions) for families experiencing emotional distress during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Northern Beaches Women's Shelter
CandleXchange have partnered with Northern Beaches Womens Shelter to create a custom branded candle to support their fundraising efforts. You can buy a 300g Australian Bush NBWS candle from Luscious Kiki Cakes at 16 Sydenham Rd, Brookvale and support the great work NBWS continue to do supporting women rebuilding their lives.
HopeStreet Women's Services Candle Making Workshop
HopeStreet Women’s Services provides specialised support for women who have experienced trauma in Sydney. They support women who have experienced domestic violence, mental health issues, homelessness and substance abuse.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up
Social and Environmental Responsibility
We require all of our suppliers to abide by our standards in relation to human rights, environmental and ethical business practices and uphold the principles within the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which we abide by. As we do, all our suppliers and partners must have a formal policy that outlines their approach to managing environmental impacts within their control. They must comply with local and national laws related to environmental standards and adhere to the principles set out by the Greenpeace Detox Movement which is committed to a toxic free future for people and the environment by the removal of hazardous chemicals from the entire production process for household textiles, garment textiles and footwear.
Sustainable Design Approach
By highlighting sustainability as important in our business this has fed into everything we do. This includes designing our building to reduce and improve our sustainable footprint wherever possible. Small examples of this include, laying the factory out to facilitate natural lighting to reduce reliance on electricity, utilising rapid-open/close roller doors to naturally manage air flow and temperature regulation, and using a lean approach to operations which leads to a more efficient flow of goods, and in turn saving electricity. We believe that making incremental changes can make a significant difference as little things add up
Modern Slavery Statement
Ball and Doggett is committed to understanding and managing ethical, social and environmental issues along its supply chain. The Modern Slavery Statement has been created to meet our commitment and outlines the terms and conditions of doing business with Ball and Doggett
Soft Landing
We’re proud to work with Soft Landing, a not-for-profit mattress recycling social enterprise. Soft Landing's revenue goes entirely to helping create stable and meaningful jobs and their mission is to keep end-of-life mattresses and ensemble bases out of landfill and recover components to recycle. Soft Landing is approved by the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC) for demonstrating safe and environmentally responsible collection, storage and recovery of end-of-life mattresses and their component materials.
Assisting Sustainable Purchasing
Global GreenTag operates on two levels towards environmental actions. 1. We facilitate action within the procurement and design sectors towards purchasing ecologically, health end ethical supply chain preferred products; 2. We have formal Sustainability and Climate Action plans that include being a member of the Rainforest Trust's Conservation Circle preserving core biodiversity and habitat for threatened species. We operate a largely virtual office with core office functions within a 6 Star Green Star Certified office building in central Brisbane.
Savanna Fire Management Cape York, Australia
One of the projects Carbonhalo and its partner's support help protect the native lands in North Queensland. Strategic fire management minimises the risk of potentially devastating forest fires whilst providing employment and support for local communities. https://www.carbonhalo.com/savanna-fire-management/
Supporting Asylum Seekers
We believe when you have a beautiful home nothing is more uplifting than welcoming people in to it - whether it be the four walls of your house or this amazing land, Australia, which we are lucky enough to call home. We believe those who seek asylum from persecution and prejudice overseas should be welcome at our door anytime and so we are happy to beable to donate $2 from every cushion sold to assist the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre in all the work they do, supporting and advocating for those unfortunate enough to between homes.
Closing the gender pay gap
As an all-female law firm, we champion a workplace culture rooted in equity and fairness. We’re committed to closing gender pay gaps by ensuring every member of our team is valued and compensated equitably for their skills and contributions. By fostering an environment that prioritizes equal opportunities, we not only break down barriers but also set an example for the legal industry.
Together Legal
Together legal is a legal program to take you from legal confusion to clarity. Law Team is committed to giving back to the community and that's why we have recently launched together legal where we hold free information sessions to our community. There’s an art to dreaming big. And we want to help you master it. Whether you’re a start-up or scale-up, home buyer or investor, Together Legal will give you the understanding and practical legal skills you need to protect your vision in bite-sized courses. Because law is the foundation that helps ideas grow. And when you know what you’re building is safe, you can dream bigger!
Committed to Partnership
Partner with our customers and brand on their journey towards sustainable pathways. Our commitment to our customers, brands and the creative community to support their journey through and experience of education and information remains our priority.
Reconciliation Action Plan (Innovate)
We're committed to learning more about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, deepening relationships and contributing to fairer outcomes for First Nations Peoples in Australia. Having completed our Reflect RAP, we're in the process of registering for Innovate.
Proud partners of The Hunger Project Australia.
We have a Grant Agreement with The Hunger Project whereby a portion of our commission from the sale of each property is donated to The Hunger Project. The Hunger Project’s goal is to end world hunger. We understand first-hand the powerful impact the work of The Hunger Project has to end world hunger on a global scale and are passionate advocates for their incredible work. The Hunger Project believes in empowering people to become owners of their own development. Not based on handouts, but built on female empowerment through education, generating knowledge, capacity and capability that has a long-term sustainable impact. Women in rural disadvantaged arrears are trained to be elected to represent their communities over a 5 year term to become effective, respected leaders in their communities. As a result, they bring water, electricity, sanitation, education and more, to their villages.
Supporting our community
Each of our stores has an annual budget, where they choose to donate to a cause, charity or fundraiser for local events. Please pop into your nearest Bed Bath & Beyond store to complete a donation request form to be considered. For a complete list of each store's current causes, visit https://www.bedbathandbeyond.co.nz/bb-and-b/community/donations
Bed Bath & Beyond Supports Jammies in June
The Middlemore Foundation helps the counties Manukau community by raising funds for projects that highlight health and wellbeing. Jammies in June is an annual campaign to provide thousands of children in need across South Auckland. We are proud to have contributed to the Jammies in June campaign in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. To learn more about the Middlemore Foundation and the amazing work they do for the community, visit https://www.middlemorefoundation.org.nz/
Supply Nation Integration
Cm3 is pleased to announce an integration between the Cm3 Marketplace and Supply Nation’s database of Indigenous businesses. Supply Nation is Australia’s premier organisation dedicated to promoting economic advancement and employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This development allows Clients on Cm3 to find and engage verified Supply Nation businesses that meet their compliance requirements.
