LABS spokesperson and global director of textile and manufacturing at The Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) Pramit Chanda believes the achievement of reaching over 500 factories reflects the industry's strong intention to embed a safety culture.
He stated: "LABS remains steadfast in its mission to create safer working conditions, and we are proud to witness the positive transformation of the sector."
Chanda added that it is thanks to the collaborative efforts and commitment of all stakeholders involved.
LABS is the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH)'s worker safety programme for apparel. It is made up of various stakeholders, including fashion brands Gap Inc., NIKE, Target, VF Corporation, and Walmart, as well as government agencies and non-profit organisations that have teamed up to mitigate preventable fire, electrical, and structural building safety risks in key apparel and footwear-producing countries.
LABS noted that it places a strong emphasis on implementing rigorous safety protocols and continuous improvement practices to promote safe working environments. This includes training programmes, safety assessments, and the implementation of best practices to ensure a sustainable safety culture.
Since its launch in 2019, LABS is reported to have made significant progress, conducting over 492 assessments in factories, over 924 safety training sessions and achieving a 77% remediation rate. LABS also offers capacity-building support through training programmes and technical assistance to enhance stakeholders' knowledge and skills in life and building safety.
LABS launched its operations in Indonesia’s garment sector in May 2023. Before that, it rolled out across Cambodia in May 2022 and has been operational in India and Vietnam since 2019.
Last November IDH along with cotton sustainability programme Better Cotton and CotontChad, which is Chad’s sole aggregator and exporter of cotton discussed the potential of launching a new Better Cotton programme in the region.
