Shein Found Child Labor in Its Supply Chain, Tightening Supplier Policies

What You Need to Know

* Chinese fast fashion giant Shein found two cases of child labor at its suppliers. * The company says it has tightened its supplier policies in response. * Shein's 2023 sustainability report highlights the company's efforts to address social and environmental issues.

Shein's Child Labor Findings

In its 2023 sustainability report, Shein disclosed that it found two cases of child labor at its suppliers last year. The company says it immediately terminated its relationships with the suppliers involved and reported the incidents to the relevant authorities.

Tightening Supplier Policies

In response to its findings, Shein says it has tightened its supplier policies to prevent future incidents of child labor. The company now requires all suppliers to sign a code of conduct that prohibits the use of child labor. Shein also conducts regular audits of its suppliers to ensure compliance with the code.

Sustainability Efforts

Shein's sustainability report highlights the company's broader efforts to address social and environmental issues. The report discusses the company's progress in areas such as reducing its carbon footprint, improving waste management, and promoting ethical sourcing.

Shein has been criticized in the past for its labor practices. In 2021, the company was accused of paying its workers below minimum wage and forcing them to work excessive hours. Shein has denied these allegations, but the company's sustainability report suggests that it is taking steps to address labor issues in its supply chain.

Expert Insights

"Child labor is a serious problem in the fashion industry," said Sarah Labowitz, a labor rights expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. "Shein's findings are a wake-up call for the company and the industry as a whole." "Shein's tightening of its supplier policies is a positive step," said Li Qiang, a professor of sustainability at Tsinghua University in Beijing. "However, the company needs to do more to ensure that its suppliers are complying with the code of conduct."

Conclusion

Shein's finding of child labor in its supply chain is a reminder that the fashion industry has a long way to go in addressing labor issues. However, the company's tightening of its supplier policies and its commitment to sustainability are positive steps.