CottonConnect, a social enterprise, plans its first Responsible Business for Gins Code of Conduct will align cotton supply chain standards with utmost practices for the sector.

This framework is particularly meant to enhance standards in the essential process of ginning and support fashion retailers in creating the most transparent and ethical supply chains.

CottonConnect says the Responsible Business for Gins Code of Conduct deals with the unique problems faced by gins, which have an important role in the cotton supply chain. Despite the growth of the ginning sector, some gins continue to work under terrible conditions, which impacts the safety and health of workers. Hence, the company is aiming to solve these issues and make the working conditions desirable in the quest for ethical supply chains.

The company aims to address key concerns related to the mechanical process, while also including social, environmental, and traceability issues. The code is promoting a hygienic working environment, safeguards the rights of gin workers, and bridges the awareness gap regarding industry standards among gin owners, supervisors, and workers by promoting gins to adopt best practices.

“Our goal is to support retailers to have more transparent and ethical supply chains. Improving standards at gins is part of that. A fully sustainable supply chain must include the ginning stage,” said CottonConnect CEO Alison Ward.