SUSTAINABILITY

The textile industry has been recognized for its negative environmental and social impacts, although it has undeniable economic impacts in many countries and in the global economy. The pressure of the industry on water systems and the risks to human health due to the use of hazardous chemicals are some of the impacts posed by the industry. Being well aware of the industry’s impacts and assuming responsibility to protect the environment and people FG has been striving to develop alternative processes to the traditional methods.

FG believes that its solutions for environmental and social challenges of the industry will multiply with the collaborations with the stakeholders. The Group considers environmental and social management while taking business decisions and encourages its business partners to consider the risks in their business models. For this purpose, the Group has developed an Environmental and Social Code of Conduct with the approval of the Board of Directors which defines the environmental and social criteria that the business partners of the Group are expected to meet.

FG GROUP ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS

Introduction

At FG Group we place sustainability at the core of our operations. We foster environmental and social criteria while conducting our activities to minimize our potential negative impacts and protect people and the environment. We are well aware of our responsibilities to support a sustainable future and we are committed to conducting our operations, avoiding any harm to environment and people to the extent possible and developing technologies that will improve sustainable implementations in the textile industry. We believe that we can “Do Good Together”. We, therefore, expect our business partners to comply with the standards we stand for. Compliance with this Environmental & Social Code of Conduct is strictly anticipated from all business partners of FG Group and their sub-contractors.

1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

FG Group requires all business partners to comply with the applicable local laws on environmental, social and human rights as a fundamental starting point and also expects their aspiration to go beyond and meet the requirements of ILO Conventions and IFC Environmental and Social Performance Standards as well as the associated World Bank Group Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines regarding the following issues as applicable.

2. Protection of Environment

Business partners shall commit to protect the environment and shall comply with the standards and requirements of the applicable local laws and regulations including maintaining valid permits. Business partners shall;

  • take necessary measures to reduce water and energy consumption;
  • ensure continuous improvement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
  • avoid and/or minimize the use of hazardous chemicals;
  • prevent pollution to air, soil and water by efficient waste and wastewater management.

Business partners are expected to establish and maintain an environmental and social management system appropriate to their environmental and social risks and impacts, and the nature and scale of their business in order to ensure that their activities are in compliance with the environmental and social standards.

3. Child Labor and Forced Labor

Child Labour is not acceptable. Business partners shall not employ anyone at an age younger than 15. Business partners shall follow all legal limitations regarding the employment of persons below the age of 18. Children from the age of 15–18 shall not perform work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals. All forms of forced or involuntary labour are prohibited. The requirement is based on ILO Convention 29, 138 and 182.

4. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

In FG Group we respect workers’ rights to form and join organizations of their choice and to bargain collectively and also require the business partners to acknowledge the rights of the workers without exception or distinction to join or form a trade union of their own choosing and to bargain collectively. The requirement is based on ILO Convention 87 and 98.

5. Non-discrimination and Equality

Business partners shall not apply any type of discriminatory practice in hiring, compensation, Access to training, promotion, termination of the employment agreement or retirement, based on race, nationality, religion, age, physical or mental disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and/or union membership or political affiliation. The requirement is based on ILO Convention 100 and 111.

6. Working Hours

The weekly working hours and overtime shall not exceed the legal limit set forth in the local laws and regulations. Overtime shall always be voluntary and paid according to the requirements of the law. Business partners shall provide the workers with the minimum number of rest days in compliance with the requirements of local laws and regulations. The requirement is based on ILO Convention 14.

7. Wages and Benefits

Business partners shall ensure that the workers are paid at least the minimum wage according to the national laws and regulations. Wages and any other allowances or benefits shall be paid in a timely manner. Overtime shall be paid at premium rates defined in the national laws and regulations.

8. Occupational Health and Safety

Business partners shall at all times provide a safe and healthy workplace to the workers. Business partners shall ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and meet the below specifications at a minimum:

  • Workers shall not be exposed to unsafe workplaces, machinery, equipment and processes;
  • Business partners shall take required measures to prevent accidents and injuries to the health of the workers;
  • Fire safety shall be provided,
  • Workers shall have access to clean toilet facilities and drinking water;
  • Workers shall be provided with appropriate training on occupational health and safety.
  • Training records shall be recorded.
  • Accommodation, when provided, shall be clean and safe;
  • Business partners shall take required measures for emergency prevention, preparedness, and response arrangements.

The requirement is based on ILO Convention 155.

9. Harassment and Abuse

FG Group does not tolerate harassment and abuse at the workplace and expects its business partners also to treat all workers with dignity and respect. Workers shall not be subject to physical punishment, psychological, verbal or sexual harassment or abuse. Business partners shall establish a grievance mechanism for the workers to raise their complaints without risk of retaliation. The requirement is based on ILO Conventions 100 and 111.

10. Anti-bribery and Corruption

FG Group has zero-tolerance for corruption and bribery. Business partners shall comply with all local and international anti-bribery and anti-corruption. Giving or receiving bribes and any other form of corruption is unacceptable. Implementation of the Code of Conduct Business partners agree that FG Group or a third party appointed by FG Group might monitor and assess the implementation of the Environmental and Social Code of Conduct at the facilities and over documentation.