45 GFT factories receive awards for successful green initiatives
45 GFT factories receive awards for successful green initiatives
The Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC) held a workshop “Reporting on Human Rights Due Diligence (HREDD) and Sustainability Requirements for International Buyers” last week. It lauded the efforts of forty-five TAFTAC member factories for the successful completion of the Model Green Factory Program.
The workshop, held in the headquarters of TAFTAC on Thursday, hailed the success as a significant step forward for sustainable manufacturing in Cambodia for the garment, footwear and travel goods (GFT) sectors. It had the backing of the German-funded GIZ FABRIC Cambodia, their partner GOPA in addition to TAFTAC.
“The Model Green Factory Program has opened doors to a new era of innovation within our factories. By focusing on training and data management, we empower ourselves to comply with HREDD reporting requirements, excel, and lead in sustainability practices,” said Albert Tan, Deputy Chairman of TAFTAC in his opening address.
The workshop aimed to ensure that the factories adhere to the stipulations in environmental management and human rights criteria of international markets. The training had a three-fold objective of environmental data management, energy efficiency and job and data management. These were the three areas identified as integral for international sustainability standards.
For environmental data management, a comprehensive framework was deemed necessary in order to collect and manage environmental data. Priority was to be given to water usage, waste generation, air emissions and energy consumption. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were given to the factories to ensure that their results were consistent. Capacity-building sessions were conducted so that they could manage data better as well as environmental performance.
To achieve energy efficiency, a baseline assessment was conducted with specific targets. Energy-efficient technologies like LED lights and machinery were introduced. Real-time energy monitoring systems were also put in place to identify inefficiencies and bring in corrective measures.
The factories were made to restructure their data management systems for baseline and end-line assessments. This would not only ensure accuracy in data collection but also analysis of performance data. It would help bring in transparency and accountability and also ensure ongoing improvements in sustainability practices.
“International buyers with mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence requirements will increasingly prefer to buy from companies who understand and action these risks,” Jennifer Green, Vice President for Partnerships and Advisory, Labor Solutions told Khmer Times on the sidelines of the event.
Another key speaker at the event, Hasso Anwer, Project Manager GIZ FABRIC said, “Due diligence laws will lead to evolving sustainability reporting requirements in international supply chains.
There needs to be increasing cooperation between fashion brands and GFT factories in Cambodia on the identification, prevention, mitigation and reporting on supply chain risks, as well as to ensure that effective respective remedies are in place.”
Summing up the proceedings of the day, Andrew Tey, Center Director CGTI said, “The workshop spotlighted the growing global craving for transparency, eco-friendliness, and honest business behaviours. It underscored the necessity for the garment industry to keep up with the evolving demands of international buyers about responsible business actions.”
The workshop felicitated the 45 participating factories for their steadfast commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Certificates of achievement were awarded by TAFTAC, GIZ FABRIC Cambodia and GOPA.
