Ethical Sourcing: definition
The process of ensuring that the materials and products a fashion brand purchases are produced under fair labour conditions and with respect for environmental standards.
Ethical sourcing in fashion refers to the practice of selecting suppliers, factories, and raw material producers that meet defined standards for labour rights, environmental responsibility, and business ethics. This includes ensuring workers are paid fair or living wages, work in safe conditions, are not subject to forced or child labour, and have the right to organise. Environmental ethical sourcing criteria include responsible use of water and chemicals, waste management, and compliance with environmental regulations. Ethical sourcing is operationalised through supplier codes of conduct, third-party audits, certification programmes (such as Fair Trade and GOTS), and supplier development initiatives. It is a core function of sustainable fashion brands and an increasingly regulated area under EU supply chain due diligence legislation.