Retailer offers Chinese factory workers a say

Kathmandu is giving Chinese workers in its supply chain a social media channel to get in touch.

The outdoor clothing retailer says part of its corporate sustainability strategy has been to give more of a voice to workers.

So it’s introduced a QR code on its Chinese versions on the company’s code of conduct which is posted in factories making its garments. The code leads to a channel on Chinese social media platform WeChat which will lead directly to Kathmandu.

‘‘We care about the welfare of every worker in our supply chain, but enabling people to raise issues about workplace practices and conditions was previously extremely difficult,’’ Kathmandu’s corporate responsibility manager Gary Shaw, said.

‘‘In some cultures it can be challenging to make a complaint, but the QR code has proved to be empowering. We can now receive messages directly from the workers making our products.’’

The company also has a social responsibility person in China who works with ethical sourcing partner Elevate to address any issues that arise.

Kathmandu has been ranked second in the world amongst global outdoor brands for its use of sustainable materials, by the Textile Exchange Preferred Fibre and Material report.

The ranking report tracks the progress of the textile industry in accelerating sustainable practices.

Kathmandu, which has ranked second for two years running, scored highly because of its commitment to use 100 per cent ‘‘preferred man-made cellulosics,’’ made from a naturally occurring polymer, and its use of recycled cotton.