The Responsible Sourcing Network and Shahi Exports have joined forces to promote responsible and ethical cotton sourcing practices in the garment industry. With countries around the world enhancing due diligence and sourcing standards, this partnership aims to establish a transparent and forced labor-free cotton supply chain.

Introducing YESS: Yarn Ethically & Sustainably Sourced

Responsible Sourcing Network's YESS initiative has spent years developing stringent due diligence standards to achieve a forced labor-free cotton supply chain for the textile and garment sector. The YESS standards were officially unveiled in Bengaluru, Karnataka, during a workshop on May 2, 2023. Industry members attended the workshop, emphasizing the importance of due diligence in constructing an ethical cotton supply chain and preventing forced labor.

Taking Action: Assessments and Implementing Due Diligence Measures

Following the workshop, YESS conducted its initial independent assessments at Shahi Exports' knitting and spinning facilities in Shivamogga, India. These assessments evaluate management systems and inventory controls to identify, assess, and mitigate forced labor risks based on the OECD due diligence framework. Shahi Exports, a pilot participant in the YESS Standards in 2022, is now the first Indian mill to take the lead in implementing robust due diligence measures.

Industry Collaboration and Support

Shahi Exports, India's largest apparel manufacturer and exporter, is committed to ethical and sustainable practices. The company recognizes the need for collaboration within the industry to achieve traceability goals and is confident that YESS will provide valuable support. YESS acknowledges the vital role of spinners and textile mills as gatekeepers in facilitating visibility and due diligence in the complex cotton-sourcing landscape and values their partnership across the global supply chain.