The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code aims to promote ethical trade globally by protecting workers and preventing exploitation in global supply chains. The Code is implemented by forward-thinking companies, trade unions, and NGOs, emphasising a unique approach to business and human rights. ETI’s internationally recognised nine standards cover employment, freedom of association and collective bargaining, working conditions, child labour, living wages, working hours, discrimination, regular employment, and no harsh or inhumane treatment. Companies are expected to implement the Code by complying with national and other applicable laws and committing to continuous improvement in pursuit of protecting workers’ rights.

The ESG issues discussed in this report include labour standards, supply chain management, and human rights. The ETI’s Base Code promotes decent work, improves working conditions, protects workers’ rights, and prevents exploitation in global supply chains. Implementing the Code requires continuous improvement in compliance with national and other applicable laws, striving to meet the minimum and not maximum standards stated in the Code.

The ETI Code provides a comprehensive overview of ethical trade initiatives across the world. It recommends companies integrate ethical trade into core business practices, work collaboratively to find solutions to human rights issues, and report annually on their efforts to implement ethical measures and prevent any issues that arise in the supply chain. Compliance with the Code requires companies to protect workers’ rights and address individual workplaces’ problems affecting entire countries and industries. ETI exists to support companies in achieving full compliance with the Code’s standards and continuous improvement.