We believe sustainability consists of many layers. When creating and selling a garment many stakeholders are involved along the way. Our entire supply chain is set up to treat workers fairly and minimize the impact on our ecosystem. We choose suppliers that share our commitment to fair and safe labor, health & environmental practices.

The CAES supplier code of conduct sets out the requirements and expectations regarding the conditions in which CAES products are made. It outlines the minimum level of standards we expect from our suppliers. Furthermore, we ask our suppliers to continually improve their sourcing practices and ensure these standards are implemented throughout their own supply chains as a safeguard to their workers and the environment.

CAES strives to build strong and sustainable relationships with select suppliers that meet our requirements. To make this happen, we engage with them directly to fully understand their operations, as well as visit them in person on a regular basis. If the supplier is aware of a breach of the code of conduct within its business, or with a sub-contractor or third party supplier, the supplier must immediately notify CAES and disclose all information necessary by CAES to resolve the issue.

TO OUR SUPPLIERS

As a trusted supplier to CAES, we consider your operations an integral part of our supply chain, and your employees part of the CAES family. That is why we believe it is our shared responsibility to ensure the well-being of those employees, as well as a sustainable supply chain. This code of conduct is a transparent document that defines the tolerated processes and best practices required to achieve this optimal working environment. Together with you, we want to hold all our business operations to the highest standards of ethical, environmental, and governance practices, as outlined below.

SCOPE

This code of conduct applies to all our suppliers, employees, affiliated entities, and subcontractors. We require our suppliers to read it, acknowledge it in writing, and communicate it to all stakeholders mentioned. Since no code can be all-inclusive, we ask our suppliers to ensure that no abusive or exploitative practices or unsafe working conditions exist at the facilities where CAES products are manufactured. The standards put forward in this document are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any legal agreement or contract between CAES and its suppliers.

WORKER’S AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Suppliers to CAES must provide all employees safe and comfortable working conditions, comply with local employment law and safeguard human rights. Specifically, we set the following requirements to be the minimum level of standards we expect from our suppliers:

❖ All employment is voluntary: modern slavery is prohibited. Employment is freely chosen and all employees must have complete freedom of movement. No one will be forced to work against their will and suppliers cannot hold possession of ID’s or passports at any time.

❖ Child labor is prohibited: all persons employed must be legally eligible for employment (including of legal working age) and will not be under the age of 15. It is the employer’s responsibility to obtain the appropriate documentation from its employees and determine employment eligibility.

❖ Safe and hygienic working conditions: it is the supplier’s responsibility to provide all employees with a safe and hygienic work environment in structurally safe buildings. The supplier must take all necessary precautions to prevent injuries and accidents by eliminating hazards in the environment and providing adequate training. All employees shall receive such health and safety training on a regular basis. The supplier must have evacuation procedures in place to protect all employees from emergencies or natural disasters.

❖ Respect and no discrimination: employees should be employed and compensated based on their abilities to perform the job, not based on race, gender, religion or cultural beliefs. Everyone must be treated with dignity and respect at all times and no person will be discriminated against for any reason. The supplier shall not allow any behavior that is threatening, exploitative, abusive, intimidating, or sexually coercive in the workplace and in other facilities provided by the supplier for use by its employees.

❖ Living wages: all employees shall be paid a fair wage, and in a timely manner, that will allow them to meet their basic needs and provide the ability to save. Overtime is on a voluntary basis and will be compensated at a premium rate that complies with local labor law. All employees must be provided legally mandated benefits where applicable.

❖ Reasonable working hours: working hours must not exceed hours allowed by local national laws and adequate and regular breaks should be provided. All employees must be allowed at least one day off during every 7-day period. The supplier will carry out operations in ways that limit overtime to a level that ensures humane working conditions.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

CAES believes it is important to respect, uplift and invest in the community that the company is part of. Whether it is donation-based, volunteer-based, or by having our business operations contribute to the local economy and job market. ‘Giving back’ constitutes an important part of any sustainable business. CAES expects its suppliers to replicate this approach and invest in local communities where possible.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

CAES is committed to reducing its environmental impact. We expect our suppliers to also not just comply with all relevant local and national environmental regulations, but to go above and beyond to ensure their business practices are as sustainable as possible. Our suppliers must develop policies and procedures to actively and continuously minimize any negative impact on the environment and natural resources. This includes, but is not limited to, the management and reduction of: chemicals, water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, (industrial) waste and the use of non-renewable resources.

ANIMAL WELFARE

CAES has zero tolerance for animal cruelty. We expect the highest standards of care and treatment of all animals in line with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare within our supply chain and we ask our suppliers to ensure no animal testing is conducted or commissioned. All materials supplied or procured must comply with international and local regulations, and suppliers should be prepared to show evidence of this on demand. In line with our animal anti-cruelty policy, CAES has chosen to ban the following materials from its supply chain:

● Genuine fur

● Leather

● Exotic animal products

● Angora wool

● Any wool from farmers who practice mulesing

● Products sourced from endangered species as listed by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) or CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)

TRANSPARENCY

CAES promises transparency to all its customers so they know exactly what we stand for and where our product is coming from. We expect our suppliers to operate with the same high standard of transparency and ethics and ask your cooperation in providing information such as the country of origin, identity and location of the sources of raw materials and components. 

Questions about the Code of conduct should be sent to us at info@caes-store.com.