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SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainabilityis a core part of our values, encompassing numerous different steps.
Here at Sikaa’a, we’re committed to improving sustainability within the fashion industry. We believe it’s our responsibility to produce clothes in an ethical way that minimises damage to the environment and provide vital support to communities throughout every process.
OUR SUPPLIERSTo deepen partnerships with brands, and promote the uptake of responsible business within our value chain, supporting the artisans who create our collections is of the utmost importance. Working closely with our suppliers from inception to curation allows us to know exactly who is making our garments and the conditions in which they work. We distribute a code of conduct to all our suppliers denoting our expectations about their business conduct and use of controversial materials. Our suppliers are expected to adopt these principles in dealing with their key suppliers, particularly high sustainability-risk suppliers. They must consider more vulnerable groups like women, children, migrant workers, indigenous people, smallholders and homeworkers. When subcontracting, they must ensure that the rights of these groups are upheld. This transparency throughout our manufacturing process is made possible by selecting suppliers who align with our ethics and commitment to fair practices. We ensure that these standards are maintained through regular assessments, guidance and support. |
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OUR MATERIALSNot only do our values encompass each individual who contributes to our designs, we carefully consider the fabrics used throughout. We source our African print fabrics from Vlisco, a well-established and recognised brand that boasts a high standard of environmental stewardship. Our bespoke fabrics come directly from the artisans in Africa rather than third-party representatives, ensuring that they are treated fairly for their work throughout the process and paid a living wage. Our other fabrics are sourced in the EU, which adheres to sustainable values (holding GOT certificates for cotton and holding traceability for fabric). We opt for environmentally conscious packaging where possible. |
To guarantee best practice, we comply with all relevant local and national laws and regulations relating to employment practices, benefits, health and safety. We are clear and transparent about our sustainability performance and work to preserve vital natural resource through environmentally managed operations and recycle material where possible across our operations. Conserving endangered species, ecosystems and ecological processes is of the utmost importance to us. Subsequently, we do not contribute to deforestation or loss of biodiversity. Wherever possible, we reuse resources including raw materials and finished products, minimising the use of energy, waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions.
We do not use toxic chemicals and avoid air, water and soil pollution. The extraction and disposal of water and management of waste is always legal and responsible. Paying a fair price for the products we receive and guaranteeing legal minimum wage throughout the supply chain is made possible by written labour management policies, including equal opportunity employment that promotes gender equity in employment practices and states maternity leave provision and support for childcare where appropriate.
Sika’a does not tolerate forced or child labour and we respect the rights of employees and contractors, ensuring they are treated fairly without discrimination of any kind. We contribute and improve the economic and social development of the communities we operate in and are committed to giving back to these local communities.
