Achieving a more sustainable design for supply chains in the global textile economy is one of the explicit aims of the TEXAID Group. In order to promote this key issue more effectively at international level, TEXAID has joined the Foreign Trade Association (FTA) and also participates in its Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) and Business Environmental Performance Initiative (BEPI).

FTA, which was created in Brussels in 1977, is the leading business association of European and international commerce that promotes sustainable supply chains. The organisation represents 1,800 retailers, importers and brands.

Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI)
In 2003, FTA created the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) to provide member companies with an efficient system to improve social standards in global supply chains. The BSCI Code of Conduct is based on the United Nations Guidelines on Business and Human Rights, as well as on ILO and OECD guidelines.

Business Environmental Performance Initiative (BEPI)
In 2014, in light of the success of BSCI, FTA developed the Business Environmental Performance Initiative (BEPI) to support companies committed to improving environmental performance in their supply chains. BEPI enables companies to verify the environmental impacts of their global supply chains and to identify optimisation potential.

TEXAID’s commitment to FTA and its initiatives represents the logical next step on from its previous efforts towards establishing sustainable production and supply chains in the global textile economy. As one of Europe’s leading textile recycling organisations, TEXAID will actively incorporate its know-how into the FTA network, and constantly optimise its CSR strategy in line with FTA, BSCI and BEPI standards.

More information about FTA, BSCI and BEPI can be found at: www.fta-intl.org.