The new document, Corporate Social Responsibility: A Prototype of Supplier Guidelines" seeks to establish guidelines to ensure that working conditions in the housewares industry supply chain are safe, that workers are treated with respect and dignity, and that business operations are ethical and environmentally responsible.
"These guidelines provide tools that define a broad range of expectations without being overly specific in most cases," said Phil Brandl, IHA president. "We hope that IHA members will use the document to help ensure that employees are respected, laws are followed, ethical standards are maintained and the environment is protected for generations to come." Brandl added, "In order for these standards to be successful, they must be regarded as a total supply chain initiative. At a minimum, IHA members should require their next-tier suppliers or subcontractors to acknowledge and implement these guidelines."
