Yes, Shekou is an ethical brand. According to the company policy, the brand is an ethical brand that supports and promotes activities relating to sustainability and transparency in the manufacturing of products. Although the brand claims to be ethical, there have been many claims by customers that the brand is not 100% ethical.
How to know an Ethical Brand?
Here are some things to take into consideration before a brand can be recognized to be an ethical brand;
Not engaging in animal-cruelty activities like using animal by-products in production or testing products on animals.
Offer quality products
Manufactures products that are not harmful to the environment
Offer products that can be recycled.
Proof that Shekou is an Ethical Brand
Shekou has always claimed to be an ethical brand. Here are some of the proof that shows the brand is ethical;
Sustainability fashion
One of the core missions of Shekou is to ensure that sustainability is at the center of all production activities in the company. The brand ensures that clothes produced at the factory; clothes are produced at low costs and are further distributed to consumers are affordable rates. This way, the brand is helping to solve the problem of lack of basic needs in society. Low-income earners can get top-quality clothing through Shekou’s sustainability policy.
Apart from producing quality wear at affordable rates to consumers, Shekou also ensures that their products do not contribute to harming the environment. The sustainability policy is a great way for Shekou to prove to people that they acknowledge and apply ethics in their operations.
Employees
One of the ways Shekou has been able to get involved in promoting sustainability in society is by allowing local people to get employed in the factory. By employing the local people, Shekou has in a way contributed to developing the community the factory is located.
Creating jobs for people is one of the ways Shekou has proved to the world that they are passionate about their ethics and sustainability policy.
Recycled materials
Shekou understands that for a product to be eco-friendly, the materials used in making the product should also be recyclable. Before clothes are manufactured in the Jiangsu factory, some organic materials such as; organic cotton, Tencel, repreve, and organic linen are used in manufacturing clothes.
The benefit of using organic materials in production is that they are not harmful to consumers and the planet. Apart from that, the materials are also recyclable; meaning they can be returned to the factory after years of being used to be produced again.
CSR
Apart from using their products to support the planet, Shekou also goes out of the way to support the environment by participating in different CSR events. The CSR events include; Breast Cancer Foundation, One Tree Planted, and Charity donation of 1% of all bikini sales to the Coral Gardeners. The brand has received various certifications for its contribution to society through these events.
Reduction of production quantity
Unlike other clothes production factories, Shekou ensures that clothes are produced in minimum quantities. The only small number of orders at produced at a time; this avoids wastage of both the materials used in the production of the clothes and also wastage of the clothes itself. If the factory produces too much quantity of clothes and ends up not selling them all to consumers, it will result in a loss.
Production of minimum quantities allows Shekou to promote accountability in business operations. Although the factory puts a limit on the number of clothes produced daily, there is an exception for distributors who wants bulk quantity.
Vegan friendly
Shekou does not in any way encourage or use animal products in the manufacturing of clothes. The brand has a strict no animal policy and does not allow the use of materials such as cotton, wool, angora, fur, leather, silk, or down, in producing clothes.
The brand uses organic materials as a substitute for animal by-products. the brand has been recognized as a 100% vegan-free brand by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Plant packaging
Apart from using eco-friendly materials in the production of clothes, Shekou also ensures that the clothes are packed using biodegradable packaging made from plants. The packages are safe to use and are also o good quality. Due to the biodegradable nature of the packages, they can be reused by consumers.
Reasons people think Shekou is not ethical
Here are some reasons many people argue that Shekou is not an ethical brand;
The brand employs young workers; many have argued that the brand promotes the use of child labor by employing underage workers in their factories. There are no certifications to recognize the brand as an ethical brand. Low ratings by some customers who have patronized the brand
Conclusion
Shekou promotes ethics in their brand operations by focusing on sustainability in their brand’s mission and also ensuring that various steps are put in place to make their products sustainable to the users and the environment at large.
Does Shekou have an online store?
Yes, the brand has an online store. You can get a variety of wears at the Shekou online store.
Can I return my clothes to Shekou to be remade for me?
You can’t do that currently. However, the brand is currently working on a take-back program to allow you to have your clothes recycled.
