Electronics Watch Webinar Invitation: Threadbare ethics? Labour abuses in the textiles sector
We are delighted to announce that the next session in Electronics Watch Knowledge Building webinars is now open and will be of particular interest to colleagues in your organisation who purchase textiles (uniforms, linen, PPE) or who are involved in responsible procurement. With a great line-up of speakers, it should be interesting and helpful in a practical way
Public bodies buy vast quantities of uniforms, bedding, and towels for government agencies, military, hospitals, and other public services around the world. The global textile industry is a massive market, valued at approximately $1 trillion, with projections to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027. It employs approximately 60 million workers (excluding those working in the fashion industry).
Labour exploitation in the textile industry is rife. Most production takes place in Asia, but is also significant in Africa, Asia, Central and Latin America as well as Europe. It is a fiercely competitive market – a race to the bottom on prices, with high demand for increased choice, quality and speed of production resulting in squeezed labour costs. The industry is characterised by low wages, health and safety hazards and poor working conditions – especially in the case of mass-produced standard textiles (e.g. PPE, bedsheets, towels, aprons).
Our webinar on 24 September will hear from suppliers and public buyers that are actively engaged in ethical sourcing and monitoring of textile supply chains, as well as civil society organisations that will share their research and strategies to improve working conditions in textile supply chains, especially in the global south.
Find a full breakdown of the session here.
Spaces are limited!
We have been allocated 15 places for this webinar. As the registration for this webinar is limited it will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss out! Members can register for this session by emailing admin@nwupc.ac.uk with the name and email of the person you wish to attend. We will then send over details of how to log in.
Title – Threadbare ethics? Labour abuses in the textiles sector
When – 24th September 2025 | 10:00-11:30 GMT
Where – Online – You can only register for this session by emailing admin@nwupc.ac.uk with the name and email of the person you wish to attend.
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