Product
We are committed to the highest standards of ethical and responsible sourcing of our products including the procurement of fibres and the use of chemicals in the manufacturing process.
Cotton
Cotton is a widely used natural fibre that comes from the cotton plant, which is grown in many different regions across the globe.
The Cotton Pledge
We are a signatory of the Pledge against Child and Adult Forced Labour in Uzbek Cotton and Turkmen Cotton sectors.
We recognise the improved circumstances in Uzbekistan through the work of the Responsible Sourcing Network and its partners. Currently we are still not sourcing cotton from this location but are reviewing the improved labour conditions.
Better Cotton
The Just Group partner with Better Cotton to improve cotton farming globally.
Better Cotton’s mission is to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment.
Better Cotton trains farmers to use water efficiently, care for soil health and natural habitats, reduce use of the most harmful chemicals and respect workers’ rights and wellbeing.
Better Cotton is sourced via a chain of custody model called mass balance. This means that Better Cotton is not physically traceable to end products, however, Better Cotton Farmers benefit from the demand for Better Cotton in equivalent volumes to those we ‘source’.
The Just Group is committed to sourcing at least 25% of our cotton as Better Cotton by 2025.
GOTS
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has a clearly defined set of criteria and is transparent.
GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.
GOTS cotton is currently used in a portion of Peter Alexander products.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fibre commonly used in textile production, that is derived from petroleum.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester is used in a selection of our garments using existing materials in the supply chain to help create this new fabric. With a lower reliance on resources such as water and energy, this fabric leaves a smaller impact on our environment.
Wood pulp fibres
There are a range of fibres commonly used in textile production that are made from wood pulp sources. These include viscose, rayon and modal.
LENZING™ ECOVERO™
We have a selection of styles which contain LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose.
Wood and pulp derived from responsibly managed forests is used to produce LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose fibres. These feel good fibres use up to 50% lower water impact compared to generic viscose, giving you confidence that your fashion choices are environmentally responsible.
Thanks to these eco-responsible production practices, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ creates a cleaner environment for all.
For more information see here.
Chemicals & Manufacturing Processes
Restricted Substances
The Just Group have a Restricted Substances List (RSL) to limit the presence of certain dangerous chemicals in the products we sell. We also have a Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) which prohibits the use of certain chemicals in the manufacturing process. Both the RSL and MRSL are based on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) standard in the EU.
Suppliers are required to commit to complying with these lists when supplying product to the Just Group.
Azo Dyes
Azo Dyes are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, textile and leather industries. Many azo dyes show carcinogenic and mutagenic activity, which can provoke allergic reactions. Azo dyes are an example of a chemical that is included on our RSL.
We have voluntarily adopted the EU standard whereby we prohibit the manufacture and sale of goods which contain prohibited levels of the specific aromatic amines originating from a small number of azo dyes.
Sandblasted denim
Sandblasting denim with silica-based powders is the process of blasting the powder onto the fabric to create abrasion or colour changes. If people are exposed to silica powder, it can become trapped in lung tissue and cause inflammation, resulting in a health and safety risk.
The harmful practice of sandblasting denim with silica-based powders has been discontinued in our business since 2011.
Animal Welfare
The Just Group does not condone any form of animal cruelty.
The following animal derived materials are banned from all Just Group products:
- Angora & other rabbit hair
- Fur
- Feathers
Governance and Customer Feedback
The Just Group have a central Ethical Sourcing & Compliance team and working group with sponsorship at an Executive level. In addition to our team members based in Melbourne, The Just Group have a Merchandising office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. There are team members responsible for Ethical Sourcing & Compliance who work directly with our factory partners.
We appreciate thoughtful feedback on our program from our customers. The Ethical Sourcing team can be contacted via this email address ethicalsourcing@justgroup.com.au
