Committed to our ethics
Cottonridge is committed to an Ethical Policy and proactively encourages our employees, suppliers and customers to commit to the same.
Our ethics guidelines
Cottonridge upholds an Ethical Policy, promoting honesty, integrity, and compliance with laws. Employees, suppliers, and customers are expected to act ethically. Cottonridge is committed to diversity, equal opportunities, and animal welfare, ensuring no products are tested on animals. Ethical clothing production is prioritized, with SEDEX-certified factories and a focus on fair wages for overseas workers.
Our Commitment in Action
♻️ Recycled Polyester
- Many of our garments are made using recycled polyester, reducing waste and lowering demand for virgin plastics. By giving materials a second life, we help reduce the environmental footprint of every hoodie we produce.
☀️ Solar Energy
- Our head office and warehouse are powered by solar panels, along with our factory in Pakistan, cutting down on carbon emissions and making our operations more sustainable for the long term.
🌍 Responsible Sourcing
- We work closely with our manufacturing partners to ensure ethical practices, fair working conditions, and compliance with international standards.
🚛 Efficient Logistics
- By holding large stocks in the UK, we reduce the need for frequent shipments and help cut unnecessary transport emissions.
📦 Less Waste
- We are reducing single-use plastics in our packaging, and we reuse the boxes that are shipped from Pakistan to avoid using new boxes. It might not look so good, but it is planet friendly.
Our people, customers
and suppliers
Cottonridge cultivates a diverse and inclusive work environment, providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of their background. We are dedicated to customer satisfaction, consistently exceeding expectations with innovative products and services. Ethical clothing production is a core value, and we exclusively partner with factories that ensure fair wages and good working conditions for overseas workers.
Cottonridge Ltd
Last updated: 1st April 2025
At Cottonridge Ltd, we are committed to conducting our operations in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. As a supplier of branded clothing and merchandise to universities and student unions across the UK, we recognise our role in reducing environmental impact, supporting ethical supply chains, and promoting sustainable business practices.
Our Commitments
1. Environmentally Responsible Operations
- Print-on-demand production: We only manufacture what is needed, drastically reducing excess stock, textile waste, and environmental burden.
- Renewable energy: Our head office and warehouse are powered by solar panels, reducing our carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.
- Sustainable packaging: Wherever possible, we use recyclable or compostable packaging materials for our orders.
- Tree planting initiative: For every order placed, we fund the planting of a tree through certified reforestation partners.
2. Ethical Supply Chain
- SEDEX membership: We work exclusively with suppliers who are SEDEX members or meet equivalent ethical and labour standards.
- Supply chain due diligence: All suppliers must provide up-to-date certifications and are vetted for compliance with Modern Slavery, Child Labour, and Fair Labour practices.
- Eco-conscious product options: We offer an extensive range of environmentally friendly products, including Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Fair Trade, and Bamboo garments.
3. Continuous Improvement
- We are actively working towards ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification.
- Sustainability performance is reviewed annually, with measurable goals set for waste reduction, energy use, and ethical sourcing compliance.
- Staff are trained and encouraged to adopt sustainable practices in their day-to-day work.
4. Customer and Community Engagement
- We partner with universities and student unions to promote sustainable merchandise choices.
- Our online shop integrations support made-to-order models, reducing overproduction and encouraging conscious purchasing.
- We transparently share our sustainability efforts with customers and stakeholders to build a more ethical clothing industry together.
Cottonridge Ltd will continue to prioritize sustainability as a core part of our operations and company ethos. We welcome feedback from customers, staff, and partners as we progress on our sustainability journey.
Introduction
Cottonridge LTD is committed to ensuring that all products we source are produced under conditions that uphold human dignity, fair wages, and sustainable practices. This Ethical Sourcing Policy outlines our commitment to ethical business practices and our expectations for all suppliers and business partners.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Ensure that all products sourced by Cottonridge LTD are produced in compliance with ethical standards.
- Promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices throughout our supply chain.
- Prevent the use of child labour, forced labour, and other forms of exploitation.
Scope
This policy applies to all suppliers, contractors, and business partners involved in the production, procurement, and distribution of [Your Organization]'s products.
Principles
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
- Suppliers must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations, including labour laws and environmental regulations.
Fair Wages and Benefits
- Suppliers must ensure that all employees receive fair wages that meet or exceed the legal minimum standards or industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher.
- Employees should receive all legally mandated benefits, including overtime pay, health insurance, and leave entitlements.
Humane Working Conditions
- Suppliers must provide safe, healthy, and humane working conditions.
- This includes adequate lighting, ventilation, sanitation facilities, and safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Prohibition of Child Labour
- Suppliers must not engage in or support the use of child labour as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
- Suppliers must implement age verification procedures to ensure compliance.
Prohibition of Forced Labour
- Suppliers must not engage in or support the use of forced labour, including bonded labour, involuntary prison labour, or human trafficking.
- Employees must have the freedom to leave their employment after reasonable notice.
Non-Discrimination
- Suppliers must provide a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and abuse.
- Employment decisions must be based on ability and not on race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Environmental Responsibility
- Suppliers must adopt sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact.
- This includes responsible waste management, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable use of resources.
Transparency and Accountability
- Suppliers must maintain accurate records of their operations and make them available for inspection upon request.
- Suppliers are expected to be transparent about their supply chain practices and disclose any challenges in meeting ethical standards.
Monitoring and Compliance
- Audits and Inspections: Cottonridge LTD reserves the right to conduct audits and inspections of suppliers' facilities to ensure compliance with this policy.
- Corrective Actions: Suppliers found to be in violation of this policy must take immediate corrective actions. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the business relationship.
- Continuous Improvement: Suppliers are encouraged to continuously improve their practices and work towards higher ethical standards.
Reporting and Communication
- Reporting Violations: Employees and stakeholders are encouraged to report any violations of this policy. Reports can be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
- Communication: Cottonridge LTD will communicate this policy to all suppliers and business partners and provide training as necessary to ensure understanding and compliance.
Conclusion
Cottonridge LTD is dedicated to promoting ethical sourcing practices and building a supply chain that respects human rights and the environment. By adhering to this Ethical Sourcing Policy, we aim to foster a sustainable and responsible business that benefits all stakeholders.
Approved by: Richard Joyce Title: Director Date: 01-04-2024.
We care