Operating Guidelines

BLAKE MILL

At Blake Mill Limited, we are committed to producing high quality products responsibly. We require our suppliers across all regions of the world to meet our corporate, social and regulatory standards. We focus on strategic collaboration and partnerships with our suppliers to increase information sharing and to achieve meaningful progress on sourcing efficiencies, human rights and a sustainable supply chain.

OPERATING GUIDELINES

Blake Mill is dedicated to conducting our operations throughout the world on principles of ethical business practices and the recognition of the dignity of their employees. We expect our business partners and their suppliers, product suppliers, material and trim suppliers, service providers, and subcontractors to respect and adhere to our guidelines and to all applicable laws and regulations in the operation of their business. Our business partners and their affiliates must be transparent in all record keeping and embrace a fundamental effort toward operational efficiencies, environmental sustainability and continuous improvement.

LEGAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS - Our business relationship is built on a mutual respect for and adherence to all legal requirements and the highest ethical standards. We expect our business partners to observe all applicable international standards, and national and local laws and regulations while operating their businesses.

WAGES, BENEFITS, WORKING HOURS AND TRANSPARENT RECORD KEEPING - Our business partners must comply with all laws regulating local wages, overtime compensation, and legally mandated benefits. Wage and benefit policies must be consistent with prevailing national standards. Under ordinary business circumstances, employees must not be required to work excessive working hours per week including overtime and have the option of at least one day off in seven. We expect that all record keeping will be accurate and transparent at all times. We have zero tolerance for non-transparent record keeping.

HEALTH AND SAFETY - Our business partners must ensure that their employees are provided a safe and healthy work environment and are not subject to unsanitary or hazardous conditions.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY - Our business partners must embrace a fundamental concern for environmental protection and conduct their operations consistent with local and internationally recognised environmental laws and best practices. They must also operate and source in such a manner that respects the environment and local communities, with particular concern to avoid deforestation, pollution, habitat loss, and rising greenhouse gas emissions.

CHILD LABOUR - Our business partners must not use child labour, defined as employees under the age of 16.

FORCED OR BONDED LABOUR - Our business partners will not work with or arrange for purchase of any materials or services that supports or utilises forced labour, bonded labour or labour obtained through human trafficking, coercion or slavery.

DISCIPLINARY PRACTICES - Our business partners will not employ or conduct any business activity with partners who employ any form of physical or mental coercion, or punishment or monetary fines against employees. DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT - Our business partners will not practice any form of discrimination or harassment in hiring and employment, based on race, colour, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, and ethnic or national origin.

FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION - Our business partners should respect the legal rights of employees to freely, and without harassment, participate in organisations of their choice. SUBCONTRACTING - Our business partners may only subcontract to previously approved suppliers for manufacturing or services according to our corporate requirements. All subcontracted suppliers must meet the same criteria as our direct contracted product and service suppliers. We have a zero tolerance for unauthorised subcontracting of our products.

ANIMAL SOURCING PRINCIPLES - Our business partners must share our commitment to principles, practices, and regulations that require animals in our supply chain to be treated with care and respect.

CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE AND PRODUCT SAFETY - Our business partners must comply with applicable international customs’ laws and regulations for all products and services. In addition, all products must meet all international regulations and restrictions for product safety and hazardous substances.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST/ANTI-BRIBERY - Offering compensation of any value (gifts, discounts, services, loans, payments) to any Blake Mill or affiliate employee, service provider or government/political official to influence any act or decision to secure a business advantage is strictly prohibited.

Last update: August 16th, 2024