Rajlakshmi producing responsible fashion

Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills was one of the first companies in India to specialise in organic cotton. It focuses on conservation of the environment and the wellbeing of cotton producers. Around the world, a growing number of fashion labels buys Rajlakshmi products.

Target

To stop environmental degradation and improve the lives of cotton farmers and manufacturers. Rajlakshmi's ambition is to become India's leading sustainable textile company producing quality products, while observing the highest environmental, social, and economic standards.

Reason

The textiles industry causes a lot of environmental pollution and social injustice. Rajlakshmi highly values fair and sustainable production processes, with respect for the environment and the people. It is a strong believer in doing what is ethically right.

Activities

• Engaging in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project, aiming at SA8000 certification, in collaboration with Indian non-profit organization Prakruthi and Solidaridad.
• Protecting the environment by only procuring organic cotton and adopting environmentally friendly production methods.
• Using the core business of the factory to address poverty and generate employment.
• Developing a code of conduct for suppliers.
• Implementing new strategies to improve labour conditions.

Results

• In 2008, Rajlakshmi received the SA8000 certificate.
• The mills’ dying units produce biomass from waste products; they are certified under Control Union and Ecocert.
• A suppliers code of conduct was introduced, to ensure social compliance in supply chains, including the environment, wages, health and safety.
• A corporate farmer partnership for ethical business was initiated: Chetna Organic farmers own 10% of Rajlakshmi.
• Rajlakshmi’s organic products are exported to European countries, the US, Japan, South Korea and Australia.
• Innovative production methods were adopted and new machines installed.
• Rajlakshmi complies to laws regarding maximum working hours and overtime compensation.
• A working committee and trade unions are set up.

Facts

Location: Kolkata, India
Number of workers: ca 700.
Annual turnover: ca € 7,000,000.