It is not often that I promote the purchase of a product, or the following of a single brand.  I am more of a “use it until it dies” kind of person, however there are times when execptions must be made and recognition given.

In this case it is the non-descrip Xiamen Elite Nonwoven Manufacturing Co, who has recently become the first firm to receive the Social Accountability International SA 8000 for the workplace practices. Not an easy accomplishment for any textile firm in China.

The SA 8000 certification is:

an internationally recognized standard based on the ILO conventions, the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on Rights of the Child, focuses on child labor, forced labor, health and safety, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, compensation and the implementation of an efficient management system.

To receive the award, the firm:

1. Forbid to employ child labor and fore labor; legally protect the Juvenile worker; do not cooperate with the supplier who employs child labor or forces labor deliberately.
2. Respect to the labor’s rights of resignation freedom, forbid any form of forced labor.
3. Provide a safe and healthy work environment; ensure the labor’s health and safety;
4. Promote the cooperation of labor and enterprise; respect the labors’ rights to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively;
5. Provide a fair and equal work environment, n o discrimination or sexual harassment
6. Respect to labor’s basic human rights, no corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse
7. Control the overtime hours; reasonably arrange the working time, rest and holiday.
8. Provide a reasonable salary and improve the benefit gradually, so as to strengthen the labors’ satisfaction.

to learn more about the company and their products, I encourage you to go to the website to learn more.