©bdspnimage via Canva.com
Disney, Adidas, Gap, and 16 Other Brands Linked to Toxic Clothing Waste
November 20, 2023
The Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) has released troubling findings that waste from 19 global brands, like Adidas and Walmart, is being used as fuel in local brick factories, with workers reporting related health issues resulting from clothing waste.
According to Reuters, the brands are:
- Adidas
- Athleta
- C&A
- Disney
- Gap
- Karbon
- Kiabi
- Lidl Stiftung & Co’s Lupilu
- LPP’s Cropp
- LPP’s Sinsay
- Lululemon Athletica
- Old Navy
- Primark
- Reebok
- Sweaty Betty
- Tilley Endurables
- Under Armour
- Venus Fashion
- Walmart’s No Boundaries
LICADHO conducted research in 21 brick factories, revealing that pre-consumer garment materials were being burned to cut down on fuel costs, resulting in increased amounts of toxic clothing waste. This has reportedly led to workers suffering from headaches, respiratory problems, and other ailments.
This echoes the fact that “burning garment waste can release substances toxic to humans if combustion conditions aren’t carefully managed, and the ashes can also contain high levels of pollutants, according to an internal 2020 study by the U.N. Development Programme which measured emissions from garment factory incinerators in Cambodia that burn garment waste.”
Furthermore, a separate 2018 report by academics in the UK at Royal Holloway, University of London, said that “clothing scraps often contain toxic chemicals including chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, and ammonia, as well as heavy metals, PVC, and resins used in the dyeing and printing processes.”
In reaction to the LICADHO report on toxic clothing waste, several brands have launched investigations and shown commitment to better waste management practices.
Adidas, recognizing the severity of the issue, reported that its environmental policy in Cambodia strictly mandates the proper disposal of all waste materials from its apparel suppliers. Lidl has voiced its concern over the reported conditions and started an investigation. LPP, unaware of its waste being burned, is now interacting with its Cambodian agents and planning a waste management-focused awareness day in 2024.
Similarly, Primark is investigating the issue, while Sweaty Betty is ensuring supplier compliance with its environmental code of conduct. Tilley Endurables expressed serious concerns about the findings and reiterated its commitment to proper waste management, stating that its factories have passed WRAP audits and utilize an environment ministry-approved waste removal company but currently lack insight into the waste’s final disposal.
Recent News
Media Giants Depend on Sports As Content Shortages Rise
As Hollywood emerges from last year’s strikes, major media companies are turning to live sports to attract audiences and advertisers. This trend was evident during this year’s Upfront presentations, where media giants showcased their upcoming content and advertising opportunities.
New Trader Joe’s Opens in SF After 10 Years
San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood welcomed a highly anticipated new addition on May 17, 2024, with the grand opening of a Trader Joe’s at 555 Fulton St., on the corner of Laguna Street. This event marks the end of a decade-long wait for residents who have been eagerly looking forward to a new grocery store in their area.
China’s Property Market Boost: Stocks Surge, Copper Hits Highs
The Chinese government unveiled a comprehensive support package that has sent ripples through financial markets. This initiative includes a slew of measures aimed at stimulating housing demand and addressing the excess inventory burdening developers. The immediate impact was a significant rally in Chinese stocks and a surge in commodity prices, notably copper, which hit record highs.
Mercedes-Benz Workers in Alabama Reject Union
In a pivotal moment for autoworkers in the southern United States, employees at a Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama have voted against joining the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. The outcome, with 56% of workers voting against unionization and 44% in favor, comes as a significant setback for the UAW’s efforts to expand its influence in the region.