1 August, 2011
A major textile brand has come out against the sandblasting of jeans and said that it will not, has not, and now will join a global front led by the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) and the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF) to stop the practice by suppliers and retailers in giving jeans a trendy, faded look.
Italian-based Gianni Versace fashion house responded to a cyber campaign by change.org and announced on 20 July that it is in agreement with CCC and ITGLWF “that it is appropriate to take a proactive stance, and stand against the practice of sandblasting.
“Versace has specifically asked every supplier (and will ask any new supplier as a condition to work with Versace) to certify that they are not using sandblasting.” The apparel marketer said any supplier using sandblasting in production “will be considered in breach of contract and dismissed accordingly.”
Sandblasting releases silica dust which, when inhaled, causes infection and scarring in the lungs. Continued exposure can cause silicosis. Textile and clothing manufacturing in developing countries is notorious for long working hours, cramped and unventilated work spaces, and lack of safety or health protection. High pressure blasting of sand severely compounds health risks on workers.
Versace now joins some ten other retailers in action to totally eliminate the practice throughout the world. The others include Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), Levi Strauss, Karen Millen, Espirit, Aurora Fashions, Bestseller, Inditex, New Look, Carrefour, and C&A.
The ITGLWF welcomed the news from Versace last month. Spokeswoman Laura Carter, quoted in the Independent newspaper of the UK, said the company’s decision sends a huge message to the influential fashion names of Italy. The ITGLWF hopes more companies will join the campaign and ban the practice at a scheduled meeting next month.
CCC said the decision by the Milan-based brand came after a long a campaign. "After many months of silence, Versace now say they agree that the sandblasting operators who make the finishings on the jeans run unacceptable health risks. Previously they had refused to join the call.”