alphabroder is dedicated to being a responsible
corporate citizen; therefore we hold ourselves to the highest ethical
business standards. This includes publishing and enforcing a
social accountability statement for not only our internal practices but
also all of our customers, vendors and factories. We have also
partnered with U.S. Customs & Border Protection in a trade program
designed to help secure our borders and ensure the continued free flow
of international trade.
» Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative
alphabroder is presently engaged in an
aggressive initiative with regards to Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR). CSR is an ongoing, continuous process that evolves as new laws,
guidelines, consumer expectations and industry initiatives come to
light. It is not a static process. alphabroder will publish updates on
this initiative as part of our process of continued improvement.
Download the 2021 Update
» Social Accountability Policy Statement
alphabroder has a tradition of conducting its
business in an ethical manner that reflects respect for the public
franchise under which we operate. As an International business,
alphabroder is concerned with the worldwide state of human rights and
environmental degradation. alphabroder follows the Fair Labor
Association's (FLA) example and partners only with vendors that allow us
full knowledge of the facilities used in their production. alphabroder
and FLA utilize accredited third party audit companies to ensure its
business partners are socially compliant with all applicable
international and local laws. Any effort to suppress any of these
standards will be met with strong objection. alphabroder will take into
account any such actions on the part of vendors and factories when
evaluating our business relations as our pledge to uphold these
standards. When differences or conflicts in standards arise, the highest
standard shall apply.
Employment Relationship
alphabroder vendors shall adopt and adhere to rules and
conditions of employment that respect workers and at a minimum,
safeguard their rights under national and international labor and social
security laws and regulations.
Discriminatory Practices
alphabroder recognizes and respects cultural differences found
in the worldwide marketplace. No person shall be subject to any
discrimination in employment, including hiring, compensation,
advancement, discipline, termination or retirement, on the basis of
gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation,
nationality, political opinion, social group or ethnic origin.
Harassment or Abuse
alphabroder vendors shall treat every employee with respect and
dignity. No employee shall be subject to any physical, sexual,
psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
Forced or Compulsory Labor
alphabroder shall partner only with vendors which allow workers
to accept their employment voluntarily. There shall be no use of forced
labor, including prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor or other
forms of forced labor.
Commitment to Responsible Recruitment
alphabroder is committed to the fair treatment of workers
throughout the supply chain. One important part of this ongoing effort
is working together with our global supply chain partners to drive
positive change and eliminate the potential for forced labor in the
countries from which we source products.
We commit to work with our global supply chain partners to create conditions so that:
- No worker pays for their job
- Workers retain control of their travel documents and have full freedom of movement; and
- All workers are informed of the basic terms of their employment before leaving home.
Child Labor
alphabroder shall partner only with vendors who take a strong
stance against the use of child labor. Vendors are expected to comply
with local and international laws in defining the term "Child". No
person shall be employed under the age of 15 or under the age for
completion of compulsory education, whichever is higher.
Human Trafficking and Slavery
alphabroder will not partner with vendors who engage in or
support the use of human trafficking or slavery within their
organizations and/or their international supply chain.
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
alphabroder adopts an open attitude toward worker's rights and
their freedom to associate with others, form, and join (or abstain from
joining) organizations of their choice, collective bargaining, without
interference, discrimination, retaliation, or harassment. Employers
shall recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of
association and collective bargaining.
Health, Safety and Environment
alphabroder vendors shall provide a safe and healthy workplace
setting to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked
with, or occurring in the course of work or as a result of the
operation of employers' facilities. Employers shall adopt responsible
measures to mitigate negative impacts that the workplace has on the
environment.
Working Hours and Overtime
alphabroder shall work with vendors who do not require workers
to work more than the regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of
the country where the workers are employed. The regular work week shall
not exceed 48 hours. Employers shall allow workers at least 24
consecutive hours of rest in every seven-day period. All overtime work
shall be consensual. Employers shall not request overtime on a regular
basis and shall compensate all overtime work at a premium rate. Other
than in exceptional circumstances, the sum of the regular and overtime
hours in a week shall not excel 60 hours.
Fair Wages
alphabroder shall partner with vendors who share our commitment
to the betterment of wage and benefit levels that address the basic
needs of workers and their families. Every worker has a right to
compensation for a regular work week that is sufficient to meet the
workers' basic needs and provide some discretionary income. Employers
shall pay at least the minimum wage or the appropriate prevailing wage,
whichever is higher, comply with all legal requirements on wages, and
provide any fringe benefits required by law or contract. Where
compensation does not meet workers' basic needs and provide some
discretionary income, vendor shall take appropriate actions that seek to
progressively realize a level of compensation that does.
Product Safety
alphabroder is committed to aligning themselves with only those
vendors dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our customers.
Merchandise manufactured on behalf of alphabroder must meet or exceed
all applicable U.S. and Canadian government product safety and quality
standards.
Corruption and Bribery
alphabroder is committed to acting professionally, fairly and
honestly in all of our business operations. alphabroder prohibits the
offering, giving, solicitation or the acceptance of any bribe or corrupt
incentive in any form.
» Accessibility Statement
alphabroder is committed to facilitating the accessibility and
usability of its website. We have engaged UsableNet Inc., a leading
provider of accessibility technology and services to ensure and maintain
accessibility of our website.
If you have specific questions or concerns about
the accessibility of any particular page or content on alphabroder.com,
please contact us at [email protected].
If you do encounter an accessibility issue, please be sure to specify
the webpage in your email, and we will make all reasonable efforts to
provide assistance.
» C-TPAT Certification
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In 2007, alphabroder received the
Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification from
the U.S. Customs and Borders Protection (CBP,) a division of the
Department of Homeland Security. The C-TPAT program is a joint
initiative between the U.S. government and certified businesses to
cultivate cooperative relationships based upon the integrity of a
company's security practices. These practices are vital in maintaining
an overall efficient and compliant supply chain and strengthened border
security. |
A year later, alphabroder was granted Tier II
status by CBP. To receive its current Tier II status, alphabroder's
entire supply chain, including factories, brokers and transportation
providers had to pass a vigorous inspection by CBP, maintain the "best
practices" in the industry and demonstrate that comprehensive programs
are in place to secure their facilities and supply chains from
terrorists, smuggling and narcotics.
This significant recognition of our security program
exemplifies our organization wide commitment to maintaining the highest
levels of security standards, procedures, and processes at all of our
facilities, and displays our serious concern for the security and well
being of the United States (or our homeland).
As part of our partnership with CBP, alphabroder
will continue to comply with procedures defined by the CBP to ensure
safety along the entire portion of the supply chain that we control --
from point of origin to final destination. C-TPAT membership will
require alphabroder to maintain written processes that are in place with
all business partners within our network of service providers as well
as all corporate facilities. These security procedures must be
verifiable, and alphabroder will be required to demonstrate that our
transportation partners are in compliance with CBP standards.
Some of the major benefits of receiving C-TPAT certification include:
- Fewer cargo border inspections of goods, leading to reduced lead times
- The assignment of an account representative from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to address questions
- Access to U.S. government anti-terrorism seminars, and the sharing of industry best practices
Additional information about the C-TPAT Program is available at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Website.
» Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
Product safety is a hot topic right now in
the consumer products industry and we would like to make you aware of
recently enacted legislation that applies to the products alphabroder
sells to our customers.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
(CPSIA) became law on August 14, 2008 and is applicable to consumer
products (including textile wearables and non-wearables) manufactured on
and after November 12, 2008.
The CPSIA requires all importers and
domestic manufacturers of apparel and other applicable non-wearable
consumer products to issue Certificate of Conformity for every lot
manufactured on or after November 12, 2008. It is important to note
that both imported and domestically made products will require COC's.
In order to better track and service the
increasing requests that we are receiving with regards to Product
Safety, alphabroder has set up a separate email address: [email protected]. The Merchandising team will respond to these emails accordingly.
View CPSIA Statements
» California Prop 65 Statements
alphabroder has a tradition of conducting its
business in an ethical and socially responsible manner that reflects
respect for the environment, culture and social impact of communities.
As an international business, alphabroder is committed to providing
quality, safe products that meet or exceed our customers' expectations.
The Safe Drinking Water & Toxic Enforcement
Act of 1986, also known as, Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is a California law
that has been in effect since 1986 to promote clean drinking water and
keep toxic substances that cause cancer and birth defects out of
consumer products. Proposition 65 requires the State of California to
publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects or
other reproductive harm. This list, consisting of a wide range of
naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals known to cause cancer or
birth defects or other reproductive harm is updated at least once a year
and has grown to include more than 900 chemicals since it was first
published in 1987.
Prop 65 law requires that anyone at reasonable
risk of exposure to be informed when substances classified as toxins are
present. Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions
about protecting themselves from exposure to these chemicals. It also
prohibits California businesses from knowingly discharging significant
amounts of listed chemicals into sources of drinking water.
View California Prop 65 Statements
» Fair Labor Association
Since 1999, FLA has helped improve the lives of
millions of workers around the world. As a collaborative effort of
socially responsible companies, colleges and universities, and civil
society organizations, FLA creates lasting solutions for labor practices
by offering tools and resources to companies, delivering training to
factory workers and management, conducting due diligence through
independent assessments, and advocating for greater accountability and
transparency from companies, manufacturers, factories and others
involved in global supply chains.
FLA is a multi-stakeholder initiative that invites
participation from all organizations committed to promoting fair labor
standards around the world - companies and brands, civil society
organizations, colleges and universities, suppliers and manufacturers,
conscientious retailers, and others. Currently, nearly 200 colleges and
universities in the United States and Canada work with FLA to monitor
social compliance and ensure the ethical production of items bearing
their marks or logo. FLA provides college and university affiliates with
the tools they need to be confident that their products are
manufactured by companies that are committed to upholding workers'
rights in their production facilities. Source
alphabroder is a Category B affiliate of FLA and
all Private Brand suppliers are subject to be randomly selected for
audit by an FLA nominated third party auditing company at any time.
View alphabroder's FLA certificate
» Dodd-Frank Act Section 1502 – Conflict Minerals
» Quality Certification Alliance
alphabroder is a founding member of the Quality Certification Alliance
Quality Assurance | Supply Chain Security | Environmental Stewardship | Product Safety | Social Compliance
alphabroder is proud to be one of the only wholesale companies accredited by the Quality Certification Alliance (QCA). QCA is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit accrediting organization for industry suppliers. The industry needs one unified leadership body to develop and uphold merchandise quality and safety standards - QCA exists to be this governing organization. QCA provides guidelines and a mechanism to test, assess, and verify compliance around complex safety, quality, environmental, and social issues.
What does QCA mean for wholesale apparel purchasers?
QCA certification helps protect your brand and reputation by offering compliance with the highest product standards in the market.
QCA Mission
QCA's mission is to provide the supplier base for the Promotional Products Industry with a common set of third-party standards in an effort to consistently provide safe, high-quality, socially compliant, and environmentally conscious merchandise, while remaining transparent to its distributors, its clients and ultimately the end user.
QCA was established to uphold the integrity of the member organization's quality standards through a comprehensive, systematic, third-party assessment and accreditation process of members' compliance efforts and achievements.
QCA is committed to ensuring that merchandise manufactured, imprinted and imported, by member companies conforms to the highest degree of established domestic and international product laws regulations and standards for that product.
View Certificate
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