SteP by Oekotex SA 8000 Social Accountability Certification

Social Standard, SA 8000

Sioen holds several similar/ comparable credentials to the SA 8000, an international certification standard that encourages organisations to develop, maintain and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. We’re totally committed to all our employees. The STeP certificate, the ultimate certificate for Sustainable Textile Production that Sioen Apparel obtained as the first producer of Professional Protective Clothing is the result of our efforts.

What is SA 8000

SA 8000 provides a holistic framework allowing organisations to demonstrate their dedication to the fair treatment of workers. The SA8000 Standard is based on internationally recognised standards of decent work, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO conventions, and national laws which are also the basis of ISO and other international standards.

Elements of the Standard:

  • Child Labour
  • Forced or Compulsory Labour
  • Health and Safety
  • Freedom of Association & Right to Collective Bargaining
  • Discrimination
  • Disciplinary Practices
  • Working Hours
  • Remuneration
  • Management System

All these elements are also to be found in the STeP by Oeko-Tex, OSHAS 18001 and Amfori BDCS audits among others.

Sioen and SA 8000

Sioen employs over 4500 people in more than 20 countries. Our people are key to our company. As a family company, we strive to hold on to our family values. A strong team is what makes our business thrive. We hand our employees the adequate tools to excel at their jobs. We’re not SA 8000 certified, but hold several similar/ comparable credentials. Our commitment to our people is translated in:

  • Audits & certifications that all hold HRM and people management evaluating points:
  • STeP certified – maximum score
  • OSHAS 18001 certified
  • Amfori BDCS audits – maximum score

In addition, we follow the guidelines as stated in ISO/TR 30406

And, we’ve signed the

  • The Amfori BDCS code of conduct
  • The Oeko-Tex code of conduct
  • The STeP code of conduct
  • UN Guiding Principles on human rights
  • UN SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals)
  • Our own code of conduct

Plenty of credentials that demonstrate our social engagement. Not just on paper but also translated in a very high employee retention.

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