RSN is spearheading the initiative YESS: Yarn Ethically & Sustainably Sourced to drive modern slavery out of cotton production by identifying and addressing forced labor involved in cotton harvesting, and encouraging the use of ethical and sustainable cotton.
YESS utilizes the OECD risk-based due diligence approach to identify and eliminate cotton produced with forced labor from apparel supply chains. Driven by the active participation of member-based global brands and industry stakeholders, YESS is coordinating its activities with sustainable cotton initiatives and other complementary programs to promote harmonization of a due diligence system for the entire industry.
The Value of Creating YESS is to:
▪ Assist companies in complying with anti-slavery and due diligence regulations.
▪ Train and enable spinning mills & fabric mills to implement effective due diligence systems.
▪ Establish an industry-wide due diligence approach and a global list of verified spinners and mills.
▪ Increase marketability for spinners, mills, and brands sourcing ethical cotton.
▪ Give consumers assurance the industry is working together to eliminate forced labor from cotton production.
▪ Minimize verification costs, improve efficiencies, and remediate harm.
▪ Contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 and Indicator 8.7.