Is production in Turkey a safe bet? A building just collapsed in Istanbul. In the basement of that building was a textile workshop. And this is not a one-off incident, I just finished a module talking about these hidden factories of Istanbul and how they are part of all brands supply chains in Turkey/Istanbul, this is the reality of the textile business in Istanbul.

The hidden factories of Istanbul

The auditprograms and the sourcing methods of fashion brands have forced this new business model to flourish, where most of the fashion production is happening in small workshops which are, in most cases, unknown to the customer (the fashion brands).

These hidden factories are also the ones where many of the Syrian refugees are working. And generally the working conditions there are worse, than in the “official” factories.

And the most risky part of it all, is that it is HIDDEN, the fact that we do not know them!

Mapping your supply chain is the most sustainable initiative you can take right now

If you can just map them out and ensure and promise (and by all means keep that promise!!!), that you will not punish the supplier for the conditions you will witness, then you can actually make a REAL change in your supply chain.

Engage with your supplier about an openness towards where your items are produced and a joint effort in improving the safety there, then you have come a long way! Much longer than if you close your eyes and claim to be in good faith, as you thought you were producing somewhere else.

I hear so many fashion brands say, that they have a safe supply chain, because they produce the same place as some really big brand. And I am really sorry to say, that no, maybe your supplier is the same – located in a fancy office in Shanghai – or in this case Istanbul. But unless you have the same order size as your big competitor, you will not be producing the same place, but rather in a small workshop somewhere completely different.

So, let us get this out in the open and start to either improve on the safety of these small workshops (sub-contractors) or find a better solution for sourcing in Turkey.

Currently it is risky business for the workers, for the suppliers and for your brand reputation.

So start to map it out and get a true dialogue with your suppliers about the supply chain. That is my advise – everyone can do this. 

Don´t just cross your fingers, but make – even small – actions, and it will leave you with a peace of mind instead.