1. Ethical Sourcing Statement

At Bainbridge International Limited, we are committed to conducting our business in a manner that reflects our core values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. We believe that ethical sourcing is not just a business imperative but a moral obligation. Our approach to ethical sourcing is comprehensive, encompassing all stages of our supply chain to ensure that every product we offer is produced under conditions that respect human rights, foster safe working environments, and promote environmental sustainability.

2. Human Rights and Labor Standards

We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of human rights within our supply chain. This includes the firm commitment to the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. We will work closely with our suppliers to ensure that all workers are treated with dignity and respect, and that their rights are protected at all times. This includes the right to fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions.

3. Environmental Responsibility

Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of our ethical sourcing strategy. We recognize the urgent need to protect our planet for future generations and are committed to reducing our environmental footprint. We will require our suppliers to adhere to strict environmental standards, which include responsible waste management, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable use of natural resources. We also support initiatives that promote biodiversity and combat deforestation. We will lead the market in developing recycling options for sailcloth and developing new sailcloth with low carbon footprint and easier circular economy credentials.

4. Supplier Engagement and Accountability

We believe that ethical sourcing is a collaborative effort that requires active engagement and transparency with our suppliers. We will conduct thorough due diligence on all our suppliers, which includes regular audits, assessments, and monitoring to ensure compliance with our ethical standards. We also provide honest feedback and training and support to help our suppliers improve their practices and meet our stringent requirements.

Our Supplier Code of Conduct is the cornerstone of our ethical sourcing framework. This document outlines our expectations and requirements for all suppliers, covering areas such as labor practices, environmental management, and business integrity. Compliance with this code is mandatory for all suppliers, and failure to adhere to these standards may result in termination of our business relationship.

5. Continuous Improvement

Ethical sourcing is a dynamic and ongoing process. We are committed to continuous improvement and regularly review and update our policies and practices to address emerging challenges and opportunities. We will actively seek feedback from stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, and advocacy groups, to ensure that our sourcing practices remain robust and effective.

We also support and participate in industry initiatives and multi-stakeholder collaborations that promote ethical sourcing and sustainable supply chains. By working together with others in our industry, we believe we can drive greater positive impact and foster a more sustainable and ethical global economy.

6. Anti-Slavery and Child Labour Statement

Introduction

At Bainbridge International Limited, we recognize that modern slavery and child labor are grave violations of human rights that have no place in our business or supply chain. We are fully committed to preventing and addressing all forms of modern slavery and child labor. This commitment is aligned with our values and our ethical sourcing principles.

Definition of Modern Slavery and Child Labor

Modern slavery is an umbrella term that encompasses various forms of coerced labor, including forced labor, debt bondage, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. Child labor refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially, or morally harmful.

7. Policies and Procedures

To combat modern slavery and child labor, we will implement robust policies and procedures that will be embedded in our operational framework and supply chain management.

1. Supplier Code of Conduct: Our Supplier Code of Conduct explicitly prohibits all forms of modern slavery and child labor. It sets out clear expectations for our suppliers regarding the prohibition of forced labor, the minimum age of employment, and the conditions under which young workers may be employed.
2. Due Diligence: We will conduct comprehensive due diligence on our supply chain to identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to modern slavery and child labor. This includes risk assessments, supplier audits, and continuous monitoring of high-risk areas.
3. Contracts and Agreements: All contracts and agreements with suppliers will include clauses that prohibit modern slavery and child labor. These clauses will require suppliers to comply with all relevant laws and regulations and to uphold our ethical standards.
4. Training and Awareness: We will provide training for our employees and suppliers to raise awareness about modern slavery and child labor. This training will cover how to identify signs of exploitation, the importance of ethical labor practices, and the procedures for reporting suspected cases of modern slavery or child labor.
5. Grievance Mechanisms: We will establish accessible and confidential grievance mechanisms for employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report concerns or violations related to modern slavery and child labor. All reports are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

8. Risk Assessment and Management

We recognize that certain regions, industries, and sectors may pose higher risks for modern slavery and child labor. As part of our risk management strategy, we will:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify high-risk areas within our supply chain.
• Engage with local stakeholders, including NGOs and community organizations, to understand the local context and challenges.
• Prioritize audits and inspections for high-risk suppliers and regions.
• Implement corrective action plans for suppliers found to be in violation of our standards, and monitor their progress closely.

9. Remediation

If cases of modern slavery or child labor are identified within our supply chain, we are committed to taking immediate and effective action to address and remediate the situation. Our remediation approach includes:

• Working with the supplier to ensure the immediate cessation of exploitative practices.
• Providing support and assistance to affected workers, including access to education, healthcare, and legal assistance.
• Collaborating with local authorities and organizations to ensure that affected individuals receive appropriate care and support.
• Re-evaluating our relationship with the supplier and, if necessary, terminating the business relationship if the supplier fails to take corrective action.

10. Conclusion

At Bainbridge International Limited, we are dedicated to ethical sourcing and the eradication of modern slavery and child labor from our supply chain. Our commitment is unwavering, and we will continue to take proactive steps to ensure that our business operations and supply chain are free from exploitation. By upholding the highest ethical standards, we aim to contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

UPDATED to July 31st 2024