Safer Conditions for Apparel Workers

The apparel sector employs more than 60 million workers worldwide, and has contributed significantly to reducing global poverty by creating opportunities for unskilled workers, young women, and migrant workers to move into the formal labor market.

The apparel supply chain is global, comprised millions of small, medium and large manufacturers in every region of the world, all operating under pressure to hold down costs, innovate products and deliver on tight deadlines. Many of these manufacturers are in countries where governance over fire and building safety, labor conditions, and pollution controls is weak. Recent tragedies, like the Tazreen fire and the Rana Plaza collapse which took 1,200 lives in Bangladesh, have highlighted the need for higher standards for worker safety.

IFC is bringing together public and private stakeholders, including international apparel buyers, supplier factory owners, governments, industry organizations, and other international partners to promote environment and social sustainability of the apparel industry.  

Better Work for Better Lives

‘Better Work’ is a partnership between IFC and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Launched in 2007, it now reaches more than 1 million workers, of whom 82% are women, in more than 1,000 factories worldwide.

IFC's focus in apparel supply chain:

ACCESS TO FINANCE

IFC promotes access to finance through innovative programs to provide short-term working capital or trade finance, as well as direct investments in companies. IFC programs and platforms help global buyers support their suppliers through guarantees.

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PARTNERSHIPS

IFC plays a convening role in bringing together public and private stakeholders, including international apparel buyers, supplier factory owners, governments and industry organizations.

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SUSTAINABILITY

IFC helps manufacturers obtain the technical knowledge they need to improve environment and safety standards.

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