Often a shopper will be faced with a choice when purchasing clothing; do they look out for brands that reliably uphold ethical and environmental standards at a higher cost, or choose not to compromise their budget, and accept the potential damages that may have incurred in the creation of the product? Whilst many fashion outlets are becoming more onboard with the necessity to take a higher level of responsibility for the impacts of production, the price tag is yet to progress to a stage where sustainable options can be enjoyed affordably. Moving to bridge the gap between cost and social and ecological considerations, however, comes Takko Fashion. 

“Socially responsible produced products are accessible for everyone, even with a limited budget”, says Karl-Heinz Holland, the Executive Chairman at Takko Fashion. But for this company, the work to ensure peace of mind for its consumers starts deep within its operations. “There is a lot of activity going on to make sure that we protect the workers interests in our factories, up to and including progressively greater transparency in the supply chain as an important prerequisite”. By actively taking an interest in the workers’ experience and encouraging honest communication along the supply chain, Takko Fashion supports UN principles and provides fashion from more socially responsible production.

As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation since 2011, Takko Fashion pushes forward to protecting the workers in methods that make the process as simple as possible. Consolidated with the Fair Wear Complaint Management System, criticisms of the company are openly welcomed and viewed as a constructive guide to better supporting the workers. This continual improvement, supported by various programs such as the Fair Wear Workplace Education Programme, demonstrates a genuine care for the beating heart of Takko Fashion, its workforce, and the industry beyond that. “Our suppliers are committed to our goals and principles. We further check the implementation of our Code of Conduct and Fair Wear Labour Practices through regular audits”, confirms Patricia Tilinski, Procurement Compliance Team Leader at Takko Fashion.

Amidst even the unpredictably turbulent events of the pandemic, the company held resolute in being a foundation for its partners. “Sustainable and trusting cooperation is an essential way to overcome crises together”, tells Patricia Tilinski, “we have year-long business relationships with most of our production sites. It is a matter of course that we find joint solutions in times of crisis and support each other”. To protect workers during the pandemic, the fashion retail brand was very keen not to cancel orders, but rather to place even larger order volumes to support suppliers in difficult financial situations.

And yet, the company’s innovations aren’t limited to its own internal processes. Showing a true interest in the longevity of communities, Takko invests in the education of young children in the South Indian Tirupur School. By sponsoring the institution and promoting qualitative education to kids from an impressionable age, Takko Fashion is investing in the future by educating and firing up the next generation of innovators to pioneer the route to more modern industries. Dr C. Deenathayalapandian, CEO Takko Fashion Operations India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, says, “The students receive free tuition and can graduate with a recognised school diploma so that they are well prepared to start their professional lives or further studies”.

It’s not just social development, but environmental protection too that helps set Takko Fashion apart from its competitors. “We are a member of the partnership of Sustainable Textiles and together with them, we work intensively on reduction of negative chemical substances, as well as working on improving on wastewater management” says Karl-Heinz Holland. This awareness of the dangers posed but that can be alleviated through effective addressing and tackling of the problem, even more so when collaboration can be achieved, is not something Takko Fashion shies away from.

With the initiatives and innovation comes true will to progress that is necessary for continued, applicable adjustment. “Everybody in this industry has to be aware there is a lot more that needs to be done”, says Karl-Heinz Holland. In order for sustainable, worker-oriented practices to have any long-term impact, and get the opportunity to spread to other key players in the sector, it requires upholding the standards of the times as they come. “But we know there is still a lot more to do. It’s an ongoing journey and we are committed to it”, says the Executive Chairman; there can be no place for resting on laurels, with no sign of any such inactivity from Takko Fashion at the present moment or future.