Introduction
At Mint Velvet, we are committed to conducting business in an ethical, responsible and transparent manner. We believe long-term success is built through integrity, respect, fairness and strong partnerships.
We expect all suppliers, factories, subcontractors, labour providers and service partners involved in producing goods or services for Mint Velvet and Arteof to meet the standards set out in this Code of Conduct.
This Code is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code, applicable law, and internationally recognised responsible business standards, including OECD due diligence principles.
Suppliers are expected to apply these standards within their own operations and, where relevant, throughout their supply chain.
1. Employment is Freely Chosen
No forced, bonded, trafficked or involuntary prison labour.
Workers must not pay recruitment fees or deposits to obtain employment.
Workers must retain control of their identity documents and passports.
Workers must be free to leave employment after reasonable notice.
2. Freedom of Association
Workers have the right to join or form trade unions of their choosing.
Workers have the right to bargain collectively in accordance with local law.
Where legal restrictions exist, suppliers must support alternative lawful worker representation.
Worker representatives must not suffer discrimination or retaliation.
3. Safe and Healthy Working Conditions
A safe and hygienic workplace must be provided.
Risks must be identified and managed through effective health and safety systems.
Appropriate fire safety, emergency exits, alarms and evacuation plans must be in place.
Workers must receive regular health and safety training.
Clean toilets, drinking water and welfare facilities must be available.
Any accommodation provided must be safe, clean and meet basic needs.
A senior manager must hold responsibility for health and safety.
4. Child Labour is Prohibited
No child labour may be used.
Young workers must not undertake hazardous or night work.
Where child labour is identified, suppliers must act in the child’s best interests, including remediation and access to education.
5. Wages and Benefits
Wages and benefits must meet at least legal minimum standards or applicable collective agreements, whichever is higher.
Workers must receive clear payslips and understandable terms of employment.
Wage deductions must be lawful, transparent and not disciplinary in nature.
We encourage suppliers to progress toward wages that support basic needs and discretionary income.
6. Working Hours
Working hours must comply with applicable law.
Regular working hours should not exceed 48 hours per week, excluding overtime, unless local law permits otherwise.
Overtime must be voluntary, responsibly managed and paid at applicable premium rates.
Workers must receive at least one day off in every seven-day period, subject to local law.
7. No Discrimination
Employment decisions must be based on ability and performance.
No discrimination or harassment based on race, nationality, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political opinion, union status or other protected characteristic.
8. Regular Employment
Work should be performed on the basis of a recognised employment relationship.
Suppliers must not misuse temporary, agency, casual or fixed-term contracts to avoid legal obligations.
9. Respectful Treatment
Physical abuse, threats, coercion, bullying, sexual harassment, verbal abuse or intimidation are prohibited.
Disciplinary processes must be fair, documented and lawful.
10. Modern Slavery and Human Rights Due Diligence
Suppliers must assess and manage risks relating to forced labour, trafficking, child labour and exploitation.
Suppliers must cooperate with Mint Velvet human rights due diligence processes.
High-risk issues must be escalated immediately.
11. Recruitment and Migrant Workers
Recruitment must be ethical and transparent.
Migrant workers must receive equal treatment and clear contracts in a language they understand.
No worker should pay for a job.
12. Subcontracting and Unauthorised Production
Production may only take place at sites approved in writing by Mint Velvet.
Unauthorised subcontracting is prohibited.
13. Environment
Suppliers must comply with environmental laws and permits.
Suppliers should work to reduce waste, emissions, water use and environmental impact.
Suppliers may be asked to provide environmental performance data.
14. Chemicals and Product Safety
Products must comply with all applicable safety, chemical and labelling requirements.
Suppliers must operate appropriate controls over restricted substances and testing requirements.
15. Traceability and Transparency
Suppliers must maintain accurate records on facilities, materials and production processes.
On request, suppliers must disclose relevant Tier 2 / Tier 3 sources and supporting documentation.
16. Certifications and Claims
Sustainability, fibre or certification claims must be accurate, evidence-based and approved where required.
Suppliers must maintain valid scope certificates and transaction documents where applicable.
17. Grievance Mechanisms
Workers must have access to confidential grievance channels.
Concerns must be investigated promptly and without retaliation.
18. Monitoring and Corrective Action
Mint Velvet may assess compliance through audits, visits, worker interviews, documentation review or third-party partners.
Suppliers must cooperate with corrective action plans and demonstrate progress.
19. Non-Compliance
Serious or repeated breaches may result in:
corrective action plans
increased monitoring
suspension of orders
termination of the business relationship
Supplier Commitment
Compliance with this Code is a condition of doing business with Mint Velvet and Arteof. We seek long-term partnerships with suppliers who share our commitment to responsible and continuous improvement.
