Los Angeles-headquartered BELLA+CANVAS (asi/39590) has achieved Fair Labor Accreditation, a rigorous, multiyear process that evaluates companies’ systems to protect workers throughout global supply chains.

The decision by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) board comes after thoroughly reviewing the supplier’s business systems for compliance with international labor standards designed to protect workers. BELLA+CANVAS sources from eight self-operated facilities and two contract facilities across three countries.

Norm Hullinger, president of BELLA+CANVAS (asi/39590)

“From the time they joined FLA, BELLA+CANVAS has been in the vanguard of responsible purchasing practices, with company leadership taking an active role in decisions that have an impact on workers,” said Jeff Vockrodt, FLA president and CEO. “We welcome BELLA+CANVAS to the ranks of Fair Labor Accredited members and congratulate them on this significant achievement.”

BELLA+CANVAS became a participating member of the FLA in 2019, and since that time, the FLA said the supplier has continuously improved its social compliance program, keeping pace with the changes to FLA standards enacted since joining.

“In my 25 years in the apparel industry, I have found it widely recognized that FLA is the ultimate North Star regarding fair labor policies, sustainability in manufacturing and ethical business practices,” said Norm Hullinger, president of BELLA+CANVAS and a member of the Counselor Power 50 list of the most influential people in the promo industry. “I am so proud to be a part of an organization that has earned Fair Labor Accreditation and look forward to working closely with the FLA team to create a path of continuous improvement for BELLA+CANVAS.”

Highlights from BELLA+CANVAS’ accreditation include its company-wide commitment to ethical and sustainable business. “Company leadership is actively involved in upholding workplace standards for factory workers, receiving frequent updates from the compliance team and supporting their efforts,” according to the FLA.

The supplier has an extensive assessor manual and audit tool “fully aligned with FLA’s expectations for high-quality factory assessments,” the FLA notes.

Plus, BELLA+CANVAS has social compliance staff located close to key production centers in Central America, providing oversight and support to both contract and owned factories. “Compliance staff pay frequent visits to factories to provide training, follow up on the remediation of audit findings and understand factory management’s perspectives on compliance topics,” the FLA noted.

The accreditation report details FLA’s evaluation of BELLA+CANVAS’ social compliance program through September 2024. Fair Labor Accredited companies are evaluated on an ongoing basis and must demonstrate continuous improvement in addressing working conditions and protecting workers’ rights. They must meet international standards for labor rights by implementing a systems-level approach to human rights compliance and social responsibility.

With its accreditation, BELLA+CANVAS joins several other promo suppliers with similar credentials. Last year, Counselor Top 40 supplier SanMar (asi/84863) earned reaccreditation from the FLA. Top 40 supplier Gildan (asi/56842) and HanesBrands (asi/59528) are also Fair Labor Accredited.

Several other suppliers are participating members of the FLA, including Antigua Apparel (asi/36320) and Counselor Top 40 suppliers alphabroder (asi/34063) and Next Level Apparel (asi/73867). Participating companies join FLA on a voluntary basis and commit to ensuring fair labor practices and safe and humane working conditions throughout their supply chains, according to FLA.

Promo for the Planet is your destination for the latest news, biggest trends and best ideas to help build a more sustainable and socially-responsible industry.