Boohoo is at the centre of controversy for re-engaging a supplier it previously cut ties with due to a modern slavery scandal.
- The fast fashion retailer has resumed sourcing garments from GN Euro, now operating as Euro Touch in Morocco.
- Boohoo initially severed connections in 2021 following a modern slavery expose at the supplier’s UK factory.
- Critics question Boohoo’s commitment to ethical practices despite the company’s assurance of a strict supplier vetting process.
- Campaigners argue that underlying supply chain issues remain unaddressed despite Boohoo’s ethical overhaul claims.
Boohoo, a prominent player in the fast fashion industry, finds itself facing scrutiny after resuming business with a supplier involved in a past modern slavery controversy. According to reports, Boohoo is now procuring apparel from GN Euro, which has rebranded itself under the name Euro Touch and relocated operations to Morocco.
The decision to resume dealings with Euro Touch comes despite Boohoo’s previous efforts to distance itself from controversies. GN Euro, originally based in Leicester, was initially cut off in 2021 after investigations revealed grave unethical practices. An undercover investigation by The Sunday Times in 2020 had unveiled that workers were receiving sub-minimum wages, a claim supported by an independent review led by barrister Alison Levitt KC.
Boohoo’s return to this supplier raises questions about the firm’s commitments to its publicly stated ethical standards. The company has asserted that its operations in Morocco are subject to rigorous compliance checks, highlighting that all suppliers must adhere to a strict code of conduct and are subject to regular audits.
Despite these assurances, critics, including various campaigners, express scepticism. They argue that Boohoo’s supply chain issues are far from resolved. Though the company has purportedly published a global supplier list as part of an ethical revamp, these critics assert that significant issues persist. They call into question the effectiveness of Boohoo’s audit processes and transparency initiatives.
A Boohoo spokesperson has defended the company’s actions, maintaining that their supply chain is entirely transparent and all listed suppliers meet high standards. They emphasise that only those suppliers who pass Boohoo’s detailed onboarding and compliance checks are retained. Yet, the re-engagement with Euro Touch suggests a complex landscape where ethical assurances are closely examined by both industry observers and ethical watchdogs.
The debate around Boohoo’s ethical practices continues as it faces intense scrutiny for its renewed collaboration with a previously scrutinised supplier.
