Australian sustainable denim label Outland Denim has today released its inaugural annual sustainability report.
The report states that 750 people - including staff and household members - have benefitted from stable employment with Outland Denim through its social enterprise business model.
85% of formerly at-risk staff reported a reduced level of risk of exploitation after six months of employment with the denim brand.
Founding CEO James Bartle said that the business has an obligation to report its sustainability progress to its customers, similar to how a business would report to shareholders.
"Our customers aren’t just buying a pair of jeans, they are making an investment in positive change.
"They are taking us up on our promise to create impact on their behalf.
"And so just like you would report to your shareholders, we have an obligation to report to our customers the incredible impact their purchases have had.
"We hope that our customers read this report and have hope that despite the challenges COVID-19 has presented to the world, purpose-driven-business that puts people and the planet first is the way forward," he said.
Other highlights in the report include that when measured by weight, 93% of the raw materials used by the business in the past 12 months were natural in nature, while 94% of its direct supply chain is traceable.
Outland Denim also used 250 kilograms of biodegradable cassava bags to replace plastic poly bags for international transport and has made a commitment to transition all leather patches to jacron paper over the next 12 months.
The business also opened an onsite Health Clinic and Education Centre in its production facilities in Cambodia.
Throughout the reporting period, Outland Denim also launched Maeka, a rebrand of its production facilities, allowing it to produce sustainable garments for other brands, beginning with Karen Walker.