Primark, the UK fashion chain owned by Associated British Foods ramped up its efforts to police its suppliers, built a team of over 100 people to focus on ethical trade and environmental and sustainability issues. The company also posted “Primark Cares” posters in its stores in the country, with information about its factories and its source of raw materials. The company, which has 360 stores globally, will launch more products next spring made from cotton planted under its sustainable farming programme in Pakistan.
Primark plans to open 14 new stores in FY 2018/19. The retailer recently emphasized its commitment to environmental standards and safer working conditions as its low prices came under scrutiny in 2013 after 1,129 people died in the collapse of a factory in Bangladesh, where clothes were made for brands including Primark.