Making in the UK is a core value at the Tara Khorzad studio. By manufacturing in the UK, it is possible to guarantee fair pay and safe working conditions for the factory workers that make Tara Khorzad garms, through regular visits to the local, small supply chain.
The carbon footprint of each piece of clothing is also minimised by making in the UK, where electricity is more efficient than most international manufacturing countries. Printing and manufacturing in the same country means less fuel to fly/ship materials and stock.
MADE IN THE UK
ETHICAL POLICY
All of Tara Khorzad manufacturing is done in the UK and adheres to the specifications set out by the Ethical Trading Initiative. The fabric is printed in Leicester, and is then transported only a couple of miles down the road where the garments are also made in Leicester, in one factory visited regularly by Tara Khorzad herself. The clothing factory and print house owners confirm the below:
The paper packing lists, stickers and flyers sent with orders are widely recyclable as there is no adhesive or gloss coating used. The mailbags are all 100% compostable, an also have second glue strip so can be reused, while boxes used for shipping can be recycled.
1. CHILD LABOUR POLICY - the factory conforms to the provisions of child labour ILO standards. Child labour shall not be used under any circumstances. Any persons under the age of 18 shall not be working at night or in any dangerous conditions.
2. NO SLAVE LABOUR - the factory only employs adults who freely choose employment - there is no slave labour within the factories chosen. Employers are free to leave once reasonable notice is given. The Tara Khorzad brand is sweat-shop free.
3. LIVING WAGES - the manufacturer confirms that living wages are paid to all employees, providing payment to cover basic needs as well as some discretionary income. Conditions of employment and wages are outlined within a written document, prior to employment.
4. REGULAR EMPLOYMENT - provided according to UK law and practice. Any labour-only contracting, sub-contracting, or home-working arrangements must adhere to social security laws and regulations. Any employees working through apprenticeship schemes must benefit from learning skills, or have the potential to secure future employment. Fixed-term contracts are not used excessively, and contract employees receive the same benefits as permanent staff.
5. WORKING CONDITIONS ARE SAFE AND HYGIENIC - safety checks must be carried out, specifically considering the risks of working amongst industrial machinery, and actions must be taken to avoid any potential hazardous accidents. Health and safety training must be provided to all workers. There must be access to clean toilet facilities, drinking water, as well as sanitary food storage, if necessary. A senior management representative must be responsible for health and safety.
6. TRADE UNIONS - workers have the right to start trade unions freedom and negotiate working terms. Employers must be open to hearing the requests from the worker representatives, who shall not be discriminated against.
7. NO DISCRIMINATION ALLOWED - throughout the entire employment process, there will be no discrimination in hiring, promoting, training, retiring or terminating contracts based on race, social status, age, disability, religion, gender, martial status, sexual orientation, political views or trade union membership.
8. WORKING HOURS COMPLY WITH UK LAW - and do not exceed 48 hours per week. Any requested overtime is voluntary and not excessive. Overtime is to be compensated at a rate of 125% or more of the regular rate of pay. Total working hours should not exceed 60hours in any 7 day period. Workers shall have a minimum of 1 day off during each 7 day period, or two days during each 14 day period.
9. NO HARSH OR INHUMANE TREATMENT - any kind of abuse is prohibited: whether physical, sexual or any other kind of intimidation, harassment or verbal abuse.
10. CHEMICAL COMPLIANCE - the UK-based print house has up to date Chemical Compliance. The printing process uses water-based inks which do not create waste when printed as all the dye transfers to paper and is then heat-pressed onto the fabric. The paper is then disposed of responsibly. The Environment agency certify that the printers maintain waste regulations under Waste (England and Wales) Regulations Act 2011.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Minimising Wastage - Recycle, re-use, re-purpose
Having an environmental ethos starts in the studio at the beginning of the design process. All prints by Tara Khorzad are multi-directional all-over prints, which the factory can cut economically, without having to worry about where to cut the fabric. As a consequence, there is less fabric wastage and so landfill contribution is minimised. Any fabric leftover is kept and repurposed in smaller products, such as accessories. The manufacturer sends all new stock in recycled cardboard boxes, which are then re-used or recycled. In the studio, recycling is taken seriously - all recyclable materials are recycled.
Made in the UK - made to last
As all Tara Khorzad products are made from durable fabrics by highly skilled UK manufacturers who pride themselves on excellent quality, not only are they designed to be loved, but they’re made to last. Customers can wear the clothing time and time again, and so much less of it ends up in landfill.