Ethical sourcing

Our approach to ethical sourcing

We work with our suppliers to promote responsible sourcing and improve supply-chain transparency. Banner has been a Sedex member since 2006, using supplier assessments and SMETA 4-Pillar audits, or recognised equivalent standards where appropriate, to assess labour practices, health and safety, business ethics and environmental management.

Fair pay and labour practices

Safe working conditions

Business ethics

Environmental responsibility

People First – Our supply chain in numbers

We require factories in our approved supply chain to follow our supplier standards, including respect for human rights, worker health and safety, and payment of at least the applicable legal minimum wage. Compliance is assessed through independent SMETA 4-Pillar audits or approved equivalent assessments, where applicable.

Our ethical sourcing approach

Ethical sourcing is a commitment to ensuring that products we source are produced in ways that respect both the people who make them and the environment.

Shipping efficiency

We reconfigured blazer container loads, increasing capacity by 400 pieces per 20-foot container and 600 pieces per 40 foot container. This improves space utilisation and helps reduce transport emissions.

Packaging upgrade

We’re increasing the use of responsibly sourced materials in our product and associated packaging.

Better Cotton – Supporting responsible farming

We’re proud members of Better Cotton, helping cotton communities thrive while protecting the environment.

Our cotton is sourced through a mass balance system, meaning the volumes we buy directly support farmers using better practices – from reducing pesticides and improving soil health to using water efficiently and promoting fair working conditions.

By supporting Better Cotton, our schoolwear helps create a future that’s better for farmers, their communities, and the planet. In 2026, we are moving to use traceable cotton through BCI.

Better Cotton – Supporting Responsible Farming

Why factory visits matter

These visits enable us to review product quality, discuss ethical standards and assess how supplier practices align with our Supplier Code of Conduct and other policies. They also help us build stronger supplier relationships and share Banner’s B Corp commitments.

Accreditations & Memberships

We’re proud to hold a number of accreditations and memberships that reflect our ongoing commitment to ethical and sustainable practices:

B Corp certified

legally committing us to operate for the benefit of people, the planet, and communities, not just profit.

bci certified organisation

Banner is certified against the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI™) Chain of Custody Standard. For further information, visit bettercotton.org

Sedex membership

driving transparency, fair labour practices, and environmental accountability across our supply chain.

Better Business Act supporter

campaigning for all UK companies to align their interests with wider society and the environment.

The Schoolwear Association

supporting best practice, quality standards, and ethical principles across the schoolwear industry.

B Corp certified

legally committing us to operate for the benefit of people, the planet, and communities, not just profit.
bci certified organisation

Banner is certified against the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI™) Chain of Custody Standard. For further information, visit bettercotton.org
Sedex membership

driving transparency, fair labour practices, and environmental accountability across our supply chain.
Better Business Act Supporter

campaigning for all UK companies to align their interests with wider society and the environment.
The Schoolwear Association

supporting best practice, quality standards, and ethical principles across the schoolwear industry.

What’s next?

To deliver our net-zero commitments—Scope 1 and 2 by 2040 and Scope 3 by 2050—we are working with relevant suppliers on emissions data, reduction actions and responsible sourcing practices. We will monitor progress through our supplier-engagement and climate-transition processes. We are also reviewing supply chain resilience risks and actions with relevant suppliers.