Textile and garment units in India and the world over have joined an initiative sponsored by the Netherlands that urges adoption of production practices that ensure safety and well-being of workers and protection of the environment. The aim is for 80 per cent of garment and textile businesses to be part of this agreement by 2021. These brands operate in Europe, Asia and Africa. Over 300 textile and garment units in India are part of the initiative.

Netherlands is a huge importer of fabrics and also a champion of labor and environment issues. Among the states represented by this agreement are: Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Karnataka. The agreement provides for ending unfair discrimination against workers, especially on grounds of gender, preventing child labor, ending forced labor, encouraging freedom of association, ensuring a living wage, offering safety and making healthcare provision for workers, responsible use of raw material, prevention of water pollution through chemical use and animal welfare.

The Netherlands pursues a successful environmental policy that is resulting in cleaner rivers, reduction in carbon emissions, reduction in waste streams, and the cleanup of contaminated soil. National environmental policy is directed to contribute to sustainable economic development and to the health and safety of people by maintaining and improving the quality of the environment.