The results of LICADHO’s investigation indicate that the employing of waste materials from major global brands in kilns for bricks has been connected to negative health consequences for labourers.
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What is the issue of waste raised?
At least nineteen international brands, including well-known ones like Adidas and Walmart, have their waste used as fuel in kilns at brick-making plants in Cambodia. Alarmingly, this practice has adverse consequences that are highlighted in a report released on Monday by The Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defence of Human Rights (LICADHO).
The study, which was produced through interviews with both present and past employees and field trips to 21 brick factories in the neighbouring province of Kandal and the capital city of Phnom Penh between April and September, reveals a worrying trend.
The results of LICADHO’s investigation indicate that the employing of leftover materials from major global brands in kilns for bricks has been connected to negative health consequences for labourers.
There are significant worries over the consequences of exposure to such hazardous waste on the health of humans because a few staff members have complained of getting sick. The research highlights the possible health risks associated with burning such substances, emphasising the necessity for a thorough examination and legislative action.
Adidas and Walmart are among the brands that may be under further scrutiny along with pressure to resolve the concerns that have been discovered. The scenario calls for a reconsideration of the social and environmental impacts of multinational firms and emphasises the important role of transparent supply chains and appropriate waste management practises.
Various brands, such as Primark and Lidl, have expressed their commitment to looking into the situation in reaction to the alarming findings. These businesses’ admission of the problem and the start of their investigations show that they are aware of how serious it is and that they are prepared to deal with any possible problems in the supply chains they operate in.
An internal 2020 study carried out by the U.N. Development Programme highlights even more of the dangers connected to burning discarded clothing. According to a study that evaluated the emissions from burning clothing waste in incinerators or burning facilities at garment factories in Cambodia, the procedure can release harmful compounds into the air if the combustion conditions aren’t adequately controlled.
The study also showed that there may be significant amounts of contaminants in the ashes left over from burning. This information underlines the need for stringent control and regulation in the treatment of garment waste and highlights the health and environmental risks associated with Cambodia’s present waste disposal practises.
After a LICADHO investigation, it was discovered that seven companies were burning pre-consumer garment trash, which included rubber, fabric, plastic, and other materials from the worldwide brands involved. An investigation revealed that the manufacturers were burning used clothing to save fuel costs, which is why this disturbing practice occurred.
These substances are way too human-hazardous
The LICADHO report emphasises that burning discarded clothing releases harmful compounds, such as dioxins, which may have cancerous consequences. Dioxins are well-known for having a negative effect on human health and for having the potential to cause cancer. Notably, there is still an opportunity for more discussion and clarification of the topic because the UNDP, which carried out the 2020 study that produced these results, has not replied to requests for comments on the report.
A different 2018 study by UK experts from Royal Holloway, University of London, confirmed these worries by pointing out that a variety of hazardous substances, such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and chlorine bleach, are frequently found in textile scraps. The hazardous character of garment waste was also found to be influenced by contaminants such as heavy metals, PVC, and resins used in printing and dyeing operations.
What are the UK Investigation Highlights?
The UK investigation highlights the potential health concerns linked with working in brick factories, since workers exposed to these compounds reported frequent headaches caused by migraine nosebleeds and other diseases.
Numerous global brands, including Adidas, C&A, Disney, Gap, Lululemon Athletica, Lidl, Walmart, Primark, and others, are implicated in the LICADHO investigation. Adidas has responded by starting an inquiry to find out if garbage is being sent to brick kilns instead of approved disposal locations. The corporation highlighted its environmental policy in Cambodia, stating that wastes have to be disposed of at government-licensed recycling centres or permitted waste-to-energy plants.
Although specific details about Lidl’s investigations are now unclear, the company admitted that it takes the conditions revealed by LICADHO seriously and that it has started looking into them. These businesses’ response indicates that they take the accusations seriously and could lead to more industry-wide conversations about ethical sourcing and waste management.
LPP has contacted its agents in charge of making orders in Cambodia and has taken prompt action after expressing ignorance of their textile scraps being burned in brick-making facilities. The business has said that it will host an awareness day for its Cambodian factories and agents in early 2024, with a focus on waste management techniques.
A few more in-depth details
Primark, which purchases goods from 20 manufacturers in Cambodia, said it is looking into the matter right now. Sweaty Betty reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with suppliers to guarantee complete compliance with its environmental code of conduct, even if the company would not comment on the specific results.
In response to the allegations, C&A said that it complies with local rules and regulations and keeps an eye on its suppliers through independent evaluations and onsite visits by its own local employees. The business pledged to look into any potential discrepancies as soon as they occur.
Tilley Endurables stressed that it only works with manufacturers that have passed inspections while expressing grave worry over the results. The business emphasised that the inspected facility that manufactures its products has been authorised by World Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) and made a commitment to maintain proper disposal of waste in compliance with regional legislation and globally accepted norms. Tilley Endurables acknowledged that it has little control over what happens to waste after it is collected, which highlights how difficult it is to manage waste along the supply chain.
Remarkably, when Reuters reached out to additional brands involved in the LICADHO report, they did not immediately reply. Similarly, in response to demands for explanation, the WRAP, the Ministry of Environment in Cambodia, and the waste disposal company Sarom Trading Co. Ltd. did not offer any remarks. The lack of answers from these organisations can prompt more inquiries concerning the regulatory and supervisory frameworks guiding Cambodia’s waste management procedures.
Conclusion
As more information becomes available, there can be demands for stricter laws and greater corporate responsibility to guarantee the preservation of environmental sustainability and workers’ rights in nations where multinational corporations do business.
The harmful health effects that workers suffer as a result of burning textile waste are highlighted in the report. Many employees reported experiencing headaches and breathing issues that they clearly linked to the burning process. Furthermore, a moving narrative from a worker described feeling especially ill during her pregnancies as a result of breathing in the fumes from burning rubbish.
These disclosures highlight the urgent need for regulatory action and the direct health dangers connected to these disposal practices. The health problems that have been reported make it even more urgent to conduct a thorough investigation into the effects that burning garment waste in brick kilns has on the environment and on people.
This will help authorities put strict controls in place to protect workers’ health and lessen any potential harm that may result from these practices. The results could also serve as a catalyst for the apparel sector to reassess its waste management tactics and move towards more environmentally friendly and health-conscious methods.
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