Croydon South business Etiko recognised at Human Rights Awards

CROYDON South clothing brand Etiko has been recognised as a human rights trailblazer in the fashion industry.

Etiko founder Nick Savaidis (centre) with staff (from left) Clive Marriott, Liz Savaidis, Eliane Hockey, Tanya Critchell and Katie Foreman. Picture: Steve Tanner

CROYDON South clothing brand Etiko has been honoured at the 2016 Human Rights Awards.

The company was the joint winner of the business category at the national awards, which are held by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Etiko founder-director Nick Savaidis said it was the first time a clothing brand had won a human rights award.

“We have received a lot of environmental awards in the past but to win one for human rights is quite amazing, especially for a small business like us,” Mr Savaidis said.

“We hope this will encourage people to stop just talking about human rights abuses in the fashion industry, but to do something about it.

“Clothing is a lot cheaper than it was 30 years ago and that is only possible because a lot of workers are being exploited.”

Etiko was the first non-food brand to receive Fairtrade certification in the Pacific region.

It works with textile factories in Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan to create environmentally-sourced and ethically-made clothes.

It is one of only two brands — along with Audrey Blue — highlighted in the in the Australian Fashion Report as standout performers who ensured living wages were paid to workers.

On top of paying fair wages, Etiko pays a Fairtrade premium to each factory, which is invested in social and economic projects to benefit workers, their families and communities. This included benefits such as health insurance for workers or schooling for their children.