Levi Strauss Company Walking the Talk

Levi's stands by Lesotho


By: Joe Ayling
6 December 2010

Denim giant Levi Strauss has published an update on its efforts to improve conditions in Lesotho. And it is a case of 'what a difference a year can make' for this developing African country.Levi's stuck by its suppliers in Lesotho despite damaging reports a year ago of chemical dumping and pollution by suppliers used by Levi's and other retailers.

The media reports prompted Levi's to carry out an investigation, where the company found a cracked pipe outside one of its contracted factories in Lesotho was leaking untreated wastewater into a local river.
It also found that solid waste from the suppliers was being sent to a municipal landfill.

However, Levi's said in a corporate blog last week that the municipal landfill is now fenced and public access is restricted. The government of Lesotho has plans to establish a new landfill too, Levi's said.Levi's also said that its suppliers had worked together with the local community to clean up local rivers.The moves prevent children from accessing the landfill waste, and averts other potential public health issues

The US company has also provided community grants to two local businesses - Technologies for Economic Development (TED), which is focused on environmentally friendly wastewater treatment devices for households, and Da Planet Recycling Shop, which turns fabric waste into crafts for sale.Levi's adds: "We can’t solve these problems alone – or overnight. Still, working to address the complex and challenging issues in developing countries like Lesotho is part of our company’s ongoing social responsibility efforts. And it’s so much better than having this situation cause us to take our production elsewhere."

Meanwhile, the International Labor Organization and the International Finance Corporation have set up an initiative to improve labor conditions and worker rights in Lesotho’s garment industry, called Better Work Lesotho.
Lesotho is highly reliant on garment exports, and will be encouraged by this level of commitment from trade bodies and big brands.There is a long way to go still, but as the first African country to join the Better Work programme, Lesotho could pave the way for similar investments on the continent.