Retailer Roundtable: Learning Exchange on Impactful Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence

About

The Retailer Roundtable (RRT): Learning Exchange on Impactful human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) aims to foster collaboration among retailers to enhance responsible business practices in the apparel and footwear industry. Led by The Industry We Want, this exchange seeks to align the apparel and footwear industry on the role and responsibilities of third party retailers in the implementation of HREDD.

What is the purpose?

The purpose of this working group is to create a pre competitive environment to enable retailers to share knowledge, best practices and collaboratively work to create aligned guidance on the role of third-party retailers in implementing and upholding HREDD.  

The group’s overarching aim is to help level the playing field across the apparel and footwear industry by driving consistent expectations and reducing fragmentation in implementation efforts.

The RRT provides a platform for retailers to:

  1. Share knowledge and best practices.

  2. Develop aligned guidance on HREDD implementation.

  3. Work collaboratively to reduce fragmentation and create consistency across the industry.

The RRT’s work is based on the OECD Due Diligence for Responsible Business Conduct framework. Using the six-step due diligence cycle, the group has:

  • Mapped existing best practices.

  • Defined aspirational standards for responsible business conduct.

Explored ways to streamline and harmonize data collection.

The Process

  • The RRT aims to:

    • Establish consistent expectations for responsible business practices.

    • Promote transparency and accountability across supply chains.

    • Support the adoption of ethical and sustainable practices as industry standards.

  • 1. Aligned Guidance Document

    This document outlines:

    • Harmonized guidance for HREDD implementation.

    • The role and responsibilities of third-party retailers in upholding HREDD.

    • Best practices for effective implementation.

    2. Brand Questionnaire

    A standardized set of HREDD-related questions designed to:

    • Establish a baseline and track year-on-year improvements.

    • Reduce duplication and streamline reporting processes.

    • Align with emerging regulatory requirements.

    These deliverables aim to support the industry in meeting legal obligations, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a unified approach to HREDD.

  • For Brands

    • Streamlined Reporting: One annual submission shared across multiple retailers.

    • Legislative Preparedness: Alignment with current and forthcoming HREDD-related laws.

    • Strategic Insights: Benchmarking performance and identifying risk areas.

    • Tailored Support: Targeted investment and education, particularly for SMEs.

    For the Industry

    • Alignment of Standards: Consistent reporting and due diligence expectations.

    • Greater Transparency: Improved visibility into supply chain risks.

    • Improved Practices: Timely remediation and long-term improvement.

    • Enhanced Collaboration: A cooperative approach to shared challenges.

The role of third-party retailers in driving HREDD

As due diligence and responsible business conduct becomes increasingly expected and mandated across industries, it is imperative that all stakeholders within our sector fully understand and embrace their roles and responsibilities in implementing meaningful and effective HREDD practices. Ensuring the protection of human rights and environmental sustainability is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of ethical and responsible business operations. 

Third party retailers represent one actor with the potential and market reach to play a key role in ensuring HREDD is implemented and upheld in a unified and impactful manner. Due to their standing point in the industry third party retailers hold a unique position and potential to introduce aligned best practices on due diligence to accelerate adoption in the industry. By aligning on and championing responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency, data collection and ethical business conduct, third-party retailers can set a powerful precedent. 

Building an aligned and inclusive approach

Achieving a truly effective and industry-wide approach requires more than a single perspective. To develop a framework that is both practical and impactful, it is essential to incorporate diverse viewpoints and expertise from across the sector. Stakeholder consultations play a crucial role in ensuring that the outcome of this work is comprehensive, inclusive, and reflective of the realities faced by all actors. By engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, we can minimise duplication, address potential gaps, and create a unified approach that supports retailers in effectively implementing HREDD.

Through open dialogue and collaboration, we can build trust, strengthen alignment, and ultimately amplify our collective impact — ensuring that responsible business practices become the standard rather than the exception.

Participating Retailers

Get in touch.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please don't hesitate to submit the form or reach out to TIWW’s project manager at hanna.griesbeck.garcia@cascale.org.