The American Apparel & Footwear Association signed a MoU with Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) during AAFA’s Social Responsibility Committee meeting in Long Beach, CA. The collaborative venture will leverage the organisations’ expertise in corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the apparel and footwear industry with a focus on labour and working hours. As per the agreement, AAFA and WRAP will work together to provide industry tools, resources, and thought leadership to be delivered at AAFA committee meetings, educational events, and webinars. As a part of the agreement, WRAP will be recognised as AAFAs official CSR partner.

Rick Helfenbein, President and CEO AAFA says they are excited to enter a more formal agreement with WRAP. AAFA helps members address changing regulations and international sanctions, and also to move beyond compliance, into forward-looking approaches to social responsibility. They are looking to leverage WRAP’s extensive and unique expertise in CSR space, as they work directly with factories and value chains around the world. This new arrangement will help provide AAFA members with essential guidance on a wide range of social responsibility issues. In 2018, AAFA and WRAP will develop guidance for AAFA members on North Korean sanctions as well as developing industry best practices for working hours.