Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT)

The Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT) ran until the 31st of December 2021. A broad coalition of businesses and other organisations worked together during the term of 5.5 years to improve working conditions, prevent pollution, and promote animal welfare in production countries. The AGT has extensive experience with implementing the due diligence expectations of the OECD Guidelines. A practical guidance with many good practices of companies and tools can be found in the ‘Assessment Framework’. Click ‘About this agreement’ at the top of this page and select ‘Publications’ to consult this framework.

Signatures under IRBC Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile.

Video 5.5 years agreement

Look at the video which sums up 5.5 years of the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile

Man working at his sawing machines. Illustration for the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile.

Why this agreement?

Many companies in the Netherlands have outsourced their production, for instance to Turkey or Bangladesh. The parties to this agreement aim to safeguard human rights, worker health and safety, and more in such countries.

Where are the garments and textiles made?

Participating companies must provide a list of production sites that they have used in the previous year. The lists are published annually.

News

17 August 2022

New framework shows clothing companies the way to responsible purchasing

For over a year, representatives of the former Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile have worked hard with the Ethical Trading Initiative, Fair Wear Foundation and the German Partnership for Sustainable Textiles to define responsible purchasing practices. This has led to a Common Purchasing Practices Framework. Purchasing practices are an important factor for positive impact at production sites.

08 February 2022

Collaboration essential for Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile

The Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT) has taken significant steps towards a sustainable garment and textile sector. This was the conclusion of the final evaluation of the agreement, which ended on 31 December 2021. Under the agreement, companies received advice, tools and training to help them set up and implement their policy. The aim was to analyse risks, improve working conditions, prevent pollution and promote animal welfare in production countries. Achieving substantial improvements in the garment and textile supply chain will require time and effort beyond the agreement period, however.

News overview