Greenpeace To Stop Fashion Factories Dumping Water Waste

Greenpeace has won a lawsuit against the Indonesian government which will prevent permits being issued to companies to allow them to dispose of waste in the Citarum river.

The lawsuit was filed after dozens of brands committed to detox their supply chain back in 2015, however little change occurred.

Greenpeace Indonesia, together with community groups Pawapeling, Walhi (Friends of the Earth Indonesia), and Legal Aid Bandung, filed a lawsuit against the government's decision to continue issuing wastewater discharge permits to three textile companies – PT. Kahatex, PT. Insan Sandang Internusa and PT. Five Star Textile.

Ahmad Ashov Birry, Greenpeace campaigner said: “This unprecedented decision gives us hope that a clean and toxic-free river and future in Indonesia is possible. It proved to me that people power can prevail!”

A study showed that total economic loss due to industrial pollution in the area had reached a staggering IDR11,4 trillion (US$1.02 trillion) between 2004 and 2015.

Rancaekek is long known to host textile companies including some of the biggest companies in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. These companies export most of their products abroad, including to several big fashion brands.

In 2015, one high ranking Indonesian official said that people in Rancaekek are prone to cancer due to industrial pollution.

Big brands are neglecting the health of their staff within the supply chain as well as the environment and it’s time for this to change. Greenpeace says: “Fashion brands must detox before it's too late.”

Sundried produce our activewear responsibly in partnership with The Low Carbon Innovation Fund and staff are respected throughout the supply chain, with fair wages and treatment.

You can read more about Sundried's ethical ethos on our 'Question The Ethics' page.