Why can cheap textile production in Asia, Africa, and other countries be problematic?

Affordable Textile Production, Child Labour

Cheap textile production: What corporate clients really need to know

Cheap textile production in Asia and Africa sounds tempting – especially for companies that need large quantities of clothing, scarves, or promotional textiles. Low production costs allow for attractive purchase prices. However, behind these advantages often lie serious risks: unacceptable dyes, child labour and poor working conditions.

Unacceptable dyes: An invisible danger for customers and the environment

In many Asian and African textile factories, dyes and chemicals are used that are banned in the EU. This has serious consequences:

Health risks: Manche dyes contain heavy metals such as lead or cadmium. These substances can be carcinogenic or trigger allergic reactions.

Environmental damage: During dyeing, toxic residues enter rivers and soils.

Legal consequences: The import of such textiles can lead to warnings, product recalls, or loss of reputation.

Many importers are not chemistry experts. – they do not recognise the danger. That is why it is important to pay attention not only to price and design when shopping.

Child labour in the textile industry: A system with dark sides

In countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar or Ethiopia hundreds of thousands of children work in the textile industry – often under the worst conditions:

Children under 14 years old operate machines, dye fabrics or sew accessories.

The work is dangerous, poorly paid and prevents school attendance.

Laws against child labour do exist – but they are rarely enforced.

For corporate clients, this means: Those who shop without oversight, indirectly supports these grievances – and jeopardises its own reputation.

Affordable Textile Production, Dangers

Poor working conditions in the textile industry: The reality on the ground

Even for adult workers, the conditions are often catastrophic:

10–14 hours of work daily, partly without breaks or days off

no protective clothing, no trade unions, no protection against dismissal

wages far below the subsistence level

In countries like India, Cambodia, or Ethiopia, such conditions are not the exception, but the rule. European labour standards do not apply there.

Affordable Textile Production from Various Countries Have These Conditions

What corporate clients can – and should – do

Those who want to purchase safe textiles for corporate clients should look beyond the price. These measures help:

✅ Request certificates and test reports from independent bodies.

✅ Require suppliers to commit in writing not to use child labour or banned chemicals.

✅ Have regular quality and social audits conducted.

✅ Build and document transparent supply chains.

Children Sewing in Bangladesh

Conclusion: Act sustainably, show responsibility

The affordable textile production offers economic opportunities – but also social responsibility. Those who shop consciously not only protect themselves but also people and the environment. Fair, safe and certified textiles are not a luxury, but an investment in the future and trust.

➤ Consulting for corporate clients

Would you like to learn more about sustainable textile production or risk-free supplier selection?
We are happy to support you – personally, understandably, and solution-oriented.

Behind the Colourful Facade Often Lies a Dark Shadow

Behind the colourful facade often lies a dark shadow

Related external links with this page: Toxic colors,