Modern Slavery and Ethics Statement
As a modern, growing company we are committed to the ethical welfare of staff and suppliers both here in the EU and the Far East.
With offices in both Xiamen and Yiwu, we have the people on the ground to be able to physically inspect and monitor the factories and business used in our supply chain. This way we can be sure that our suppliers adhere to the high standards that would be expected of them in the ever-growing environmentally concerned industry. Combined with bi-annual trips to China by our buying team and a commitment to requesting social audits where possible, we are confident that by working together with our suppliers, efficiency and standards will continue to improve and grow year upon year.
Modern Slavery and Social Audit
At Puckator we aim to remove any opportunity for modern slavery within our supply chain. This can include an offence of slavery, forced or compulsory labour, underage labour or human trafficking. Our expected minimums are based on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) base code.
Part of our ongoing commitment towards production facility standards and a responsibility to the workers within these environments, we request that our suppliers can provide internationally recognised social audits. These social audits reassure us that the suppliers and factories we use adhere to modern-day working practice. A social audit covers important aspects such as the below:
- Employment is freely chosen.
- Adequate wages are paid
- Working hours are not excessive
- Social analysis
- Worker involvement and protection
- The rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining
- No discrimination is practised
- Fair remuneration
- Summary of working hours
- Benefits such as a pension, medical, unemployment and maternity pay
- Occupational health and safety
- No child labour
- Protection of the environment
- Ethical business behaviour
Supply Chain
Our commitment to responsible and ethical sourcing is ongoing and our buying department works closely with suppliers, inspecting new products and production methods with the aim to source more environmentally sustainable products. 2018 saw the introduction of our new bamboo range, which uses bamboo sourced from the waste bamboo by-product which is produced in the manufacture of chopsticks. The fresh bamboo used in the initial production of this is sourced from local farmers in China who replant new bamboo in its place.
Our doormats are produced in Kerala, India using waste coconut fibre and are produced in small community cooperatives, increasing employment in remote locations.
Products made from plastic, for example, our picnic range of lunch boxes, bottles & cups are all BPA and phthalate-free.
WEEE
Puckator is a producer of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) and is therefore obligated under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. We fully comply with all responsibilities as a registered member of the government-approved WEEE Compliance Scheme, Comply Direct.
Our WEEE producer registration number is WEE/MM2889AA.
We have formally documented policies relating to the WEEE regulations and we review our processes on a formalised and regular basis to ensure we remain fully compliant. The WEEE Regulations were first introduced in 2007 to reduce the amount of EEE ending up in landfills. As per the requirements of the Regulations we finance the recovery and recycling of WEEE when it reaches the end of its life and ensure our EEE products are marked accordingly with a crossed-out wheeled bin symbol and a date mark. We also provide information on reuse and environmentally sound treatment of the products. Comply Direct can provide more information about the WEEE Regulations here or find out more at www.gov.uk.
Batteries
Puckator is a producer of Batteries or Accumulators and is therefore obligated under the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations. We are fully compliant with all responsibilities.
Our batteries producer registration number is BPRN07568.
We have formally documented policies relating to the batteries regulations and we review our processes on a formalised and regular basis to ensure we remain fully compliant. The Batteries and Accumulators Regulations were first introduced in 2009 with the aim of reducing the number of batteries ending up in a landfill. As per the requirements of the regulations we finance the recovery and recycling of batteries when they reach the end of their life and ensure our batteries/battery-containing products are marked accordingly with a crossed-out wheeled bin symbol and a date mark. We also provide information on reuse and environmentally sound treatment of the products. Comply Direct can provide more information about the batteries regulations here or find out more at www.gov.uk.
Ongoing Improvements and Training
In a bid to improve understanding between ourselves and our supply chain, we have introduced a contract at the point of order. This outlines any information and requirements expected of our suppliers. We recognise that many issues can take time to resolve, however, we are confident that by implementing new regulations and guidelines and continually monitoring company and supplier practices we can achieve ongoing improvement.
Our staff are trained regularly to ensure all are aware of the responsibilities in accordance with policies and industry standards. Our statements and policies are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
If you have any questions or queries relating to this page please contact our customer service team.