Hallenstein Glasson Holding is a fashion apparel-making company headquartered in Auckland, North New Zealand. The company was founded in 1926, The company produces apparel for both men and women. The company operates under two trade names, Glassons Limited, for Men’s apparel, and Hallenstein Bros Limited, for Women’s apparel. Let’s know ‘Is Glasson’s Ethical?’
The company has its operations in New Zealand and Australia, but its administration is in Auckland. The environmental issues are not fully considered at Glassons. But it is cruelty-free towards animals. There is no clear evidence that the company has reduced the emission of carbon and other greenhouse gases throughout its business chain. But at the end of 2021, the company decided to restructure its policies to achieve maximum sustainability and to solve all the ethical issues.
Is Glasson’s ethical?
As per the past published results, Glassons is not fully ethical and the GRI standard is B+ only.
Glasson’s testing of cosmetics
Glassons are cruelty-free, since, the company does not adopt animal testing on any cosmetic products while producing or after finishing the production. Also, Glassons does not allow any quality tests of products to be conducted on animals.
Sustainability Factors
Glassons has introduced some eco-friendly materials like recycled cotton and remains of articles of clothing so that textile waste would be minimal even though it did not take any measures to keep sustainability, by reducing water usage or limiting the green gas emissions. Also, it is producing enormous editions of dresses at a low price, thus trying to fix itself as a fashion brand. The company is not good enough for the environment, and that is an unsustainable business model.
Ethical Factors
Ethical factors are also not so seriously handled by the company. The company speaks about the ethical issues seriously but does not take any action. The company does not reveal the situations of some of its brands in the business chain. The policies and safeguards to protect the workers were not up to the standards.
Rights to Complaint
The company would not give any right to workers to bargain for wages. The company fixed a minimum wage for workers which is not enough to meet their life needs. That is why one can say that the company is not good enough for its workers.
Decisions Made in 2021 Towards Sustainability and Ethical Factors
Due to these remarks made by the authorities, like GRI, Hallenstein has decided to change some of its policies. The company created a framework for the sustainability journey. The company states that it has three pillars, People, Planet, and Product. The company team discussed the problems they face with the workers. They made a questionnaire and made the staff and their consumers answer it.
Participants
About 3700 members (including both the brands) divided into four categories, namely, Customers, workers, staff, and the management team, participated in the questionnaire.
They answered to improve the policies as follows
Product:
- Use recycled materials only
- Make use of natural fibers
- Make durable products
- Minimize the use of water and cloth wastage
- Create Vintage clothes
Ethical
- No slaves or child labor
- Pay the workers a fair wage to meet their needs
- Be frank towards workers to consider their condition
Sustainability
- Use sustainable packaging materials
- Avoid the use of plastic for packaging
- No animal cruelty
- Less carbon emission
- Proper waste management
- No textile waste is to be left out
Suggestions from the staff
The staff read the questionnaire attentively and put the suggestions to the management. The suggestions from the staff after the study was :
- Reduce carbon footprint
- More considerations for garment workers
- More use of Organic materials
- More use of recycled textile material for waste reduction
The decisions made by Glassons Team
- The recycling of textile waste and unmarketed cloth materials
- Use of disposable or compostable package materials
- Reduction of carbon footprint
- Including Vintage selections according to climate changes
Some Products at Glassons
| Product | Rate (AUD) | Colors |
| Recycled Cord Long Sleeve Shirt | 59.99 | 2 |
| Button-Front Knit Cropped Long Sleeve | 29.99 | 3 |
| Crochet Lace Up Front Long Sleeve Crop Top | 39.99 | 2 |
| Ecycled Knit Cropped Long Sleeve Cardigan | 29.99 | 4 |
| Linen Cut Out Mini Dress | 49.99 | 4 |
| Recycled Cord Long Sleeve Shirt | 59.99 | 2 |
| Ribbed Halter Knit Top | 24.99 | 9 |
Conclusion
Glassons is one of the brands of Hallenstein holdings, a New Zealand-based company. The company produces women’s apparel at affordable rates. The company is cruelty-free towards animals. But sustainability was not enough. . Also, some ethical issues were there regarding the worker’s life. In 2021 they restructured their policies by participating with the staff, workers, customers, and the company team. They accepted all the suggestions from these four participant groups to reach maximum sustainability.
Faqs
- What is GRI?
Global Reporting Initiative is an organization that measures economical, social, environmental, and governance performances.
- What kind of delivery service do Glassons have?
Three types of delivery services are available. They are inside Australia, inside New Zealand, and internationally.
- Is Glassons cruelty-free?
Yes
- Is the company sustainable?
It was not sustainable until 2021. In 2021, they prepared a structure with many changes in the company to become sustainable. They are following the plan.