Scope

This policy applies to all synthetic fibres used in the production of Rapha materials derived from petroleum (fossil fuels). These include polyester, polyamide (nylon) and elastane (spandex). The policy covers the social, labour and environmental sourcing risks present in the polyester, polyamide and elastane supply chain, from Tier 1 to 4.

Supply chain tiers are defined as follows:

• Tier 4 - raw material origin
• Tier 3 - raw material processing and suppliers of components to Tier 2 materials
• Tier 2 - materials suppliers (fabric mills, trim manufacturers)
• Tier 1 - finished garment manufacturers

Background

Synthetic materials possess many enhanced performance benefits which can be engineered to the requirements of a cyclist. Properties include being lightweight, durable, easy to care for, fast wicking and quick drying. Because of these beneficial properties, many Rapha products are made using synthetic materials – polyester and nylon are our two most used materials by weight. However, as virgin synthetics are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, they are inescapably linked to climate change.

1. Rapha strongly encourages all polyester, polyamide & elastane to be GRS certified by 2025
   We strongly encourage our raw materials suppliers across every Tier (1-4) to source and produce, where possible, recycled synthetic materials rather than relying on virgin polyester, polyamide and elastane. Our aim is to ensure that, by 2025, all our polyester, polyamide and elastane is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified at fabric level with a minimum recycled content of 50%. Where certification at the fabric level is not possible, we will also accept GRS certification at raw material or yarn level with a minimum recycled content of 50%. We will accept both mechanical and chemical recycling methods so long as they are GRS certified. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a voluntary standard created by Textile Exchange that applies internationally for recycled materials.
   Bio-synthetics with the highest possible proportion of bio-content are also considered a potential solution to fossil-based virgin synthetics when recycling is not possible. We are currently working on the end-of-life aspect in order to be able to assess the impacts of these alternatives.
    
2. Impacts at extrusion and spinning stages
   Rapha requires its Tier 1 and 2 suppliers to comply with the EU REACH legislation to ensure that no hazardous or restricted substances are present in finished goods. In addition to this, we require Tier 1 and 2 suppliers to measure their chemical management performance through the Higg Index FEM. This ensures that hazardous and restricted substances are not used during manufacturing and that water and waste management processes are monitored through adherence to the ZDHC MRSL.
   One of Global Recycled Standard’s primary goals is to reduce the chemical impacts of production, which is also supported by the third-party certification system that GRS puts in place to check that all the chemical restrictions for people and environment are met.
    
3. Supply chain traceability
   Supply chain traceability is necessary to prevent, record and remedy environmental risks in the polyester, polyamide and elastane supply chain. GRS uses the segregation chain of custody model which ensures that polyester, polyamide and elastane are segregated at each stage of the supply chain, thereby guaranteeing traceability of the fibre’s country of origin.
   GRS certification guarantees by proxy that no forced labour has been used at any level. Global Recycled Standard social requirements are based on the principles of the International Labour Organisation’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, guaranteeing that good working conditions are upheld.

Mutual commitments

Both Rapha and our Tier 1 and 2 suppliers commit to upholding this policy.

Non-compliance procedure
In the case of a breach of Rapha policy, we will always strive to rectify the situation with the stakeholder through remedial action. It is our duty to maintain business relationships where it is possible to effect positive change. Undue termination of contract does not solve problems, it merely pushes them onto other organisations.
We would resort to termination of contract under the following circumstances:

• If, after repeated attempts at remedial action, it is not impossible for an improvement to be made
• If the stakeholder shows no willingness to improve
• If it is not possible to undertake remedial action for reasons beyond our control (e.g. Rapha is prohibited access to information or verification by an organisation with significant power such as a national government.)