WRAP initiates investigation on Page Industries

A top apparel industry watchdog, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) has launched an investigation into Jockey International's Indian partner Page Industries following allegations of human rights abuses at one of its factories. The investigation follows Norway's $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund dropping Page from its investment portfolio due to concerns of human rights violations at "Unit-III" in Bengaluru.

Page has denied these allegations and called them outrageous. However, Seth Lennon, spokesperson, WRAP, said, such violations could normally result in a factory losing certification. The Page site under investigation is certified until November 15.

Bengaluru-headquartered Page is the exclusive licensee for Jockey wear in India and six other countries. The company also makes apparel for Britain-based swimwear maker Speedo, but in a smaller capacity. Its unit-III factory in Bengaluru employs about 1,000 workers. Page, which reported roughly $400 million in revenue in the fiscal year ended March 31, did not disclose what proportion of sales came from Unit-III. It has engaged with the Norwegian wealth fund's Council on Ethics - the body which recommended the fund exclude Page from its portfolio after its investigation.