Puma joins Bangladesh accord

11/06/2013
German sportswear maker Puma will sign a fire and safety accord for factories in Bangladesh, drawn up by unions, after over 1,000 people died in clothing industry accidents in recent months.

Puma sources about 11% of its products from Bangladesh, from six supplier factories. The pact requires factories to undergo independent safety inspections and to make audit reports public.

"The agreement requires Puma to underwrite the costs and to cut off business with any factory that refuses to make necessary safety upgrades," said Puma's chief commercial officer, Stefano Caroti.

H&M, Zara parent Inditex, C&A and Primark are among companies which have signed the accord.