How The Labcoat Academy Ethically Sources Its Lab Coats
"Ethically sourced" is an easy phrase to put on a label. We'd rather show you what's actually behind it. Our Supplier Code of Conduct (October 2024) sets out exactly what we require from every factory and supplier we work with — here's what's in it, in plain English.
Why We Have a Code at All
Lab coats, like most school and workwear, are manufactured overseas. That's how school-affordable pricing is possible. But it also means the people making them are out of sight of the schools and families buying them — so we put our expectations in writing and hold our suppliers to them.
Our Code states it plainly: we require every supplier to give their workers "dignity, respect and safe working conditions," to act fairly and ethically, and to be environmentally responsible whenever they make products for us. Suppliers aren't just asked to follow our Code — they're required to comply with all applicable laws and regulations too, and where our standard is stricter than local law, the stricter one applies.
Our Labour Standards
Our Code is built on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code — a set of internationally recognised labour standards. Under our Code, every supplier must ensure:
- Employment is freely chosen — no forced, bonded or involuntary labour, and no employer holding a worker's identity papers or a "deposit" to stop them leaving
- Working conditions are safe and hygienic
- Child labour is not used
- Living wages are paid
- Working hours are not excessive — in line with national law and international standards, which recommend a progressive move toward 40-hour weeks without cutting workers' pay
- No discrimination in hiring, pay, training, promotion or termination — based on race, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation
- Regular employment is provided through a recognised employment relationship under national law
- No harsh or inhumane treatment — physical abuse, threats, harassment and intimidation are explicitly prohibited
- Freedom of association and collective bargaining are respected
Our Environmental Standards
The Code also sets environmental expectations for our supply chain, including:
- Monitoring and actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with targets for improved efficiency
- Reducing waste to landfill and controlling pollution to ground, air and water
- Encouraging reuse, recycling, and reduced reliance on materials dependent on finite resources
- Avoiding unnecessary packaging, and using recycled or recyclable materials where practical
- Ensuring any wood or forest products used are legal in origin — with suppliers never permitted to knowingly source timber from illegal logging
- Working to reduce energy use and shift toward renewable energy where practicable
- Reducing transport and travel impact through efficient logistics
- Considering the impact of operations on biodiversity, habitats and water use
Industries We Won't Deal With
Our Code goes further than labour and environmental standards — it rules out entire categories of supplier. We will find an alternative supplier if a business (or its subsidiary) is involved in:
- The sale or export of arms to governments that systematically violate human rights, or into regions of armed conflict or major tension
- Tobacco production or sale
- Production, publication or broadcast of adult entertainment
- Any other activity that violates fundamental human rights under the International Bill of Rights
How We Enforce It
This isn't a document that sits in a drawer. Our Code states that we assess supplier compliance directly, take any violations seriously, and investigate them. If a supplier demonstrably breaches the Code and isn't willing to fix it within a reasonable time, we seek an alternative source.
Why This Matters for a Lab Coat
A lab coat that lasts from Year 7 to Year 12 is also the greenest choice available — one garment made and sold instead of two or three. That's part of why our coats are built for durability: fewer replacements means less impact across the whole supply chain our Code is written to protect.
Questions Schools and Companies Ask
Can we see the Code before ordering?
Yes — schools, companies and procurement teams are welcome to ask us for details, including for modern slavery statements or supplier due-diligence requirements. Contact us.
Does ethical sourcing cost more?
No — our coats start from $24 ex GST, among the most competitive prices in Australia. Ethical sourcing is how we operate, not a premium add-on.
Where can I see the coats?
Browse the full range on the Shop page — white and navy, XXS to 3XL — or get a supplier quote via Purchase Orders.
The Bottom Line
"Ethically sourced" should be something you can ask questions about and get a real, written answer to. Our Supplier Code of Conduct is that answer — and we're happy to share it with any school or business that wants to see it before they order.