WE CARE! OUR PRODUCTS WILL REFLECT THAT...

• OEKO-TEX... all our products are now going through the necessary tests to get the Eco-tex standard 100 certification. The Eko-Tex® label indicates to interested end users the additional benefits of tested safety for skin-friendly clothing and other textiles and pose no risk whatsoever to health.
  
  
• FEWER CHEMICALS... each collection contains naturally dyed fabric along with some azo-free dye colourways dyed to european environmental controls.
  
  
• HUMAN RIGHTS... we know we can trust our farmers and the mills to produce yarn to a very high standard - and to look after the people involved in production.

Ellevill products are produced under strict international ISO requirement. That means that the hole productionprocess is protected by the ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001 2004, the OHSAS 18001 and SA 8000 standards.

An SA 8000 certificate proves that the factoy's Social Accountability System has been measured against a best practice standard and found compliant. Issued by a third party certification body/registrar, the certificate lets customers know they can trust that they have implemented the necessary internal processes to ensure basic human rights for their employees. SA 8000 is a comprehensive, global, verifiable standard for auditing and certifying compliance with corporate responsibility. It is applicable to both small and large companies that want to demonstrate to customers and other stakeholders that they care. The heart of the standard is the belief that all workplaces should be managed in such a manner that basic human rights are supported and that management is prepared to accept accountability for this.

An international perspective The standard was initiated by Social Accountability International (SAI). SAI is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the development, implementation, and oversight of voluntary verifiable social accountability standards. The SA 8000 system is modelled after the established ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards for Quality and Environmental Management Systems. The standard was developed and field-tested by the non-profit Council on Economic Priorities (CEP), and assisted by an international Advisory Board including representatives of prominent corporations, human rights organisations, certification professionals, academics, and labour. SAI has accredited a few certification bodies/registrars, including DNV, to audit and issue accredited certificates.

Incorporating international labour rights The standard is based on a number of existing international human rights standards including the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. SA 8000 provides transparent, measurable, verifiable standards for certifying the performance of companies in nine essential areas:

• Child Labour: Prohibits child labour (under age 15 in most cases). Certified companies must also allocate funds for the education of children who might lose jobs as a result of this standard.
• Forced Labour: Workers cannot be required to surrender their identity papers or pay "deposits" as a condition of employment.
• Health and Safety: Companies must meet basic standards for a safe and healthy working environment, including drinkable water, restroom facilities, applicable safety equipment, and necessary training.
• Freedom of Association: Protects the rights of workers to form and join trade unions and to bargain collectively, without fear of reprisals.
• Discrimination: No discrimination on the basis of race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, or political affiliation.
• Disciplinary Practices: Forbids corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion and verbal abuse of workers.
• Working Hours: Provides for a maximum 48-hour work week, with a minimum one day off per week, and a cap of 12 hours overtime per week remunerated at a premium rate.
• Compensation: Wages paid must meet all minimum legal standards and provide sufficient income for basic needs, with at least some discretionary income. 
• Management: Defines procedures for effective management implementation and review of SA 8000 compliance, from designating responsible personnel to keeping records, addressing concerns and taking corrective actions.
  
  Your safety!
  
  
  • Your baby is your responsibilty - babywearing can be very safe as long as you use common sense and follow some guidelines.
  • Before you put the sling on, check all stiching, buckles etc for signs of weakness. Particularly at stress points like where straps meet the body of the carrier. If any faults are apparent, don't use the carrier.
  • Before you try your sling with a real baby, it's a good idea to practice on a doll or teddy. When you do use your sling with your baby, and as you are learning to use it, it's a good idea to get another adult to help you, by supporting your baby as you tie the straps. When you progress to doing this yourself, put your baby in over a sofa or bed.
  • Be aware of your baby's position in the sling - check he has a good air supply, if he is asleep that his head is supported, and that he looks comfortable - a mirror is a great way to check bits you can't see.
  • Make sure he isn't too hot - your body heat will give him warmth too, so you will not need to put as many layers on him as you would do in a buggy. It's much easier, and cosier to put one coat over both of you than try to get a sling on over your coat. In winter, watch out for extremities like the legs getting cold.
  • Always tie using a double knot.
  • Don't perform dangerous / energetic tasks with your baby in a sling
  • Be aware of things your baby can reach - particularly in the kitchen, things such as knives and anything hot.
  • Look after your back - Bend at the knees, Dont' bend over at the waist. Also change positions if you wear your baby for long periods, change shoulder in your pouch, try a different carry with your wrap.

  
  In any case, it is you that is responsible for your child’s safety! Use your head!