Manufacturer Statements on Forced Labour
At Midsummer we take ethical business practices seriously - improving lives and the environment is a driving force behind what we do. We expect of our suppliers that they adhere to our Code of Conduct in respecting the assertion in the Declaration of Human Rights that "all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights" and that they uphold these standard in their organisations and supply chain. We support industry efforts, led by Solar Energy UK to put an end to forced labour anywhere in the industry.
Component traceability measures and third party audits are important practical means for manufacturers to ensure their supply chain does not exploit forced labour. Forced labor includes modern slavery, prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor, human trafficking or other similar conduct.
Over half of the global supply of polysilicon derives from suppliers in the Xianjiang region, and the largest producers of wafers and modules also source from suppliers located there. The NY times report from earlier in the year (since referenced elsewhere in the media) is of great concern to all in the industry sourcing products downstream from the polysilicon produced in that region. It will take a coordinated effort across the solar industry to ensure that forced labour is eradicated. With significant global demand on polysilicon already, the immediate availability of alternatives - and the traceability required to reliably source preferentially in that way - will take time to develop.
Below are statements from a number of our suppliers in relation to the issue, and we are continuing the dialogue over practical and demonstrable actions taken. Midsummer is committed to maintaining strategic partnerships only with organisations that take this issue seriously. For a well-reasoned and objective analysis of the complexity of the issue, it is worth reading this article by Finlay Colville.
Solar Energy UK member-signed statement
Q Cells:
Q Cells manufacture in a number of wholly owned facilities around the world.
Jinko:
Jinko have engaged the independent supply chain and sustainability company, Elevate Limited to conduct an audit of their facilities and practices, and will share the results of this report as soon as it is available. They are also auditing all supplier facilities applying the same standards as in their own facility audit.
Longi:
Trina:
Trina are currently undergoing audit by the sustainability assessment organisation, Ecovadis
- Trina Solar Product Stewardship Policy
- Please note that on a case by case basis, Trina are willing to present and discuss confidentially their efforts on the issue with customers. Do get in touch with us if you'd like to arrange this.
Perlight:
Perlight commit to fair practices by holding and maintaining SA8000 certification for Social Accountability, an international certification by Social Accountability International.
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