The World Luxury Ethical Council (WLEC) http://www.wlecouncil.org/ has been set up to establish a unified body of Luxury designers; Brand owners and Manufacturers which support the principle of 'Sustainable Ethical Economics', which supports an ethical business platform across the board.
The history behind the World Luxury Ethical Council (WLEC) was developed out of an in-house program called 'Cashmere with a conscience', established by Rumah http://www.rumahlondon.com/ a luxury ethical homeware brand based in London. 'Cashmere with a conscience' was design to support sustainable ethical programs in less developed markets with high-end quality craftsmanship. The launch of the program brought forward a series of enquires from other luxury designers and media.
The key question which was raised, what is 'Ethical'? The term 'Ethical' has been associated very loosely as a way to establish an unique selling point (USP) against market competition. There is presently really no checks or balances which verifies how ethical a business practise is. A stronger accreditation and rating system needs to be established so consumers and companies alike can truly understand. The process for accreditation and rating will be independent of WLEC and therefore have no undue influence or position to make.
It then became quite apparent there was a need to establish a body of luxury designers/brand owners who are supporting or running sustainability programs in their own right which can represent the overall business principles by which they trade. In addition, it would be an opportunity for consumers to understand what it means to support a business which has an ethical business platform, based upon sustainability.
The primary objectives of the World Luxury Ethical Council (WLEC):
- Promote and support 'Sustainability Ethical Economics' through best practise sharing
- Educate and create awareness for consumers and companies which support and promote ethical business practises
- Promote the ethical business platform not as a niche activity but moving into the main stream which should have greater government support towards sale tax incentives and investment opportunities
- Develop an environment which is inclusive to all luxury designers, brand owners and manufacturers who wish to join WLEC and help set the industry standard for ethical business practises.
The first step has begun and I look forward to this journey. I welcome all support and for those which want to be part of WLEC, please drop me a line.
All the best
Andreas
Founder - WLEC and Rumah
