Up-Fuse Code of Conduct for Artisans and Suppliers

OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE FASHION THAT SUPPORTS LOCAL COMMUNITIES, WHILE RAISING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND DECREASING WASTE; TURNING PROBLEMS
INTO OPPORTUNITIES. WE PROUDLY ACHIEVE OUR GOAL WITH THE SUPPORT OF OUR SMALL COMMUNITY AND BY FOLLOWING A SET OF RULES THAT DEFINE WHAT WE STAND UP FOR.

Our Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for conduct and integrity. We require all artisans and suppliers working with us to adhere to these Standards.

2. Core Values
Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.
Integrity: Conduct business with honesty and transparency. Sustainability: Commit to environmentally responsible practices and contribute to sustainable development.
Responsibility: Ensure that all operations and practices comply with applicable laws and regulations.
3. Ethical Standards
Anti-Corruption: Avoid any form of bribery or corruption. Do not offer, accept, or solicit bribes or improper payments.

Fair Business Practices: Engage in fair competition and avoid deceptive practices.

Confidentiality: Respect and protect confidential information obtained in the course of work.

4. Social Responsibility
Human Rights: Uphold human rights principles and ensure that no forced, bonded, or child labor is used.

Health and Safety:We provide a safe and healthy working environment. Ensure that working conditions are safe and that necessary safety equipment is provided.

Diversity and Inclusion: We promote a diverse and inclusive workplace. Ensure non-discrimination and equal opportunities for all individuals.

Working Hours: We insure that working hours do not exceed 12 hours per day. In cases of overtime, lunch is provided. Offer flexible working hours, especially for mothers.

Vocational Training: We support vocational training and skill development for artisans.

Medical Insurance: We provide medical and social insurance to all artisans.

Transportation Fees: We cover transportation fees for artisans to ensure
ease of Commute.

5. Environmental Stewardship Sustainability:
We implement practices that reduce environmental impact. Minimize waste, use resources efficiently, and support recycling and upcycling initiatives.

Compliance:
We adhere to all environmental laws and regulations of Egypt Nationally and follow UN SDG’s.

Local Production: Up-fuse ensures that 80% of production is handled locally and in-house,While 20% are made from an outsourced factory using local materials (clothes, accessories, outer soles), with a focus on making everything in Egypt. To avoid overseas shipments to reduce CO2 emissions. Manufacturing and production are supervised regularly by our team.

By working with Up-Fuse, artisans agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct and contribute to a positive, ethical, and sustainable working environment. The wages for our production and artisans is above minimum wages in Egypt. Each Artisan is paid a minimum of 6,000 Egyptian Pounds.

Responsible Procurement Ethical Sourcing: We ensure that materials and components used in production are sourced ethically. Our Up-cycled plastic bag material is sourced from our own workshop, and our rept is sourced from a certified factory in Egypt. Our procurement department follows strict rules of visiting our suppliers and their sourcing facility.

Transparency: We maintain transparency in the supply chain and verify that suppliers adhere to ethical standards by having production coordinators report weekly to production managers. Our production managers and coordinators either work in the production hubs or visit them regularly. All product or material information is added on the website and on the product itself.

Third-Party Relationships
Vendor Conduct: We ensure that all third parties, including suppliers and subcontractors, comply with the Up-Fuse Code of Conduct.
Require them to adhere to similar ethical standards and practices.

Compliance and Reporting

Adherence: All artisans and partners must comply with this Code of Conduct and applicable laws.

Reporting Violations: Report any violations of the Code of Conduct or unethical behavior to Up-Fuse management. We will investigate and address all reports in a timely manner.

9. Continuous Improvement

Feedback: Encourage feedback from artisans and partners to improve our practices and address any concerns.

Training: Provide ongoing training to ensure that all individuals involved with Up-Fuse understand and can effectively implement the Code.

Up-Fuse Sustainability Report
Up-Fuse is dedicated to transforming waste into sustainable products, contributing to environmental conservation and community development. Our mission is to create innovative and eco-friendly solutions by repurposing plastic and other materials into high-quality clothing, accessories, and more.

Sustainability Goals Key Initiatives

Metrics and Achievements
Environmental Impact: We reduce waste and lower environmental footprint by upcycling plastic and other materials.

Social Responsibility: Create job opportunities and provide vocational training to underserved communities.

Education and Awareness: Promote sustainability and green business practices through education and outreach.

1. Material Upcycling
Plastic Bag : Up-fuse has recycled 3 million plastic bags and 1,000,000 plastic bottles. These materials have been transformed into clothing, bags, footwear, and accessories.
Plastic Bottles : Up-fuse has recycled 1 million plastic bottles. These materials have been transformed into clothing.
Car Tires: Upcycled 1000+ car tires into durable and stylish products.
Plastic Bottle Caps: Created hard material from plastic bottle caps, reducing waste and supporting innovative product development.

2. Denim Infused Products
Partnered with factories and a clothing bank to repurpose jeans into denim-infused products, extending the life cycle of denim and reducing textile waste.

3. Job Creation and Vocational Training
Employment: Created 10 job opportunities for men, fostering economic development
and stability.
Vocational Training: Provided vocational training for 10 women from Sudan through the L’Oréal project, empowering them with skills and knowledge for sustainable
Livelihoods.

4. Awareness and Education
Outreach: Conducted awareness campaigns, workshops, and bootcamps, reaching
500 people and educating them on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Green Business Education: Committed to educating young entrepreneurs on starting green businesses through the Erasmus+ program, fostering innovation and sustainability in the next generation.

Waste Recycled:
2 million plastic bags 800,000 plastic bottles 800 car tires

Products Created: Up-fuse has created clothes, bags, footwear, accessories, and hard materials from recycled
Materials.

Job Creation: 10 new jobs for refugees.

Vocational Training: Training for 10 women from Sudan.

Awareness Impact: Reached 500 individuals through educational initiatives.

Education Initiatives: Supported young entrepreneurs through Erasmus+.

Expansion of Recycling Initiatives: Increase the volume of recycled materials and explore new sources of waste.

Enhanced Job Creation: Continue to create job opportunities and expand vocational training programs to support more individuals.

Broader Educational Outreach: Expand awareness campaigns and educational programs to reach a larger audience and inspire more young entrepreneurs.

Conclusion
Up-Fuse remains committed to its mission of sustainability and social impact. Through
innovative recycling processes, job creation, vocational training, and educational outreach,
We are making significant strides in reducing waste and fostering a greener future. We look forward to continuing our efforts and making even greater contributions to environmental
and social sustainability.