Code of Ethics 

As an independent publisher, GOOS Editions operates without external influence on its editorial decisions. The Code of Ethics published here defines the values and behavioural standards adopted by our company and required of all those who work with us. It covers areas including editorial independence, environmental responsibility, data privacy, anti-corruption, and relations with clients, suppliers, and collaborators. The Code is made publicly available as part of our commitment to transparency.

GOOS Index is an independent publishing company with an international vocation, specializing in the publication of directories and editorial publications, both printed and digital, aimed at stakeholders in the textile and fashion industry. Our publications document the characteristics of organizations committed to pursuing principles of sustainability, circularity, and social responsibility throughout the fashion ecosystem.

Through the publication of this Code of Ethics, GOOS Index explicitly defines the values and behavioural standards it adopts and requires to be shared by all parties with whom it collaborates. This Code reflects GOOS Index’s commitment to contributing to global sustainability objectives and ensuring clients receive accurate, reliable, transparent content consistent with a responsible editorial model.

The GOOS Index Code of Ethics defines principles and rules of conduct that must be observed by all employees, collaborators, consultants, suppliers, partners, and any other third party with whom GOOS Index maintains contractual or fiduciary relationships. All recipients of this Code are required to act according to principles of responsibility, honesty, respect for laws and regulations, and in accordance with the values expressed herein.

The general principles expressed in this Code of Ethics reflect GOOS Index’s values and, more specifically:

    • Full and unconditional respect for laws and regulations in all countries where we operate and for international law standards.
    • Transparency, integrity, fairness, and honesty in all relationships.
    • Inclusivity, respect for diversity, and equal treatment for all.
    • Active listening to stakeholder needs and expectations.
    • Engagement of suppliers in pursuing sustainability objectives while monitoring their activities’ compliance with the Code of Ethics principles.
    • Continuous innovation aimed at content quality and reducing the environmental impact of editorial activities.
    • Editorial independence as a guarantee of objectivity and credibility.
    • Rigorous selection and verification of sources and information relating to organizations cited in publications.
    • Orientation toward efficiency and waste reduction in all editorial production activities.
    • Use of materials and media with low environmental impact.
    • Transparency, clarity, and relevance in internal and external communication regarding objectives and results achieved in environmental and social sustainability.

Compliance with the principles and provisions of this Code of Ethics constitutes an integral part of GOOS Index activities and binds suppliers and collaborators. Everyone is required to act with independence, integrity, and impartiality, avoiding decisions or activities that could generate, even potentially or apparently, conflicts of interest and behaviours that could damage GOOS Index’s image.

 

The Code of Ethics is published on the GOOS Index website and shared with collaborators and suppliers at the start of collaborations and contract execution.

 

Anyone who becomes aware of violations of the principles or standards of this Code or has doubts regarding their application in their own or others’ work is required to report it promptly to their direct supervisor or the Ethical Officer (email: contact@goos-index.com).

 

Any form of retaliation against those who have made reports of possible Code violations in good faith also constitutes a violation of the Code.

 

GOOS Index reserves the right not to initiate or to terminate relationships with parties that do not intend to conform to the principles of the Code of Ethics. Under no circumstances is behaviour inconsistent with the Code of Ethics justified.

GOOS Index considers its reputation a fundamental asset. Relationships with clients and readers are based on truthfulness, fairness, independence, and transparency. GOOS Index is committed to ensuring reliable and verified content, consistent with the ethical and sustainability principles of this Code of Ethics. All editorial activities are conducted independently, respecting professional ethics and the trust placed by readers.

People are at the center of GOOS Index’s identity. The professionalism and competence of collaborators are the pillars upon which reputation and credibility are founded. GOOS Index promotes a work environment based on respect, inclusion, collaboration, merit recognition, and continuous professional development.

GOOS Index:

    • Complies with the fundamental Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and considers them in its publications as an essential component of sustainability assessment, particularly regarding:
      • Prohibition of forced and child labour (Conventions No. 29, 105, 138, 182)
      • Freedom of association and right to collective bargaining (Conventions No. 87, 98)
      • Equality and non-discrimination (Conventions No. 100, 111)
    • Prohibits and combats all forms of discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, health status, disability, race, nationality, political opinions, or religious beliefs.
    • Prohibits all forms of intimidation, harassment, physical, psychological, or verbal abuse.
    • Adopts a zero-tolerance policy toward such behaviours, fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

GOOS Index considers environmental respect a founding value of its strategy and promotes, through its publications, external awareness of low environmental impact practices.

It also acts to minimize the environmental impact of editorial production processes through:

    • Priority use of certified materials (such as FSC, PEFC, bio-based, recycled materials)
    • Use of digital media where possible
    • Selection of low environmental impact servers for digital productions
    • Efficient management of resources, including energy, water, and waste
    • Selection of suppliers and partners that adopt compatible environmental criteria

GOOS Index is aware of its cultural role and the social value of its editorial activities. The company contributes to the development of communities where it operates through initiatives, events, publications, and projects that promote the culture of sustainability, conscious consumption, and social responsibility.

Supplier selection is based on principles of transparency, quality, and respect for company values. The choice of suppliers and procurement of goods and services of any type is impartial, according to criteria of transparency, quality, sustainability, and consistency with the principles outlined in this Code of Ethics.

The procurement of goods and services is based on objective evaluations regarding competitiveness, technical value, environmental impact, price, and reliability. Contractual relationships must be inspired by equity, fairness, diligence, honesty, and good faith, in compliance with applicable regulations.

GOOS Index expects from suppliers a similar commitment to respecting contractual conditions and adopting practices consistent with corporate ethics.

GOOS Index ensures clear and accessible communication on all matters of social and environmental relevance. In particular:

    • Content published in directories is based on documented and verifiable sources
    • Data collection and selection methodologies are explained and regularly updated
    • Information directed to stakeholders, clients, and suppliers is complete, accurate, and relevant, especially regarding social and environmental impacts.

GOOS Index recognizes that, in specific circumstances, information dissemination may be limited by confidentiality agreements or the need to protect innovations, proprietary technologies, or other strategic elements. However, such exceptions cannot under any circumstances justify a lack of transparency regarding potential risks related to the quality, accuracy, or ethics of published information.

GOOS Index processes personal data in compliance with EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) and applicable Italian legislation on data protection. It adopts adequate technical and organizational measures to prevent improper use, unauthorized access, disclosure, or improper alteration. It commits to protecting personal information concerning collaborators, suppliers, clients, and other stakeholders, ensuring confidentiality and guaranteeing that such data is used exclusively for lawful, transparent, and relevant purposes.

All GOOS Index collaborators, consultants, and partners are required to respect the principle of confidentiality regarding:

    • Editorial content in development or publication phases
    • Internal, contractual, or strategic company information
    • Data and relationships with clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders
    • Technical, operational, and managerial know-how

Disclosure of such information to unauthorized parties is expressly prohibited, except with specific company authorization or legal obligation.

Relationships with information media are managed exclusively by expressly authorized company figures, respecting principles of truthfulness, consistency, and transparency.

Public communications, including content released to media, entities, or external platforms, must faithfully reflect GOOS Index’s vision, values, and activities. Collaborators are not authorized to make official statements on behalf of the company without prior approval.

GOOS Index adopts a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption in all its forms. It is prohibited to offer, promise, solicit, or accept improper advantages, bribes, gifts, or other benefits that could even potentially influence business or editorial decisions.
In particular:

    • Gifts or forms of hospitality that exceed everyday commercial practices or professional courtesy are not permitted
    • No form of payment or facilitation aimed at obtaining improper advantages or favouring the publication of information not validated by the editorial team is allowed
    • Every relationship with third parties is preceded by verification of the ethical and legal reliability of the counterpart.

GOOS Index requires its business partners to explicitly adhere to the anti-corruption principles of this Code as a condition for initiating or maintaining commercial relationships.

GOOS Index commits to preventing the use of its activities as a channel for money laundering operations, illegal financing, or activities connected to criminal or terrorist organizations.

The company applies rigorous selection criteria for commercial counterparts, evaluating their respectability, operational legality, and compliance with national and international anti-money laundering regulations.

We always welcome collaboration and exchange ·

We welcome your input—whether it’s sharing content, ideas, recommendations
for companies for future editions, or contacts that can help expand and improve
the GOOS Index. Please reach out to us at

contact@goos-index.com