In an industry where supply chains are complex and global, taking meaningful action on human rights is not just the right thing to do, it’s a leadership imperative.
Materialised is a respected textile supplier in the commercial interiors sector, and has long been recognised for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.
Now, it’s also leading by example in an area that demands urgent attention: modern slavery and labour exploitation.
Importantly, the company’s approach is not only values-driven but also reflects emerging best practice, grounded in transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
In late 2023, under the leadership of Catherine McGowan, Marketing and Sustainability Manager, Materialised partnered with Sustainable Business Matters (SBM) to begin a structured, values-led journey, to build a clear understanding of their risk profile and developing an actionable, long-term response.
Together we’re implementing an Addressing Modern Slavery Program, across several phases of delivery. This is how Phase 1 of that journey unfolded.
Why Modern Slavery Matters in Textiles
Modern slavery affects an estimated 50 million people worldwide – and the textiles industry is one of the most high-risk sectors.
From cotton farming and dyeing mills to garment production and finishing processes, the global textile supply chain is often linked to low wages, poor working conditions, and forced or exploitative labour.
For a company like Materialised, working across a wide range of materials and suppliers, recognising and responding to these risks is not just about compliance. It’s about leadership, integrity, and taking responsibility for the impact a business has on people’s lives, both locally and globally.
Building Awareness and a Clear Path Forward
Training & Awareness: Bringing the Team on the Journey
Phase 1 Deliverable: Team Training
Purpose: The goal was to create a shared understanding and a common language across the team, laying the groundwork for stronger engagement, buy-in, alignment, and future action.
In November 2023, Materialised kicked off the project with onsite training for local employees and a Zoom session for staff outside Head Office.
We had almost the entire team at the table, procurement, design, marketing, and sales—because it was important that everyone was involved.
The session introduced core concepts, including:
What modern slavery and labour exploitation are, and the different forms they take
Who is most at risk, and how to spot red flags
The countries, sectors, and materials with the highest risks
How modern slavery can occur in supply chains, even unintentionally
The legal landscape in Australia and globally
What stakeholders, including customers, specifiers, and regulators—expect from businesses
How companies can be connected to, linked with, or even unknowingly contributing to modern slavery and exploitation
It’s a difficult topic to present, but I aim to make it engaging and relevant.
The focus was on helping staff feel connected to the issue, sparking curiosity, and fostering pride in Materialised’s commitment. It also highlighted the courage it takes for a company to approach this issue meaningfully, and what good collaboration looks like.
There were plenty of thoughtful questions, and we finished with a short quiz (always a good way to keep people tuned in!) with a few prizes for the winners.
Leadership Strategy: Turning Awareness into Action
Phase 1 Deliverable: Developing a Strategic Modern Slavery Roadmap
Purpose:
The purpose of developing a long-term strategy was to ensure the work not only begins but continues with momentum and focus. We recognised that doing this properly requires time, energy, and commitment, which is why the roadmap was designed across a 3–5 year period. This long-term view ensures progress is achievable, sustainable, and embedded into the business.
Following the training, we worked closely with the Materialised senior leadership team to shape a strategic, realistic roadmap for the years ahead.
Together, we:
Developed a Human Rights Policy that sets a clear internal position on dignity at work and responsibility in operations
Created a Responsible Sourcing Policy to guide ethical procurement and supplier engagement practices
Identified Materialised’s position in the market, and aligned future ambitions with the business’s values and priorities
Mapped out a 3–5 year strategy—recognising that best practice requires long-term planning and sustained commitment
Developed a detailed Action and Social Impact Evaluation Plan to support implementation
After this work, I received some thoughtful and unexpected feedback from Catherine McGowan, Marketing and Sustainability Manager at Materialised:
“The Addressing Modern Slavery Action Plan is amazing. I just have to give you some feedback on how wonderful it has been to work with you.
Energy, passion and gusto from you are a given. But it’s the way you have structured information post-training that has also really stood out. I was a little anxious about working through the information, but you have made it so easy to follow with your summaries. I’ve been able to quickly pull everything together that I need to—which is quite something at this incredibly busy time of year. Thanks Libby.”
Outcomes of Phase 1
By the end of Phase 1, Materialised had:
A well-informed and inspired team with shared language and understanding
A clear, values-aligned commitment to human rights and responsible sourcing
Two policy documents ready to anchor internal and external engagement
A strategic roadmap and Action Plan with practical next steps and defined focus areas
Most importantly, there was strong leadership buy-in and a genuine commitment to progress, not perfection. And for taking meaningful action.
What’s Next: Embedding and Expanding the Work
Following the successful completion of Phase 1 of Materialised’s Addressing Modern Slavery Program, the next stage of the process is about to begin.
Phase 2 will focus on deepening understanding and embedding meaningful action through two priority projects:
Project 1: High-Level Modern Slavery Risk and Supply Chain Mapping
This project will provide Materialised with a clear picture of modern slavery risks across its operations and supply chains. By combining high-level risk analysis with supply chain mapping, the company will gain greater visibility into where risks are most prevalent, highlight vulnerable worker groups, and prioritise suppliers for further engagement. These insights will inform practical next steps and shape the roadmap for targeted action.
Project 2: Supplier Engagement and Capacity Building
Building on the risk insights, Materialised will begin proactive engagement with selected suppliers. The focus will be on open dialogue and shared learning.
A key element of this work will be developing a clear supplier engagement strategy. By approaching engagement in a structured and purposeful way, Materialised will be able to foster the best possible collaboration with its supply partners. After all, meaningful progress on modern slavery cannot be achieved in isolation — it requires trusted relationships and shared commitment. Suppliers are central to this initiative, and their involvement will ensure that action is both practical and impactful across the value chain.
Together, these projects will mark an important shift from foundational commitments to sustained, measurable action.
Leading By Example: A Best Practice Approach to Modern Slavery in Textiles
Materialised’s approach is a powerful example of what best practice can look like in the interiors and textile sector. It’s not about quick fixes or glossy statements, it’s about doing the work.
By focusing on the impact we want to create and prioritising education, policy, and strategy from the outset, they’ve created strong foundations for meaningful impact. And they’re doing it in a way that other businesses – large and small – can learn from.
Want to achieve this for your business?
If your business is looking to better understand your modern slavery risks and take action in a practical, values-aligned way, we’d love to support you.
Explore our Modern Slavery Strategy Packages
Or get in touch to learn how we can help you build a roadmap that works – for your people, your brand, and the people behind your products.