Co-hosts side session on the evolving role of manufacturers in co-creating a collaborative due diligence framework

Paris, France – February, 2026 – Fashion Producer Collective, Shahi Exports , and MAS Holdings, actively advocated for voices of manufacturers to be heard in co-creating a collaborative due diligence framework, as they co-hosted a side session on the topic at the recently held OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector at the OECD Conference Centre in Paris.

In a session moderated by Kim van der Weerd, Co-Founder & CEO, Fashion Producer Collective, the panellists included a host of industry specialists ranging from:
• Anett Sóti, Fashion Producer Collective; formerly Yee Chain Intl. Footwear Textile Manufacturer
• Chitra Prasad, Head of Social Sustainability at Shahi Exports
• Dhanujie Jayapala, General Manager of Environmental Sustainability at MAS Holdings

The panel focused on how manufacturers can move beyond compliance and play a more active role in co-creating collaborative, trust-based approaches to due diligence across global apparel supply chains. The participants examined how emerging regulatory frameworks, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), are reshaping investment decisions, partnerships, and accountability models within the industry.

The discussion highlighted the challenges in navigating between compliance-driven due diligence requirements and the need for collaborative approaches that empower manufacturers to act as active problem-solvers rather than passive recipients of audits and mandates.

During the session, panellists spoke of the challenges of operating in a transition period, where the lack of clarity from regulators create barriers for suppliers to understand what expectations mean in practice. Challenges also lie in the “intersection” of different requirements, where overlapping frameworks exist, as well as the friction caused from the shift from voluntary guidance to legal requirements that suppliers are expected to comply with.

The conversation also highlighted that strengthening and scaling effective grievance mechanisms should be a top priority in due diligence, as it is one of the most practical ways to support worker wellbeing and build shared impact across the value chain.

The panellists shared that the next phase of due diligence must move beyond a reporting exercise to an impact exercise, grounded in trust across the whole ecosystem, including suppliers, brands and worker representatives. They emphasised that progress will come from continued collaboration and harmonisation, recognising credible manufacturer systems and reducing duplication, while using responsible transparency, traceability and digitised insights to prevent risks and better respond to workers’ needs at the factory level.

The session concluded with an interactive audience discussion on how due diligence frameworks could be redesigned to better support shared accountability, long-term investment, and manufacturer-led innovation. When asked what they would change in their sphere of influence, the audience called out for lowering of audit burdens, creating more worker inclusion, and reducing hierarchical relationships between brands and manufacturers.

The organisations’ initiative in co-hosting this dialogue reinforces their commitment to advancing collaborative, systems-level solutions to sustainability challenges in the global apparel industry.


ABOUT FPC
The Fashion Producer Collective (FPC) is a producer-led sustainability think tank that enables manufacturers to collaborate and safely amplify their collective voices on what matters most to them from the perspective of the supply chain. Founded in 2025, FPC provides a collaborative platform where producers can co-create, share insights, and influence effective sustainability strategies that directly impact their operations.

ABOUT MAS
MAS Holdings is one of South Asia’s largest design-to-delivery solution providers in apparel and textile manufacturing. With a global community of 100,000, MAS spans across 13 countries with a portfolio of intimate wear, sports and performance wear, athleisure and swimwear now expanding into wearable technology, FemTech, logistics and fabric parks worldwide. Over three decades, MAS has earned global recognition for its ethical and sustainable working environment as well as its craftsmanship and product excellence. To learn more, please visit: https://masholdings.com/.

ABOUT SHAHI
Shahi Exports, established in 1974 by Mrs. Sarla Ahuja. Over five decades, the company has grown from its humble origins to become India’s largest apparel manufacturer and exporter.

We now operate over 50 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across 8 Indian states with a diverse workforce of nearly 100,000 people. Our vertically integrated operations, diversified product range, and strong commitment to ethical operations and environmental sustainability have established Shahi as one of the most preferred apparel manufacturers in the world.

Shahi is a one-stop manufacturing destination that invests in people and the planet. Our story goes beyond just fashion.

To Know More: https://shahi.co.in/

Panellists and moderator Kim van der Weerd “(“Fashion Producer Collective”)” at the side session on manufacturer leadership in due diligence, at the OECD Forum in Paris.