3. Greater commitment towards our suppliers

Clusters of suppliers are defined as spaces of cooperation that share the common objective of promoting a sustainable supply chain in a specific geographical area. These are a strategic tool for strengthening Inditex's supply chain.

Setting up and consolidating these dialogue platforms with a variety of different stakeholders has a two-fold mission; firstly, to standardise the implementation of Inditex's policies and business model on its supply chain, and, secondly, to adapt this implementation to better suit the needs and reality of each of the regions in which the suppliers are present.

Hence, Inditex manages its supply chain through clusters of suppliers in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Turkey, India, Bangladesh, China, Brazil and Argentina, countries that represent 87% of Inditex's total production.

Each of these clusters is made up of suppliers, manufacturers, trade unions, business associations, international purchasers and local Inditex's CSR teams, among others, which work together exchanging good practices that will have a positive impact for the players involved and for the community as a whole.

Cluster Map

In 2012, the clusters directly advised more than 700 suppliers and manufacturers regarding fundamental labour standards

Since first set up, the activities of the clusters have aimed to respond to the challenges a global supply chain entails. Thus, based on the global philosophy of sustainable management on Inditex's supply chain, the clusters have developed formal procedures and management systems that better suit the geographical area they represent.

Below is a brief summary of the main activities carried out in each cluster during 2012