The Fair Labor Association (FLA) is launching a new chapter of its flagship Harvesting the Future (HTF) program in India, focusing on natural ingredients used in fragrances and cosmetics. This effort builds on FLA’s existing work in India – which plays a central role in the global supply of natural ingredients for the beauty and fragrance industries – and aims to create a more ethical and resilient supply chain for jasmine, tuberose, and vetiver.
Impact assessments conducted in India identified several areas where working conditions and due diligence can be strengthened, including:
- Opportunities to better support children’s education and reduce risk to child labor;
- Ensuring equitable pay practices for women and men;
- Enhancing occupational safety measures and access to appropriate protective equipment; and
- Increasing awareness and accessibility of grievance channels and worker support systems.
A collective solution for a complex supply chain
The HTF – Naturals in India program brings together 13 partners, including fragrance houses, international brands, India-based processors, and local stakeholders, to address these challenges. Building on FLA’s successful HTF initiatives in Turkiye (rose), Egypt (jasmine), and India (cotton), this new effort will:
- Map the supply chain and establish upstream visibility;
- Strengthen the human rights due diligence (HRDD) systems of India-based processors;
- Create and monitor child protection committees at the local level;
- Promote fair compensation and agricultural practices;
- Improve working conditions, safety practices, and access to grievance systems; and
- Strengthen local implementation capacity and prepare for multi-stakeholder governance.
Scope and impact
Over the three-year foundation phase, HTF – Naturals in India is expected to reach farmers, workers, children in Tamil Nadu State. The initiative will lay the groundwork for long-term engagement a range of naturals, including jasmine.
Looking ahead
FLA will serve as the Project Management Organization, ensuring all activities are carried out in close coordination with local partners. The initiative will strengthen HRDD and internal management systems, enable the use of monitoring tools such as the CLMRS (Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System), and support fair wage benchmarks in partnership with local stakeholders.
We invite fragrance houses, brands, and processors to join this collective journey and help transform India’s natural ingredients supply chain into a global example of responsible sourcing.
To learn more or express interest in joining the program, please contact Burcu Kugu, Vice President, Innovation at bkugu@fairlabor.org.