Notice and Apology Regarding Product Defect | Craft Aid
We would like to report a recently identified issue regarding a discrepancy in the material of certain products sold through Craft Aid, a project of Shanti Volunteer Association.
We sincerely apologize for the concern and inconvenience this has caused to our customers, business partners, and all parties involved.
1. Overview
It was discovered that several products delivered in December 2024 and sold until February 2025, which were intended to be made with genuine silk, were in fact not made of silk.
These products were originally produced and managed by a partner producer group, which is typically responsible for the entire silk weaving process. Upon our inquiry, the group acknowledged that due to difficulty in sourcing the proper materials, artificial silk (100% polyester) was used instead for the items delivered in December.
We then commissioned a third-party organization to conduct a fiber analysis, which confirmed that the products were made from synthetic silk imitations (100% polyester).
2. Affected Products
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Flower Silk Cosmetic Pouch (Pink)
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Flower Silk Cosmetic Pouch (Green)
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Flower Silk Cosmetic Pouch (Blue)
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Flower Silk Drawstring Pouch (Pink)
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Flower Silk Drawstring Pouch (Green)
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Flower Silk Drawstring Pouch (Blue)
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Flower Silk Mini Shoulder Bag (Navy)
3. Our Response
Upon discovery of the issue, we immediately formed an emergency response team to investigate and respond.
We have contacted and offered explanations and apologies to all customers and partner companies involved, and we have completed refunds for all customers who purchased the affected items.
An on-site investigation was also conducted in Cambodia, including interviews with the producer group. We recognize this as a serious compliance violation, and we are currently reviewing our partnership with this group.
4. Preventive Measures and Future Steps
To prevent recurrence, we will take the following actions:
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We will re-verify the material content of all products handled by our organization.
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We will strengthen communication and oversight with all producer groups and work closely with our overseas offices to review our procurement and inspection processes.
Rethinking Support through Craft Aid
Traditional textile production and craft techniques in Cambodia are in a fragile state, and many of the groups striving to preserve these cultural assets face existential challenges.
Reviving these traditions is also a way for Cambodian society to reclaim its identity—one that was severely damaged by years of conflict—and to build toward lasting peace.
We believe it is vital to reflect on how we can best support the visions of these producer groups. In response to this incident, we will not only review our support methods within the Craft Aid team but engage in organization-wide dialogue to reconsider how we provide sustainable and ethical support going forward.
Contact Information
Shanti Volunteer Association – Craft Aid Division
[Contact us here]
