SCORE Project: ILO presents the impacts on productivity and working conditions in SMEs in Brazil 's Garment Sector

BRASÍLIA (ILO News) – For 30 years, Maria Aparecida Rosa de Souza has been managing internal garment production control at a medium-sized company in São Paulo, a hub of Brazil’s garment sector. Known affectionately as Ms. Rosa by her colleagues, she performs her work with a broad smile, moving rolling iron racks filled with hangers through the factory’s corridors.

Her movements are continuous and synchronized—hanging clothes on racks in one department, then pushing them to another. Yet, in this routine, Ms. Rosa faced a hidden challenge that went unnoticed until the SCORE (Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises) project was implemented at her company.

“She loves working with the racks, but the wheels often became tangled with threads, making her job unnecessarily harder,” explained Selma Sales, Production Manager at Kabriolli. “As part of the project, we introduced monthly preventive maintenance to clean the wheels, solving this issue.”

With the improved maintenance system, Ms. Rosa noticed immediate benefits. “Now it’s much easier to move the racks. I can quickly take them to the elevator, save time, and feel less tired,” she said.
 

Kabriolli’s case is just one of several examples of how the SCORE methodology has enhanced both production processes and working conditions. These success stories are highlighted in a series of seven case studies, along with a learning booklet and videos, showcasing the project’s impact in Brazil’s garment sector.

“The SCORE methodology fosters social dialogue within companies by encouraging open communication between management and workers,” said Aguinaldo Maciente, the ILO Employment Specialist for Brazil. “This engagement ensures that production changes are fair and mutually beneficial, improving outcomes for both businesses and employees.”

The methodology has led to significant productivity gains through better management practices, labour relations, communication, and workplace organization. These advancements align with the Decent Work Agenda in the garment manufacturing sector.
 

Among the key results: subcontracted sewing workshops reported a 15 per cent average increase in productivity and a 12 per cent reduction in rework rates, according to data collected by SENAI. Furthermore, 73.8 per cent of respondents noted improvements in setting production goals, while 74.2 per cent observed stronger organizational commitment to combating harassment and prejudice.

The pilot project also certified nine consultants in the methodology, expanding the capillarity of knowledge dissemination at Senai São Paulo.

 SCORE in Brazil 

Launched in 2023 by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and SENAI-SP, the pilot project to apply the SCORE methodology aimed to improve productivity and working conditions in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the garment and apparel sector in the metropolitan region of São Paulo.

The initiative, supported by the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT) and the Brazilian Textile Retail Association (ABVTEX), was funded through a cooperation agreement between the ILO and the Labour Prosecution Service (MPT). Its objectives included adapting the SCORE methodology to the Brazilian context, training facilitators, conducting pilot training sessions, and raising awareness among sector stakeholders about the advantages of responsible business practices.

Eight SMEs supplying major retail companies in the garment sector participated in the program. These companies attended training sessions at the SENAI Francisco Matarazzo School and received complimentary in-factory consultations, ensuring efficient use of available resources.
 

This is SCORE

Applied in over 24 countries and more than 3,000 companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the methodology aims to boost productivity and improve working conditions in SMEs, promoting decent work in the sector. Through practical training and in-factory consultations, the methodology encourages adopting cooperative tools in the workplace and fostering decent work.

With a collaborative approach, the project trains consultants and companies simultaneously, enabling more people and businesses to benefit in the future.

The project contributes to achieving the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda in Brazil: SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).