Richmond, VIC- 30 March 2026, In March 2025, Ansell was notified of serious labour rights allegations at Mediceram, a small Malaysian supplier of ceramic formers used in the production of our single use gloves. As outlined in a statement in August 2025, Ansell acted swiftly to investigate the situation and engage with Mediceram to encourage it to address the issues, in collaboration with the Responsible Glove Alliance (RGA), Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) and another buyer. This engagement included supporting audits and providing guidance on corrective actions required to ensure compliance with international labour standards. We also provided financial assistance, in the form of advance payments, to support Mediceram’s cash flow and remediation actions. This led to Mediceram reimbursing over US$1 million to its migrant workers for recruitment fees paid.
Following that, as outlined in a statement in November 2025, Ansell was informed in October 2025 that Mediceram had terminated 177 workers on the grounds of their refusal to work and planned to repatriate them to Bangladesh. Although Ansell had earlier chosen constructive engagement and support over disengagement in line with international standards, Mediceram’s actions in terminating workers and its subsequent failure to take appropriate action ultimately led us to suspend our supplier relationship with Mediceram at the end of October 2025.
Then, in early January 2026, Mediceram applied to be wound up. Following this, Ansell continued to work with the RBA to support the provision of food and other basic necessities to the affected former workers as needed, and to help ensure they can return home safely and without incurring any costs. As of today, most workers have been repatriated back to their home country while a small group of workers have remained who are seeking alternate employment in Malaysia.
In relation to the allegations at Mediceram, in August 2025 a complaint was submitted against Ansell to the Australian OECD National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct (AusNCP). Ansell participated in the AusNCP Initial Assessment process, including by providing information to the AusNCP Independent Examiner as requested.
On 23 March 2026, the AusNCP published the Final Statement by the Independent Examiner (available here), in which it was decided that the complaint would not be accepted for further consideration. The reasons provided for this decision include that “evidence provided by Ansell reflects an informed awareness of its responsible business conduct expectations, including its use of leverage and provision of support to encourage remediation ... as well as its commitment to an independent third-party review of its supply chain due diligence approach.”
Securing safe and respectful labour conditions in our supply chain – including through engagement and collaboration – is a key priority for Ansell. For more information about our commitments and actions, visit our website and our 2025 Labour Rights Report.
ENDS