Toward total traceability and full transparency communication in textile industry supply chain

Abstract

The Textile & Clothing industry is facing systemic and global challenges due both to ecological and economic crises. Today, increasing full traceability of supply chain is one of the key points to optimize production but it should also serve to inform consumers to foster sustainable purchasing decision. We argue that the total traceability of the garment supply chain must be constructed to enable a full transparency for the consumer. In this paper, we will start analysing brands’ transparency communication and describe the particular complexities of the textile supply chain.

An Exploratory Investigation of Garments’ Production Countries of Origin (COOs) Disclosure to Consumers

“…This exploratory research, as recommended in the literature review [12], is based on two steps. A consumer survey was developed and submitted to a panel of 103 respondents.…”

“…This lack of information accessibility online when it comes to COOs could be explained by the fact that brands do not systematically communicate such information on their websites. Indeed, most of the brands communicate information relating to COOs only on the composition label, and, in fact, it is not systematically made available online [12]. The lack of access to information related to COOs encountered by consumers is also encountered by brands at a logistic level.…”

“…However, in reaction to increasing transparency expectations, some authors have also called attention to the abundant supply of COO information. Ospital et al [12] advised that data restitution adapted to consumers' profiles is key. Nevertheless, they suggested that defining a standard list of data that can be collected and communicated while taking into account fashion brands' positioning and consumers' profile remains an important challenge.…”

Exploring the potential of blockchain technology within the fashion and textile supply chain with a focus on traceability, transparency, and product authenticity: A systematic review

“…For the same reason, a completely traceable supply chain is required to have transparent communication between the consumer and industry (Ospital et al, 2022). Traceable supply chains allow both sustainable development to be validated and also safeguard the businesses' own interests and profits.…”