Supply Chains

A volatile commodity, the global trading of cotton has seen more than its share of turbulence. Ben Eaves, Director of Liverpool Cotton Brokers Ltd, elaborates on the situation and how it is impacting the world of textiles.

A new report by Planet Tracker emphasises that the apparel supply chain is exposed to water stress, with the problem likely to worsen over time, exposing apparel corporates and their investors to risk from water-related disruptions to operations and brand reputation.

As pressure mounts on clothing retailers to prove that there is no forced labour in their supply chains, Zara’s parent company, Inditex, has been urged to disclose its list of suppliers and their geographical location.

Mauritius, the latest example of the use of forced labour within company supply chains, is proof that garment workers can experience unacceptable forms of exploitation that can only be countered through sustained labour organisation.

Renewable electricity strategies of some major brands fall woefully short and standard-setters provide limited incentives and sometimes even barriers to increase ambition, says a study by the NewClimate Institute.

The just-concluded 38th World Fashion Convention at Philadelphia delved deep into issues plaguing the textile-apparel-fashion industry. Matthijs Crietee, Secretary-General, International Apparel Federation (IAF), sheds light on the roadmap chalked out to help industry achieve its Net Zero goals.

The ensuing World Fashion Convention will see the launch of a new initiative from the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and International Trade Centre (ITC) which seeks to boost full supply chain profitability for apparel manufacturers and brands.

A Planet Tracker report has detailed who funds different segments of the manufacture of textiles, and which entities are indirectly responsible for the environmental and social impacts along the various stages of the supply chain, even as it exhorts major investors to push holdings harder to drive a just, sustainable textiles industry.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has slashed the global merchandise trade growth rate for 2023 by almost half—to 0.8% from the 1.7% increase that was forecast earlier in April. 

Spain's retailing giant Inditex and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have signed an agreement that aims to promote a more respectful industry for people and planet by boosting circularity, traceability and worker wellbeing.