Moving the needle

Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. Consumers are increasingly expecting the apparel industry to take a sustainable approach and consider its environmental, social and economic impact. At the same time, governments are steering businesses towards more sustainable practices through new regulations.

Supply chain transparency is one of the core pillars to create a more sustainable fashion industry. Without visibility of the types of companies involved across the entire value chain, as well as insight into all the materials and components used, it is impossible for consumers and regulators to ascertain the sustainability credentials of an item of clothing.

This report is a joint research study by KPMG and Serai which examines how supply chain transparency is going to be one of the key drivers of change in the global apparel industry over the coming decade. It draws on the findings of a global survey of over 200 senior executives in the apparel industry. The survey’s findings were supplemented by in-depth interviews with executives at more than a dozen market-leading apparel brands, manufacturers, associations and solution providers.

Topics covered include:

• The need for greater visibility and traceability in the apparel industry
• Current supply chain transparency capabilities and barriers holding back progress
• The critical role of data and technology in linking the end-to-end supply chain
• Investment priorities for apparel companies pursuing a transparency agenda
• The shift towards collaborative and partnership-based relationships across the supply chain
• Developing effective strategies to achieve supply chain transparency