Traceability is a response to the environmental, social and ethical challenges facing the industry. Here are the main roles it can play.
Today’s consumers are increasingly demanding transparency regarding the origin and manufacturing conditions of clothing. Traceability allows brands to provide detailed information on materials, processes and supply chains, thus strengthening customer trust and loyalty.
Thanks to increased traceability, it becomes possible to better understand the environmental impact of each step of the production chain, from the extraction of raw materials to distribution. This allows brands to identify levers for improvement, such as reducing carbon emissions, choosing sustainable materials or minimizing waste.
Also, fashion is often criticized for its working conditions in certain countries. Rigorous traceability ensures that suppliers respect ethical standards, such as decent wages and safe working environments.
On regulatory needs: Governments and institutions are starting to impose strict sustainability and traceability standards in fashion (such as laws against fast fashion). Brands that can accurately trace their processes will be better prepared to comply with these new legal requirements.
In terms of the circular economy, traceability facilitates the recycling and reuse of clothing. By precisely identifying materials and their origin, brands can encourage the return of used products for a second life or recycling. This supports the transition to a circular economy, where nothing is lost.
Finally, traceability should encourage the adoption of innovative technologies such as blockchain, smart labels (RFID) and digital databases. These tools ensure total transparency and provide real-time visibility into the production chain.
In the future, traceability will become an essential standard in the fashion industry. It will not only help meet the expectations of consumers and regulators, but also rethink business models and promote more responsible, ethical and sustainable fashion. For more information, I encourage you to consult our Fashion Transparency Index, a study that Fashion Revolution has made available to the public every year since 2016.
Catherine Dauriac, President at Fashion Revolution France and Sustainability Journalist
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