When I think about ethical sourcing in the clothing industry, I’m often reminded of the alarming statistics that depict the harsh realities faced by workers in developing countries. It’s reported that over 60% of garments sold by fast fashion brands are made in factories where laborers earn less than a living wage. This stark figure highlights the urgency with which ethical practices must be adopted in the industry. Clothing brands have started placing a significant emphasis on ethical sourcing to ensure that their supply chains are free of exploitation and environmental degradation.
Many companies in the industry have adopted fair trade practices. Fair trade, a term many of us are familiar with, especially in the context of coffee and chocolate, has made its way into the fashion sector. Fair trade certified factories must comply with specific standards that ensure safe working conditions, fair wages, and environmentally safe production processes. This may sometimes increase the cost of production by around 20%, but it ensures that workers are treated with dignity and manufacturers adhere to environmental standards. Patagonia, for instance, has been a leader in this field, ensuring full transparency in its supply chain and sticking to stringent ethical guidelines.
Transparency is another critical element I’d like to highlight. A surprising 48% of consumers have stated that they would stop purchasing from brands that are not transparent about their supply chain practices. This has pushed more companies to publish detailed reports about their sourcing activities. Everlane, a well-known brand, pioneered the “radical transparency” approach, providing customers with detailed cost breakdowns of their products, revealing both factory conditions and the journey of each clothing item from production to retail.
Technology also plays a crucial role in maintaining ethical sourcing. Supply chain management software, such as SAP Ariba, helps track the movement of goods and ensures adherence to ethical standards. With blockchain technology, companies can create an unchangeable record of the product’s journey, providing another layer of assurance. This might sound like tech jargon, but it ensures that the shirt you’re purchasing wasn’t stitched in a sweatshop. About 30% of brands are now investing in such technology to fortify their ethical commitments.
I must also talk about sustainability, which goes hand in hand with ethics. Brands are increasingly sourcing organic or recycled materials instead of traditional textiles. Organic cotton, for instance, uses 91% less water compared to conventional cotton, which is a remarkable saving. Levi’s, the iconic jeans company, has been using Water