STITCHING TO SOCIAL IMPACT: INSIGHTS INTO ROLE OF TIER ONE SUPPLIERS IN SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY ROAD – VIEW FROM BRAND’S EYE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

 

Exit Poster of Jannatul Rayhana

    There are darkness under the light always. The same way a fuzzy underworld of difficulties lurks underneath the beauty and energy of the fashion apparel business, particularly in developing countries. The fashion garment industry has been linked to a number of societal issues over the years, including child labour and harsh working conditions. Now a days globalization has bloomed overnight, it makes crucial that apparel industry must prioritize and overcome these critical concerns.

    The one solution can be that supplier involvement. Tier one suppliers, considered the industry's backbone, can be the key on this issue. Because their operations are supported by a large labor force, they are in a great position to implement sustainable and ethical practices. Apparel brand can strike a balance between economic ambitions and social responsibility by working with these suppliers.

However, what roles should these suppliers take on? How can brands work together harmoniously to achieve social sustainability in underdeveloped countries? What brand thinks in this scenario?

    So the purpose of this thesis is to look into the roles that fashion apparel brands want their tier one suppliers to play in helping them achieve their social sustainability goals in developing countries, as well as to define how fashion brands and their direct suppliers might work together effectively. To achieve its research goals, the study used a qualitative technique that included an investigative framework and abductive reasoning. The primary dataset consists of semi-structured interviews, with secondary data sourced from scholarly publications, conference papers, brand websites, consulting firm reports/news, and so on. The data paints a clear picture that tier one suppliers participation with brands not only promotes sustainability, but also influences the overall supply chain's strategic approach. Furthermore, the study defines the requirements that brands want their tier one suppliers to meet, resulting in a productive synergy. The new recommended framework depicted in this poster highlights these parameters and duties.

    The scenario that brand believed tier might help them overcome is made plain.This framework can help both brands and suppliers understand strategy development, challenges, and subsequent tier planning.It substantiates the theoretical advancement of the framework by offering empirical evidence of its applicability within the operations of the garment supply chain. It may also guides an analysis of social sustainability across several cultural and demographic dimensions within the framework of strategy development. This research moreover offers an overview for brands and Tier 1 suppliers to assess and enhance their social sustainability initiatives with the aim of fostering better collaboration. Fostering collaboration with groups such as first-tier suppliers will be so important as the world becomes more interconnected. Their role is no longer restricted to production; they are now industry change makers, paving the road for a more ethical and sustainable future.

 

Author: Jannatul Rayhana

Course: Masters in Fashion Marketing and Management 

Email: rayhanajannatul@gmail.com

Date: 31/08/2023

CLOSING A CHAPTER BUT OPENING A NEW ONE

 Hello to all, 

Hope you had an amazing summer and are ready to the start of year two (exciting). 

So these days where my finals days as CDLP intern for the Whole Sale team. The past month was intense and just so many things going on between a showroom in Copenhagen, sending all orders for this falls to all our clients across the world (literally) and making all the little tasks of the day to day. Also I helped the PR team with gifting and arranging editorial lends for different magazines, stylist and so on. 

It has been amazing going back to the work world and I didn't realised how much I love it. Also it has helped me realise what I want to do for my professional life and what not. I have learned not only new things for my professional life but for the personal as well. 

I can see that all the hard work and effort payed off, and I feel very proud of myself. 

Can't wait to see you and get all the stories from your internships, lives, summers and so on.

See you soon compañeros!

Exit Poster: Future of textile waste in the EU

 

Textile waste and its management have become increasingly urgent issues within the European Union. As new regulations come into effect, aimed at boosting collection rates, the problem of textile waste is anticipated to escalate further. The EU's commitment to a greener future is a crucial step, but it's important to acknowledge that the transition might initially face challenges. This is because both the consumption of textiles and disposal behaviors are projected to rise.

Our study delved into this complex issue by examining the potential future flow of materials. The findings of this study highlight the severity of the scenarios that lie ahead, particularly in terms of waste volume. What remains uncertain is how these escalating waste levels will be managed and repurposed. Consequently, there is an urgent need to proactively address this concern by employing strategies that facilitate circular material flows, ultimately leading towards a more sustainable future.

One such strategy that holds promise is the reuse of clothing. By encouraging individuals to extend the lifespan of their garments through repair, alteration, and second-hand utilization, a substantial portion of the demand for new textile products could be alleviated. The significance of this approach becomes evident through our analysis that combines quantitative research with a systemic and dynamic perspective. Undoubtedly, effective waste management continues to be a critical challenge. The increase in textile waste accentuates the need for innovative and efficient methods of waste disposal and recycling. However, an equally vital aspect is to address the relentless cycle of consumption. This is where the potential of reusing textiles comes into play. By prolonging the life of existing products, the rate of new purchases can be slowed down,

While the concept of reusing clothing might seem like a small step, it carries meaningful implications for a more sustainable trajectory. In the grand scheme of addressing textile waste, every small effort counts. It's important to acknowledge that change won't occur overnight, but through a series of conscious choices, progress can be achieved. By blending proactive waste management with responsible consumption patterns, the EU can navigate the path towards a more sustainable future. In conclusion, the challenges posed by textile waste within the EU demand immediate attention. The introduction of regulations to enhance waste collection is just the beginning. The real test lies in effectively managing the increasing waste volume while reshaping consumer behaviours. Through strategies like clothing reuse and repair, it is possible to take steps, although small, in the right direction. The road ahead might be demanding, but with a concerted effort from individuals, industries, and policymakers, a greener and more sustainable future is hopefully attainable.

Thesis poster blog. Presented by Shafin Afrid & Arafat Saleheen

Picture a world where you're part of a group of organic farmers who want to make sure your fruits are truly organic, and you want everyone to know it. To achieve this, you decide to employ a sophisticated technology called blockchain to meticulously track your organic fruit's journey, from its inception on the farm to the moment it reaches consumers' tables. 

Here's how it works: Every time you pick a batch of fruits, you write down important details like the harvest date, location, and the specific farming methods utilized. This data is then securely stored on a blockchain, a digital ledger that's like a highly fortified vault for information. This ledger ensures that nobody can tamper with the data, providing an unbreakable record of each batch.

The magic happens in how this information is linked together. Each set of data is called a “Block” and is defined with a unique code called “Hash”. Now, let's focus on the chain aspect. The hash of the previous block is included in the current block, forming a chain of transactions. This allows everyone to follow the chronological history of the organic fruits' journey.

As these organic fruits make their way through the supply chain, more information is continually added to the blockchain. This might encompass details about their transportation, storage conditions, and any certifications they've acquired during the journey. Every single step is meticulously recorded as a new link in the chain, and it remains incredibly secure.

For the end consumer, it's wonderfully simple. When they purchase these organic fruits, all they need to do is scan a code on the packaging, such as a barcode or QR code. This grants them access to the blockchain data, offering a comprehensive history of the fruits, including their origin, cultivation practices, and the entire journey they underwent before landing on their plate. With the blockchain-based system in place, consumers have confidence in the authenticity and quality of the organic fruits they purchase. They can trust that the information provided is not changed by anyone from the future stakeholder in the supply chain, as any attempt to tamper with the data would be immediately stopped due to the blockchain's immutable nature.

This example demonstrates how blockchain technology can be used to enhance immutability, transparency, and trust. The concept holds immense potential for the textile industry, although it's currently underutilized. That is because it is not without its challenges. Companies often hesitate to share certain information, and there's a lack of interoperability between different blockchain systems, making collaboration difficult. On top of that, concerns about security, the costs involved, lack of incentives, and government regulations also present obstacles. Because of these reasons, the scalability of the blockchain implementation in the complex supply chain of textiles has become quite difficult. 

EU legislation has proposed to mandatorily include a Digital Product Passport (DPP) with all textiles sold in Europe by 2030. This DPP acts like an electronic record for each item of clothing. It's designed to make it easier for everyone involved in the clothing industry, from manufacturers to consumers, to share and access important information about each piece of clothing.

However, for this idea to work smoothly alongside blockchain technology, we need to first address the intricate challenges within the clothing industry. It's a bit like solving a complex puzzle before we can fully benefit from these innovations.

Final chapter VDM

 Helloooo to you all, 

As summer comes to an end so my study in VMD does. Almost done with the projects and ready to present my results tomorrow. Mykonos is more beautiful than ever. The island is the epitome of fashion. Someone could see from the basic Speedy bag until custom made Hérmes that I do not even want to guess the price. Nevertheless, I have found a good reason through this project to visit all three pop-up Louis Vuitton's stores here and the experience is UNIQUE. I have learned so many things about the luxury world that I am truly grateful for this journey. 

I cannot wait to meet you all back in Borås. 

Christina.