Textile and Apparel Industries

Exploring Traceability for Sustainable Apparel Value Chain: Insights From Multiple Cases

---

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate existing traceability practices among apparel companies. Particularly, we aimed to identify (1) which traceability information for sustainability is disclosed to consumers, (2) how it is revealed, and (3) what technologies are utilized to disclose it. Following the case study approach, we analyzed data collected from the websites of 10 incumbent and 10 start-ups apparel brands. Results show that incumbent brands are more advanced in disclosing suppliers' information including names, addresses than that of the start-ups' brands. However, start-ups are at the forefront of disclosing critical information for living wages such as workers' salaries in the suppliers' factories. While start-ups disclose suppliers' information at the individual product level, incumbent brands publish that information through interactive/suppliers maps. Finding also shows that start-ups are also ahead of using technologies.

Keywords: Traceability, transparency, sustainable supply chain, apparel industry

How to Cite:

Bari, M. & Jin, B. E., (2022) “Exploring Traceability for Sustainable Apparel Value Chain: Insights From Multiple Cases”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13551