Whenever we shop, we’re (often unknowingly) participating in a long chain of events. Have you ever stopped to wonder who made the clothes you’re wearing? What sort of life are they living? When brands have transparent supply chains, we can trace the journey our fashion choices have made and the lives they have touched along the way. But the reality is that supply chains are complex and aren’t very transparent (yet).
So what is the fashion supply chain?
The fashion world is more than glitz and glamor; it's an industry that anchors itself in intense labor. It's estimated that countless garment workers, a majority of whom are women, play a crucial role in bringing fashion to life.
The clothing supply chain represents a comprehensive and intricate journey, beginning with the creative process of design and extending through the sourcing of raw materials, textile production, and the meticulous crafting of garments. This journey is marked by several critical stages, including stringent quality control, efficient distribution networks, and the diverse world of retail. As the garments finally reach consumers, this chain underscores its vast impact, shaping global economies, influencing labor practices, and challenging our commitment to environmental sustainability. Each stage of this chain is not only a step in the creation of clothing but also a reflection of the interplay between creativity, commerce, and ethical considerations in the dynamic world of fashion.
1. Designing
The initial stage of the fashion supply chain marks the creative hub where imagination converges with practicality. Designers breathe life into novel styles, handpick fabrics, and craft the overarching aesthetic of the clothing. This pivotal phase not only dictates the visual appeal of a garment but also shapes its sustainability and ethical footprint. Nowadays, many designs are developed based on fashion, leading to fashion items that are often worn merely 6-7 times before being discarded.
Unlike the fast fashion approach, deliberate design, often referred to as 'slow fashion,' takes a holistic view of every aspect within the clothing supply chain. Designers carefully evaluate the materials and their environmental impact, the production process, and how consumers will use the garments. This comprehensive approach aims to minimize the negative effects on the environment and society.
2. Producing Material
The journey continues with the production of materials. This involves sourcing raw materials like cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers and transforming them into textiles. This stage is crucial as it has a significant environmental impact. The use of water, energy, and chemicals in this phase is substantial, and ethical concerns such as the source of materials and the working conditions in textile mills come into play. More sustainable practices are being adopted, like using organic cotton or recycled materials, to mitigate these impacts.
According to the survey, approximately 10.8% of individuals in the textile and garments supply chain have encountered forced labor, with instances particularly prevalent among those in spinning and weaving roles. Fortunately, there is positive progress, with certifications in place that elevate the standards of cotton production. A promising step is to look for cotton products certified by Fair Trade or the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
3. Producing Garment
Once the textiles are ready, the next step is garment production. This is where the fabric is cut, sewn, and finished into the final product. The majority of garment production takes place in factories, where labor practices and working conditions are key concerns. The industry is increasingly scrutinized for fair labor practices, and there is a growing demand for brands to ensure their garments are produced in safe, ethical conditions.
The arrival of major clothing brands in these regions initially held promise for the liberation of millions of workers. However, it has also resulted in subpar working conditions in certain factories and sweatshops.
According to the International Labour Organization, nearly 21 million individuals worldwide suffer from forced labor within the clothing and textile industry, with approximately 11.4 million being women and girls. Given that the majority of garment workers are female, safeguarding women's rights becomes a pressing concern.
Unfortunately, violations are widespread, encompassing issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination within numerous garment factories. Additionally, maternity leave rights are often denied, and women on fixed-term contracts frequently face non-renewal after maternity leave. The absence of adequate nursing facilities and childcare further discriminates against women, creating significant obstacles to their employment retention.
4. Distribution and Retails
After the garments are manufactured, they are distributed to retailers. This stage involves logistics and transportation, which can contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of a garment. Transporting clothes globally increases pollution and carbon emissions in distribution. Brands should not rely solely on carbon offsetting but adopt holistic sustainability strategies for supply chain management. Retailers play a crucial role in the supply chain, as they are the bridge between the fashion brand and the consumer. The rise of online shopping has also added a new dimension to this stage, with direct-to-consumer shipping becoming more common.
5. Reaching the Customers
The final step of the supply chain is when the product reaches the customer. This stage encompasses the sale of the garment, but it also extends to how the consumer uses and disposes of it. The impact of a garment doesn't end at the point of sale; how it is cared for, how often it is worn, and its life after the consumer is done with it are all part of the garment's environmental footprint. Encouraging consumers to make sustainable choices, like buying less and choosing higher-quality, longer-lasting garments, is essential for reducing the overall impact of the fashion industry.
Conclusion
From design to consumer, the fashion supply chain is a complex web of activities that touches countless lives and has a profound impact on our planet. By understanding each step of this process, we can make more informed choices, advocate for better practices, and move towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Managing your fashion supply chain efficiently can be challenging, but Inflow is here to help. Contact us today for streamlined and sustainable solutions.