2023-10-30 06:36:18
The COMÚN Foundation uses the specific example of the supply chain of an Austrian fashion label to visualize the numerous problems and dark spots in the fashion industry
We are dealing with a local label that really acts in an exemplary manner. And yet it cannot guarantee the fulfillment of the promises it makes on social networks. But this is a structural problem and shows why a European supply chain law is needed. Otherwise the efforts of such great companies will be thwarted and greenwashing promoted
Veronika Bohrn Mena, Stiftung COMÚN
Vienna (OTS) – Where do the raw materials for the textiles that are sold in chic boutiques in Austria come from? Who processes the garments and under what ecological and social conditions are they produced? How can domestic companies check their supply chains for compliance with environmental standards and human rights? These are just a few of the many questions that the COMÚN Foundation is now investigating.
As part of the project “Visible Mending of Supply Chains“, financed by funds from the foundation and the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, researched the global supply chain of a local fashion label together with an independent scientist for months. This promotes sustainability in particular on social networks and with the help of influencers and therefore wanted to know exactly.
Results as a product of structural lack of transparency
Unfortunately, the findings are somewhat sobering, which is why the owner of the label ultimately decided to remain anonymous. The company’s diverse efforts are absolutely positive, but what is more problematic is the structural lack of transparency in global supply chains – even for particularly “sustainable” raw materials, which are actually part of the solution to the problem.
This shows that many of the information provided by companies along the value chain of a single item of clothing, which stretches from the USA, Brazil and India via Japan to Turkey, Serbia and Germany, cannot be verified. The producers sometimes do not respond at all or only respond inadequately, and independent controls hardly take place. Even with the best intentions, the supply chain ultimately remains a “black box”.
Only supply chain law can help exemplary companies
„We are dealing with a local label that really acts in an exemplary manner. And yet it cannot guarantee the fulfillment of the promises it makes on social networks. But this is a structural problem and shows why a European supply chain law is needed. Otherwise the efforts of such great companies will be thwarted and greenwashing promoted“
said COMÚN chairwoman Veronika Bohrn Mena.
The entire results of the project were published as a separate chapter in the “Supply Chain Atlas” of the COMÚN Foundation. It not only contains the findings from research into the individual stages of the Austrian label’s specific supply chain, but also numerous additional visualizations. The information is accessible free of charge. More information at https://lieferkettenatlas.com/viskose-cupro.
Questions & Contact:
COMÚN Foundation, board of directors@comun.at, +436603202086
1698648394
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