How can you ensure that new vendors are committed to sustainable fashion and textiles?

There are a lot of criteria used in the industry and not all of them are equal, but if you want to have a start you can refer to Walmart Sustainability Procurement Checklist, it will give you a basic idea of how to measure and what criteria to take into account whole selecting the vendor at the get go, before signing them. Though the challenge which I feel in terms of Tier 2-3 countries market is maintenance of such standard, in that case you have to maintain an internal audit between specific time intervals to check the validity of promised process and standards.

Screen vendors for eco-friendly practices. Demand sustainable certifications. Ensure transparent supply chains. Conduct regular sustainability audits. Set shared sustainability goals. Monitor performance with clear metrics. Use contracts to enforce sustainability.

To ensure new vendors are committed to sustainable fashion and textiles, implement a thorough vendor screening process. Request information on their sustainability practices, certifications, and track record. Ask for transparency in the supply chain, including sourcing and manufacturing details. Consider site visits or third-party audits to verify their claims. Establish clear sustainability guidelines and expectations in vendor agreements, and prioritize vendors with recognized eco-certifications. Regularly assess vendor performance and sustainability metrics to maintain a commitment to responsible practices.

One thing I have found helpful in sustainable vendor development is to start by clearly defining your sustainability criteria. In my experience, this initial step sets the foundation for identifying vendors who align with your values.

Evaluating and negotiating with vendors involves requesting samples, quotes, and contracts for comparison based on sustainability criteria. Site visits and audits verify practices, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals. Balancing budget, quality, and sustainability, creating value for both parties is essential. Collaborative discussions on supply chain improvements foster long-term sustainable partnerships

Effective vendor commitment to sustainable fashion requires continuous communication and education. Sharing our brand's vision and values and emphasizing the importance of sustainability builds strong partnerships. Providing relevant resources and training on best practices fosters a shared understanding. Listening to vendors' concerns and involving them in decision-making fosters a collaborative approach to innovation and sustainability

Communication is a vital part of creating a sustainable supply chain, and both brands and suppliers need to work together to make this happen. A brand that doesn't listen to their supplier's challenges and suggestions is sure to fail as it doesn't have a realistic picture of what it is like at the ground level. Similarly, it is important for brands to communicate their own needs and provide suppliers with the necessary tools and information to be able to operate in a way that champions sustainability.

Building trust and loyalty with vendors is key in sustainable fashion. Treating them as partners, respecting their culture and interests, and ensuring fair and transparent payment fosters strong relationships. Avoiding unnecessary changes and cancellations demonstrates commitment. Celebrating their successes and acknowledging contributions boosts morale and encourages continued dedication. By fostering trust and loyalty, we can achieve our sustainability goals together