#6: Traceability for fashion is a marathon, not a race

Welcome to Perspective, WFX’s monthly newsletter for fashion industry pros who love tech and innovation. In this issue, we’re looking at product traceability, why everyone in fashion is suddenly talking about it, and what you need to know about it. ?

The journey towards comprehensive supply chain traceability in the fashion industry is a long-term commitment. There’s no quick fix, and there are no quick results. As regulations tighten and consumer expectations evolve, the path to transparency and sustainability requires patience, perseverance, and strategic planning. ?

To kick this marathon off, you need to first understand traceability, define it for your company based on your goals, and start taking the right steps that will compound the most in value. ?

??What does ‘traceability’ mean for fashion? ??

Traceability involves identifying the origins of a product and its stages along the supply chain, from raw materials to distribution. It provides visibility into each step a product takes, ensuring that every process and transaction is documented and verifiable. This transparency is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements, maintaining consumer trust, and promoting sustainability. By tracing a product's journey, brands can ensure ethical practices, quality control, and environmental responsibility are upheld throughout the supply chain. ?

??Setting goals and defining your sustainability pillars?

Commit to supply chain transparency to improve processes. This also helps ensure resilient quality control and risk planning. Setting clear goals is the first step towards effective traceability. Establish sustainability pillars such as environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic viability. For example, many companies, like Everlane, have made significant strides by prioritizing these pillars and regularly reporting their progress. Full disclosure and transparency are part of a continuous cycle of improvement. ?

??Mapping your supply chain with centralized product data?

Mapping is the first phase in the journey of traceability. Begin by identifying all suppliers and partners involved in the supply chain, from raw material providers to final product distributors. Use a centralized data system, like a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, to track every transaction and obtain necessary certifications. Publish your supply chain to show where products come from and who made them. This transparency builds consumer trust and holds all parties accountable. ?

?? Quick tip on gaining supplier confidence: Building trust with suppliers is crucial for accurate data and traceability. Suppliers may be apprehensive about sharing information, but trust develops over time through consistent engagement and transparency. To make supplier collaboration easier, WFX PLM has a built-in supplier portal that allows suppliers to view, upload, or request information. This means that suppliers don’t need to adopt an all-new platform for traceability as half the work is already being done. ?

Check out our sustainability team’s favorite reads on this topic! ?

?? How Tapestry gets suppliers to share their data - While many brands struggle to get data from their suppliers, Coach and Kate Spade owner Tapestry is approaching its ambitious goal of tracing the origins of 95 percent of its raw materials by 2025. Read this article to explore their insights and strategies. ?

?? Impact reporting for fashion – This FY2023 Impact Report is the seventh such report from our long-term customer SPELL. It’s?one the best examples of a company striking the?right balance between people, planet and prosperity—from a team that puts sustainability at the heart of everything they do. ?

?? Fashion’s playbook for digital product passports (DPPs) - Digital product passports are becoming essential tools for traceability. This playbook offers comprehensive guidelines on implementing DPPs to enhance supply chain transparency and consumer trust.?

?? Sustainability, traceability & performance in supply chains - This panel discussion includes insights from Everlane, another WFX customer, discussing how their team drives sustainability—including how to get buy-in and train everyone in the company to work towards that goal. ??

?? 10 steps to get sustainable fashion regulation ready - Preparing for upcoming regulations can be daunting. This guide provides practical steps to ensure your brand meets new sustainability standards and regulations. ?

ICYMI: Our last issue covered the “the evolution of the fashion lifecycle,” go catch up! ?

The WFX team will be in Bengaluru next month for Apparel Sourcing Week, India’s largest sourcing expo for fashion businesses. Want to meet us in person? Book a meeting in advance! ?

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