The Fashion Traceability News Thread #90
GO TRACE - More Traceability, for Responsible Fashion
Traceability rules, tips, events, networking, tools, laws, training and more, for the clothing industry.
Dear GO TRACE Community,
Welcome to the 90th edition of our GO TRACE Newsletter.
The ninth annual report by McKinsey & Company and BoF, titled "The State of Fashion Report 2025," was released at the beginning of last week, highlighting the sector's progress. Meanwhile, the European Parliament has approved a one-year delay to the EU’s anti-deforestation law, sparking criticism.
The Responsible Sourcing Network’s (RSN) YESS initiative has launched a global due diligence community, marking a significant step in formalising a network of multi-stakeholder members, including major brands, mills, and other partners. The goal is to enhance transparency and accountability throughout the cotton supply chain. Mills in countries like Pakistan and India receive trainings to ensure ethical sourcing, tackle forced labour, and comply with international regulations.
On another note, organisations can now provide feedback on the upcoming EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) infrastructure until 10 December. We encourage relevant stakeholders to contribute! Please see this page for details.
I leave you to explore the rest of this edition!
Catherine Lomonaco Membré
Founder, GO TRACE
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?? INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
The State of Fashion 2025 report by BoF and McKinsey outlines the industry’s pivot from China to diversified markets like India and Turkey, driven by rising costs and geopolitical risks. While the focus is on nearshoring, cost efficiency, and supply chain resilience, traceability is highlighted as a necessary tool for enhancing visibility and meeting regulatory demands.
The festive season boosts textile demand but complicates traceability due to sourcing delays, logistical bottlenecks, and data inconsistencies. Companies must enhance coordination and technology integration to ensure transparency and maintain ethical practices amidst increased pressures.
Bangladesh, a major apparel exporter to Europe, must adapt to new EU regulations focusing on sustainability and traceability. Key initiatives include the Digital Product Passport and enhanced reporting standards, which aim to improve transparency in the fashion industry.
Article in Italian
The fashion industry struggles to meet EU sustainability targets due to technological and financial constraints. Andrea Crespi calls for improved traceability, increased consumer awareness to counter greenwashing, and emphasizes the importance of education on the value of clothing and collaboration among smaller businesses.
?? BRAND INITIATIVES
Swedish brand Asket enhances traceability by providing detailed product information, including supply chain transparency and environmental impact. Partnering with Akeneo, they educate consumers on sustainable choices while promoting longevity through a permanent collection and repair initiatives.
Major brands have joined the YESS initiative to enhance traceability in the textile supply chain. This membership model promotes accountability and aims to eradicate modern slavery by ensuring ethically sourced cotton through comprehensive due diligence practices.
?? COMPLIANCE AND STANDARDS REVIEW
The European Parliament voted last Thursday, November 14th to weaken the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), adding a 'no risk' category for lighter controls and backing a delay until December 2025. This decision has sparked criticism from environmental groups, citing concerns about green protectionism and potential exclusion of small-scale farmers. The EUDR aims to prevent imports of products linked to deforestation, but ongoing negotiations may affect its final implementation.
The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation aims to enhance product traceability through a digital passport, promoting recycling and sustainability. It poses challenges for SMEs while seeking to transform the economy towards circularity and climate neutrality by 2050.
The Clean Clothes Campaign and seven NGOs have released a guide on the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, emphasising improvements for traceability in companies' global supply chains regarding environmental and human rights impacts.
Article in French
Fairly Made's 2024 report highlights significant legislative progress in the fashion industry, focusing on enhanced traceability and transparency within supply chains. New laws in France and Europe aim to promote sustainability, though challenges remain ahead for businesses.
?? DIGITAL PRODUCT PASSPORT INSIGHT
The EU is gathering feedback on digital product passports (DPPs), mandatory from February 2027, to enhance traceability of products' origins and environmental impacts, starting with batteries. This initiative aims to promote sustainability and transparency in retail sectors.
?? CIRCULAR ECONOMY & SUSTAINABILITY
Experts urge formalisation of Bangladesh's informal textile waste management to enhance traceability and align with EU sustainability regulations, addressing political tensions and fostering job creation in recycling while promoting circular practices in the ready-made garment industry.
?? UPCOMING EVENTS
The Global Sourcing Expo, Melbourne, Australia
20th Novembre 2024
Speaker: Melinda Tually
Thank you for reading this new edition of the GO TRACE Newsletter.
We appreciate your continued interest and support.
Read our previous editions to catch up, and subscribe for future updates!
We look forward to reconnecting with you next Friday November the 22nd for our 91st edition!