In order to create a sustainable textile & apparel industry, a number of challenges need to be addressed in different areas of the supply chain. Consumers are, for example, much more aware of the sustainability of the products they buy and want to know the story behind their purchases and their footprint.
The journey from cotton to counter
Sustainable sourcing and availability of raw materials is becoming more and more of an issue. The availability of bio-cotton, as well as the presence of hazardous chemicals in clothing, both pose a threat to the textile industry in general. The journey from cotton to counter is a long one, with many stakeholders in the textile supply chain.
Challenges for the textile & apparel industry
- Production considerations such as water and energy used;
- The availability of sustainable raw materials;
- The impact of production waste;
- A company’s social responsibility towards its workers;
- The use of chemicals, including dyes, finishes, and coatings;
- Health risks for workers and consumers of the final product;
- Animal welfare in the case of sourcing of wool or down.
Technology is part of the solution
These challenges in creating a sustainable textile & apparel industry are not solved with a few simple actions, but require an approach to continuous improvement, with access to a centralized overview of information covering all stakeholders in the supply chain.
From the cotton farmer, ginner and spinner up to the fabric maker and retail, all data should be gathered and stored in a central database, giving you insight into your actions and your supply chain. Please review some of our use cases in textile & apparel below, or download our Cotton to Counter Solution Paper.
Use cases
ChainPoint has a well-established track record in the cotton, textile and apparel industry. Our industry experts understand the issues related to the textile industry and can help you improve sustainability, both with our software solutions, as well as with our knowledge and expertise.
Endorsing a claim for Better Cotton
The Better Cotton Initiative aims to improve the livelihood and economic development in cotton producing areas, reduce the environmental impact of cotton production and secure the future of the sector.
Fighting child-labour and improving working conditions in the carpet industry
GoodWeave aims to redefine the term “transparency” with the Supply Unchained initiative. In collaboration with USAID and co-funded by the Skoll Foundation, the ChainPoint platform will offer real-time supply chain maps and data down to the most remote production sites.
Act now.
Download our solution paper
Download our solution paper, offering you an overview of the cotton market and the solutions available to improve sustainability. A step-by-step approach to building a more sustainable textile supply chain.