A recent study by the Fair-Trade Advocacy Office and the University of Portsmouth shows that despite considerable market obstacles, there is still much to be done to eliminate power inequalities in the value chains of clothing.
Unfair Trading Practises in Textile Supply Chains: A Review of Responsible and Fair Purchasing Practises by European Fashion SMEs examines the fair and responsible purchasing practises of European fashion SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises), the challenges to remaining competitive in the current fast fashion industry, and the innovative ways these businesses are reshaping power dynamics within fashion value chains.
The report covers a case study analysis of businesses using fair and ethical purchasing practises, including lead times, payment information, costs, special offers, technical requirements, quantities, and stock management. Researchers discovered that these businesses have the ability to lead their respective industries and show fair purchasing practises that can be duplicated and developed across the whole garment industry if given support.
Matthew Anderson, senior lecturer in business ethics at the University of Portsmouth, said, “Our data point to the need, once again, to rethink the conceptual framing but also practical application of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its connection to fair purchasing in order to move towards more sustainable and ethical garment value chains.”
To address power disparities in the value chains for clothing, the research suggests specific ideas and stronger regulations.
The release comes to the conclusion that worker-driven, enforcement-focused, and based on legally enforceable promises human rights protection in corporate supply chains must assign responsibility for improving working conditions to the multinational businesses at the top of the supply chain.
