6 Toughest Supply Chain Challenges in Sustainable Fashion
Sustainability in the fashion and textile industry is more important than ever. However, building a truly Sustainable Fashion supply chain comes with significant challenges. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to ensuring ethical production, fashion brands must navigate multiple obstacles to achieve sustainability. Here are six key supply chain challenges in the sustainable fashion and textile industry
What is sustainable supply chain ?
A Sustainable Fashion supply chain means making products in a way that is good for the environment, fair to workers, and profitable for businesses. It covers everything from getting raw materials to making, shipping, and disposing of products. This approach helps reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, ensure fair wages, and keep businesses strong for the future. By choosing sustainable practices, companies also build trust with customers who care about ethical and eco-friendly products.
Achieving sustainability in the fashion and textile industry’s supply chain involves addressing several significant challenges:
Increased Costs
Implementing sustainable practices often requires substantial upfront investment, which can be particularly challenging for smaller companies. These costs may lead to higher product prices, making it difficult to justify to customers who may not fully understand the value of sustainability. Balancing affordability with ethical production remains a critical concern.
Procurement of Sustainable Raw Materials
Finding eco-friendly materials can be challenging because they are often harder to get and more expensive. It’s also important to make sure suppliers follow sustainable standards, which adds to the difficulty. For example, creating an organic khadi fabric collection means sourcing certified organic cotton and ensuring it is spun and woven in a way that meets strict sustainability rules.
Complexity in Monitoring Supply Chains
Supply chains are complex and deeply connected, making it hard to track sustaina