SUSTAINABILITY
best-practice frameworks and initiatives to use when developing their sustainability strategy .
But this also appears to be changing . In Autumn 2021 , the UK Government ’ s Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) issued a set of ‘ green marketing ’ guidelines , and then in January 2022 , announced it would begin looking , sector by sector , at brands that fail to follow its guidance - starting with fashion .
In the Netherlands , meanwhile , the Authority for Consumers and Markets ( ACM ) is currently conducting a ‘ greenwashing ’ investigation , probing the sustainability claims of six clothing companies – four of which are non-Dutch . The ACM can fine any Dutch company that misleads consumers about the sustainability of their products .
“ We are in an interesting transition period , where there are an increasing number of sustainability frameworks and ESG metrics available , but little guidance over which is most applicable ,” says Gibson .
She adds : “ Indeed , fashion retailers are concerned that , at best , ESG efforts will be seen as token change , and , at worst , so-called ‘ greenwashing ’. These challenges are exacerbated by the complexity and opacity of the fashion supply chain , which is where supply chain transparency , traceability and data-driven solutions such as Leaf can help .”
Digitisation of supply chains key to transparency Leaf is a platform that supports retail organisations in their pursuit of sustainable trading , through integration with suppliers , carriers , and non-profit organisations .
The digitisation of supply chains is key to transparency on sustainability and human rights abuses across supply chains , says Gibson .
108 May 2022