UNECE launches initiative to increase traceability of the global clothing sector

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has officially launched a Community of Practice aimed at increasing traceability and transparency in the clothing and footwear industry. This announcement follows a three-year challenge by the European Union and UN member states to demonstrate the feasibility of these practices in the sector.

UNECE has established a Community of Practice to increase traceability and transparency in the clothing and footwear industry. Over three years, more than 20 pilot projects and 110 commitments have delivered positive results. During the event in Milan, UNECE published a report detailing best practices and progress. The initiative supports future legislation.

During this period, over 20 pilot projects and 110 commitments from leading brands, manufacturers, NGOs, industry associations and sustainability initiatives in almost 30 countries have proven the positive impact of tracking various materials such as cotton, leather, plastics, cellulose and wool from production to use and beyond, UNECE said in a press release.

The lessons learned over the last three years under the Sustainability Pledge initiative were discussed at the event “Vision and Visibility: Scaling Transparency” held at the Triennale Milano. The event gathered over 200 partners for one day of open sessions and workshops. UNECE marked the occasion by launching a Community of Practice that aims to disseminate best practices and shared sustainability solutions for the industry.

During the event in Milan, UNECE also published the “3-Year Sustainability Commitment Monitoring Report”, providing the Community of Practice with an overview of industry best practices in improving traceability and transparency. The report includes an analysis of key data from 100 commitments made to UNECE, detailing the progress and impacts achieved over the past three years, as well as the drivers and challenges facing industry players. The development of key performance indicators (KPIs) at the corporate, product and material levels, with tailored recommendations, provides clear guidance for measuring traceability and transparency.

The commitment to sustainability underpins future legislation governing the clothing industry. By tracking clothes, it supports local production around the world and provides consumers with the information they need. The Community of Practice aims to accelerate traceability and transparency initiatives and share best practices to drive change at scale in the apparel and footwear industry.

The clothing and footwear industry is a significant contributor to environmental degradation and global warming, and is known for poor working conditions that often violate human rights. Many workers, especially women, young people, home workers and migrants, often work in substandard conditions. Despite these problems, the demand for clothing and footwear is growing every year. To address these challenges, the sector must lead environmental and social change to improve quality of life and achieve Sustainable Development Goals 5, 8, 13, 15 and 17.

UNECE’s collaboration with over 800 experts, policymakers, businesses, academia and non-governmental organizations has resulted in a set of recommendations, guidelines and policy standards. These tools enable industry players to authenticate their sustainability claims and improve transparency and traceability throughout the value chain. This is facilitated by a free, open-source platform tested in pilot projects that also examined the role of innovation and advanced technologies such as blockchain and DNA traceability.

At each key step in the manufacturing process, information is stored on the blockchain, creating an immutable record that allows for tracking and tracing. Materials and products can be identified and located at source thanks to an information exchange standard and an open-source blockchain system. This system allows even small producers with only a smartphone to upload their data to the blockchain.

Fiber2Fashion Information Desk (DP)