How can fashion companies meet sustainability and supply chain data requirements without duplicating data or creating significant administrative burdens? This is particularly true for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Seven major retailers and the non-profit organizations Cascale and Fair Wear have jointly developed and introduced a uniform self-assessment questionnaire and a free digital platform. This platform was developed by supply chain solutions provider TrusTrace.
The “Retailer Brand Due Diligence Questionnaire” and the “One Retail Hub” increase operational efficiency and measurements. They use fair and generally accepted criteria based on the OECD Due Diligence Guide for Responsible Supply Chains in the Clothing and Footwear Industry and other industry-specific standards.
Open single source approach
“The goal of One Retail Hub is simple: to make due diligence practical, consistent, and support brands’ progress. Through a single-source approach aligned with OECD guidelines and developed with our industry colleagues, we reduce duplication. We give brands and retailers the clarity they need to act with confidence. This collaboration turns shared challenges into a path to capacity building. It helps us all raise standards and accelerate meaningful improvements in global supply chains,” explains Elena Martinez Ortiz, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Product at British online retailer Asos, in a press release.
Together, the solutions offer a uniform methodology and a free digital infrastructure. These simplify compliance with human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) for the clothing and footwear industry. The Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) is a joint effort between Cascale, Fair Wear and the companies About You, Asos, Boozt, Ellos Group, New Look, The Very Group and Zalando.
“The SAQ lays the foundation for clearer expectations. It highlights the role retailers play in encouraging brands to conduct effective due diligence and make real improvements for workers. Additionally, our organizations provide the necessary tools and guidance to support brands on their HREDD journey,” comments Annabel Meurs, Managing Director at Fair Wear.
Since SMEs in particular have difficulty navigating a complex reporting landscape, the questionnaire creates a uniform, industry-wide basis for ethical procurement. In addition, resources are directed to where they are needed most. This promotes a more resilient and responsible supply chain.
“This initiative is part of Cascale’s mission to promote convergence, minimize duplication and improve the efficiency of sustainability efforts across the industry. We were happy to provide our expertise and see this as an exciting opportunity for further collaboration,” concludes Jeremy Lardeau, Senior Vice President of the Higg Index at Cascale.
Further information about the Retailer Brand Due Diligence Questionnaire and the free digital tool One Retail Hub can be found on the TrusTrace website.
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