Outdoor clothing: Greater transparency in the supply chain is needed

Outdoor clothing holds a special place in the industry. This is because customers have high expectations not only of the design and fit, but also of the functionality of the garments. Whilst outdoor jackets previously had to be windproof, water-repellent, lightweight and ‘indestructible’, there is now an additional dimension: products are expected to be environmentally friendly, made from sustainable materials and manufactured under fair conditions. 

How can companies manage to meet these requirements? Transparency within the value chain – that is, the disclosure of available information regarding facts and decision-making processes – is a key component in the discussion on sustainability. In the field of vendor relations, according to Antje von Dewitz, focusing on long-term, partnership-based supplier relationships makes it possible to develop process improvements and drive innovation. Focusing on a small number of trained suppliers enables a more stable collaboration, which serves as an important foundation for increasing transparency regarding production conditions.

The next CUT-UP event on the topic of sustainable material procurement is scheduled for 15 February 2018.

The CUT-UP discussion series is a collaboration between Bridge&Tunnel, designxport, Frauke von Jaruntowski and the Hamburger Stiftung für Wirtschaftsethik. Over a two-year period running until the end of 2018, the series of events will discuss topics ranging from sustainability and fair trade to supply chain transparency, amongst others.