Foreword

The garment and footwear industry is one of the most polluting sectors on the planet and has a vital role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to ensure that the world limits global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, in line with the Paris Agreement. Human exploitation is also a significant challenge in a sector where opaque international chains of production make it difficult to find out how—or even where—our clothes and shoes are being made. Consumers, governments and many companies are calling for change. But, until now, it has been very difficult for clothing and footwear vendors to vouch with authority for the sustainable and ethical production values of their goods. Improving traceability and transparency has therefore become a priority for the industry. By tracking and tracing goods through the supply chain, producers and brands have the information they need to make verifiable sustainability claims that consumers, governments and regulators can trust.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Responsible Consumption and Production