Sustainability
Introducing Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh
By Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh,
Needle’s Eye Senior International Correspondent
Introduction
The fashion and apparel manufacturing industry represents one of the largest consumer goods sectors in the world, and it is one with a far too large carbon footprint.
Precisely because of the segment’s role as an important economic driving force, the implementation, monitoring, and compliance of responsible supply chains are paramount.
The guiding principle of ecological, economic, and social sustainability increasingly determines policy nationally, certainly at the EU level with its “Green Deal”.
The processes of adapting entrepreneurial action to the needs of the planet – of the people who produce fashion and of those who consume it – are complex and demanding. Transparency and cooperation are key tools on the way to sustainable development.
As a critical first step, the 2017 OECD Guidelines were prepared in close collaboration with experts and with the participation of industry delegates. The crucial directional initial point – the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector adopted in 2017 – establishes a common understanding of due diligence in the sector to help companies meet the due diligence expectations laid out in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. –NE–
As a critical first step, the 2017 OECD Guidelines were prepared in close collaboration with experts and with the participation of industry delegates. The crucial directional initial point – the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector adopted in 2017 – establishes a common understanding of due diligence in the sector to help companies meet the due diligence expectations laid out in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. –NE–