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Traceability and Transparency: A Way Forward for SDG 12 in the Textile and Clothing Industry

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The UN Sustainable Development Goals for the Textile and Fashion Industry

Part of the book series: Textile Science and Clothing Technology ((TSCT))

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal, SDG, 12 calls for a profound business transformation towards sustainable consumption and production patterns. This involves the entire value chain from a holistic perspective, from raw material to consumer, both globally and locally. Target 12.8 specifically identifies the need for people everywhere to ‘have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature’. To enable this shift, industry practitioners and academics have recognised traceability as the necessary first step for informed decision-making. Traceability, according to the International Organization for Standardization, ISO, refers to the ‘ability to identify and trace the history, distribution, location, and application of products, parts, materials, and services’. Full implementation of traceability systems will allow industry partners to have access to reliable, comprehensive data of their business activities as well as their related environmental and social impact. Once this information is traced and available for firms, transparency will enable all stakeholders to have access to the relevant information needed to make informed decisions, including but not limited to customers and business partners. Both transparency and traceability support visibility throughout the textile and clothing value chains and therefore contribute to build trust between stakeholders. Overall, the purpose of this chapter is to present a deepened understanding of what traceability and transparency concern, and how they can constitute an enabler to accelerate industry’s efforts towards achieving SDG 12. Available literature is reviewed thoroughly and supported by examples of implemented industry practices.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Business Administration and Textile Management, University of Borås, 501 90, Borås, Sweden

    Natalia Papú Carrone

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  1. Natalia Papú Carrone
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Correspondence to Natalia Papú Carrone .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Studies on Sustainable Luxury, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Miguel Angel Gardetti

  2. SgT Group & API, Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Subramanian Senthilkannan Muthu

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Papú Carrone, N. (2020). Traceability and Transparency: A Way Forward for SDG 12 in the Textile and Clothing Industry. In: Gardetti, M., Muthu, S. (eds) The UN Sustainable Development Goals for the Textile and Fashion Industry. Textile Science and Clothing Technology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8787-6_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8787-6_1

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  • Online ISBN: 978-981-13-8787-6

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