Green Practices in the Fashion Supply Chain: A Literature Review
129
However, although the retail link is more involved in green practices, it is necessary
to construct metrics to measure performance of these activities since time plays an
important role on adopted strategies (Li et al. 2014; Turker and Altuntas 2014; Zhu
et al. 2008). If conventional firms commit to sustainability quickly and radically, they
may be asking too much of their customers, employees, and suppliers (Hansen and
Schaltegger 2013).
Finally, in relation to final customers, it was observed that consumers need to be
more aware and that retail companies can play an important role in this sense, as
well as NGOs (Khurana and Ricchetti 2016). However, the studies focused more on
barriers or modes of acceptance on the part of the client than necessarily on practices
for encouraging links occurring upstream of SC engagement.
5 Conclusions
Regarding green practices in the fashion industry supply chain, studies have shown
that in the last 10 years, practices related to internal environmental systems (EMS)
were the most approached (12). Involved within it, the activities of integrating aspects
of CSR in the SC communication were more frequently cited. The studies also demonstrated the primary barriers as the lack of knowledge about the market, commitment
to suppliers, lack of training of employees and high costs of operationalization.
Conversely, the main opportunities are reduction of cost, improvement of corporate
image, and technological offerings of partners.
Currently, green practices have moved from an internal focus to an external level
involving players from its supply chain. Thus, studies suggest that current solutions
refer to specific situations and that few companies are already developing extended
solutions within the whole supply chain due to the high degree of complexity and
subsequent difficulties in controlling suppliers’ actions.
Engagement by suppliers and customers can be pushed by focal companies and
stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, media channels, NGOs) to mobilize changes and
then be replicated by SME and SMEE producers. Although processes still need results
measurement, the green practices analyzed demonstrate benefits in the consumption
of natural resources.
In relation to supply chain links, retailers have more practices identified in the
studies. The responsibilities of the focal company are to seek partnerships with
suppliers, raise consumer awareness, and interact with other stakeholders. Related
to communication between the focal company and the first stages of the SC (raw
extraction, yarn, fabric and finished fabric), the retailers do not have direct contact
with them, so a common practice is the requirement of certifications.
In the fabric and finished fabric links, responsibilities and risk sharing among
them promote the development of new products and sustainable processes. Thus,
customers have been encouraged to seek greater awareness on brand sustainability
practices, but no consumer participation has been cited about product return and
recycling policies.
129
However, although the retail link is more involved in green practices, it is necessary
to construct metrics to measure performance of these activities since time plays an
important role on adopted strategies (Li et al. 2014; Turker and Altuntas 2014; Zhu
et al. 2008). If conventional firms commit to sustainability quickly and radically, they
may be asking too much of their customers, employees, and suppliers (Hansen and
Schaltegger 2013).
Finally, in relation to final customers, it was observed that consumers need to be
more aware and that retail companies can play an important role in this sense, as
well as NGOs (Khurana and Ricchetti 2016). However, the studies focused more on
barriers or modes of acceptance on the part of the client than necessarily on practices
for encouraging links occurring upstream of SC engagement.
5 Conclusions
Regarding green practices in the fashion industry supply chain, studies have shown
that in the last 10 years, practices related to internal environmental systems (EMS)
were the most approached (12). Involved within it, the activities of integrating aspects
of CSR in the SC communication were more frequently cited. The studies also demonstrated the primary barriers as the lack of knowledge about the market, commitment
to suppliers, lack of training of employees and high costs of operationalization.
Conversely, the main opportunities are reduction of cost, improvement of corporate
image, and technological offerings of partners.
Currently, green practices have moved from an internal focus to an external level
involving players from its supply chain. Thus, studies suggest that current solutions
refer to specific situations and that few companies are already developing extended
solutions within the whole supply chain due to the high degree of complexity and
subsequent difficulties in controlling suppliers’ actions.
Engagement by suppliers and customers can be pushed by focal companies and
stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, media channels, NGOs) to mobilize changes and
then be replicated by SME and SMEE producers. Although processes still need results
measurement, the green practices analyzed demonstrate benefits in the consumption
of natural resources.
In relation to supply chain links, retailers have more practices identified in the
studies. The responsibilities of the focal company are to seek partnerships with
suppliers, raise consumer awareness, and interact with other stakeholders. Related
to communication between the focal company and the first stages of the SC (raw
extraction, yarn, fabric and finished fabric), the retailers do not have direct contact
with them, so a common practice is the requirement of certifications.
In the fabric and finished fabric links, responsibilities and risk sharing among
them promote the development of new products and sustainable processes. Thus,
customers have been encouraged to seek greater awareness on brand sustainability
practices, but no consumer participation has been cited about product return and
recycling policies.