TextileGenesis’ newly formed groups will collaborate closely with seven leading global fashion brands, sharing the common objective of promoting information sharing to enhance material tracking throughout the supply chains of the footwear and leather sectors, to guarantee ethical and sustainable practices.
Amit Gautam, founder and CEO of TextileGenesis, said: “At a time when governments are tightening regulations on traceability and forcing brands to be more transparent, the players in the footwear and leather ecosystems must unite to collectively meet these challenges".
TextileGenesis uses an advanced digital-token-based traceability system to ensure the authenticity and provenance of sustainable textiles from the moment they are produced to the point of sale. This mechanism is entirely digital and helps manufacturers and brands meet traceability challenges.
The company is now looking to expand its services by providing similar traceability mechanisms to the leather and footwear industries to help them “meet the traceability challenges” they face.
Due to the complexities and globalised nature of the supply chains and production systems in the footwear and leather industries leading to increased challenges in regulatory compliance and traceability, TextileGenesis says it is taking the lead to unite various stakeholders in addressing the need for improved traceability of materials.
Katrin Ley, managing director of Fashion for Good, recognised the importance of addressing the complex challenge of leather traceability, especially in light of upcoming legislation. She said: "It is essential to ensure that the leather originates from sources free of deforestation and with this set to be addressed by the upcoming EUDR legislation, TextileGenesis' initiative to unite various actors in the supply chain to tackle these complexities comes at an opportune time.”
TextileGenesis' Gautam added: "The number of unique components required to make a single pair of shoes could range from 10 to 50+ parts while leather has an extremely fragmented and opaque upstream supply chain, this exposes these industries to major social and environmental risks.”
“We are determined to promote greater traceability in the apparel sector and are delighted to be able to contribute, with the creation of these consortiums, to the collective work of all the players to move together towards more sustainable production methods."
The collaboration aims to allow consumers to make more informed decisions, help brands deliver on their commitments and support industries to thrive in the long term.
TextileGenesis recently launched the eTrackit in collaboration with Textile Exchange and a memorandum of understanding with the International Cotton Association (ICA).
