TrusTrace, which specialises in supply chain traceability and compliance data management, will use its platform to help New Look navigate its supply chain more effectively, identifying responsible sourcing and business continuity risks.
The move aligns with New Look's 'Kind to Our Core' sustainability programme, which targets a reduction in carbon footprint by encouraging suppliers to monitor emissions and pursue various other sustainability objectives.
TrusTrace CEO and co-founder Shameek Ghosh highlighted the instrumental role the TrusTrace platform will play in achieving New Look's sustainability goals. He said: "The TrusTrace platform will serve as an enormous asset to achieve these goals.
“Through its open architecture, the platform will integrate with retailer, manufacturer and supplier systems, as well as other third parties, such as certification agencies, lifecycle datasets and other sustainability solution providers, to provide granular insight into New Look’s supply chain.”
New Look's sustainability efforts include recently submitted Science Based Targets, including a near-term goal of reducing carbon emissions by 46% by 2031 across Scope 1 & 2 and Scope 3, aligned with the 1.5°C pathway.
According to Ghosh, New Look is the first major UK retailer to join forces with TrusTrace, marking a major milestone in the platform’s pursuit to make global supply chains traceable, circular and fair.
Ghosh continued: “TrusTrace facilitates data collection from Tier 1 through to Tier 4, enabling New Look to access granular, validated product data to support its sustainability goals. This partnership will contribute to New Look’s ‘Kind to our Core’ mission by helping them make informed decisions to enhance responsible sourcing.”
Sue Fairley, head of sustainability at New Look emphasised the company’s potential to deepen visibility up to Tier 4 suppliers and further mitigate supply chain risks. She said: "We've already made incredible progress through our 'Kind to Our Core' sustainability programme – as evidenced in our recently released 2023 Sustainability Report – and it's just the beginning."
New Look's 'Kind to Our Core' sustainability initiative claims to have already demonstrated positive outcomes, with an 18% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since the programme's launch. Additionally, Scope 3 purchased goods and services fibre product emissions have fallen by 22%.
The retailer aims to achieve Net Zero by 2040 for both Scope 1 & 2 and Scope 3. As part of its decarbonisation roadmap initiative, New Look held a Supplier Conference in London earlier this month, encouraging suppliers to calculate their carbon emissions.
The retailer has also achieved a 'progressive level' with the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) – one year ahead of schedule.
