The Ethical Denim Council (EDC) is proud to announce the release of its 2024 State of the Denim Industry report, shedding light on the persistent ethical challenges and the need for systemic reform within the denim supply chain. This comprehensive report, building on last year’s findings, expands its focus to include the perspectives of factory workers, consumers, and brand employees, highlighting key themes such as awareness of buying practices, accountability of buyers, impact on workers, and collaboration for a fairer industry.
The report highlights significant disparities in awareness of buying practices. Factory workers in Bangladesh demonstrate a strong understanding of supplier requirements, whereas awareness in Pakistan remains notably lower. Among consumers and brand employees, there is varied understanding of critical issues such as order cancellations and supplier obligations, underscoring the need for education and greater transparency across the supply chain.
A central theme of the report is buyer accountability. Factory workers, consumers, and brand employees collectively believe that brands should be held financially responsible for losses caused by order changes, delays, or cancellations. Workers in Bangladesh and Pakistan strongly support enforceable compliance riders to protect suppliers, reflecting the urgency of systemic change to ensure fairness.
The report also sheds light on the profound impact of order cancellations and modifications on workers’ livelihoods, including job insecurity and wage instability. Bangladeshi workers express significantly higher concern compared to their counterparts in Pakistan, revealing regional nuances in how these challenges are experienced.
Collaboration emerges as a key solution for addressing these systemic issues. Factory workers overwhelmingly endorse collective action, while consumers seem to demonstrate a growing preference for ethical brands. The report emphasizes that true industry reform requires a united effort from all stakeholders in the denim supply chain.
To drive meaningful change, the Ethical Denim Council outlines a clear path forward. Central to this is gaining support for the Non-Cancellation Compliance Clause developed in collaboration with Responsible Contracting Project, which aims to protect suppliers from financial instability caused by order cancellations and changes. In the interim, the EDC will continue to serve as a vital resource for suppliers navigating unethical practices while fostering long-term solutions.
Looking ahead, the EDC is organizing a conference that will bring together stakeholders from across the denim supply chain. This collaborative event will feature workshops and discussions focused on actionable strategies to address unethical practices and build a fairer industry.
The 2024 State of the Denim Industry Report reaffirms the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration in tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges and The Ethical Denim
Council will always remain committed to advocating for systemic reforms that ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
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