A huge gap persists between apparel industry's best practices and industry norms, according to the Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative (STTI).
In a statement issued on March 04, the STTI that consists of 13 industry associations from 10 countries, including Bangladesh's BGMEA and BKMEA, said the halted EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) sends the wrong message to manufacturers keen to follow European environmental legislation.
During a closed discussion at the 10th OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the garment and footwear sector, the STTI and the OECD stakeholders discussed the intersection of legislation and responsible business conduct.
Stakeholders included policymakers, industry leaders from brands, retailers, manufacturers, trade union representations and civil society, according to the statement.
The STTI said the event highlighted practical tools to support better purchasing practices, including due diligence aligned contracts.
"It is clear that there is a sizeable gap to bridge between industry best practice and industry norms," the STTI believed.
Expressing disappointment over the EU politicians' failure to pass the law, the STTI said this development sends the message to apparel manufacturers that there is not sufficient political interest in such a balanced approach.
This adds a definite touch of hypocrisy to the barrage of demands placed on them, particularly by the European environmental legislation.
"There is now only a very small window of opportunity for the law to pass before the European elections," it added.
It also noted that none of the stakeholders present in Paris would dispute the importance of legislation as part of a smart mix of measures needed to raise the bar on purchasing practices.
Provided it is implemented well, the CSDDD legislation is good for brands, good for apparel manufacturers and good for workers, it noted.
The STTI further pointed out that based on over a decade of work creating a global system of human rights due diligence, the proposed CSDDD legislation offers a balanced approach to support a transition to a more sustainable industry.
In addition to some existing national legislation, brands, retailers, manufacturers, multi stakeholder initiatives and NGOs are actively applying due diligence principles and building better purchasing practices that enable more sustainable supply chains.
The STTI also said: "Together with its supply chain partners, the Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative will continue to drive the improvement of purchasing practices in the apparel and textile industry."
The Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative is led by the STAR Network, the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and supported by GIZ FABRIC.
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