Supply Chain Traceability: definition
The ability to track and verify the journey of a garment and its materials through every stage of the supply chain, from raw material to finished product.
Supply chain traceability in fashion refers to the ability to track and verify the origin and journey of materials and products at every stage of the supply chain, from raw material (farm, mine, or forest) through spinning, weaving, dyeing, cutting, sewing, and finishing to the finished garment. Full traceability enables brands to verify that materials are sourced legally and ethically, that environmental and social standards are maintained throughout, and that certifications are credible. Traceability is increasingly supported by technologies including blockchain, QR-linked digital product passports, isotope testing for fibre origin verification, and platforms like TextileGenesis and Sourcemap. The EU Digital Product Passport, part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, will require traceable supply chain data for fashion products sold in Europe.