The fashion industry is facing a series of social and environmental regulations across the globe where brands are required to take action. Several countries have already implemented regulations that ask for due diligence along the supply chain, such as the German Supply Chain Act “Lieferkettengesetz”, the UK Modern Slavery Act, the Norwegian Transparency Act “Åpenhetsloven”, the New York Fashion Act and the upcoming EU Green Deal. All of them demand transparency and traceability here and now.

Traceability is crucial for answering consumers’ demand for more transparency about how and where their products are made. Complying with different social and environmental regulations is a long-term commitment rather than a quick fix. Trims and packaging solutions expert Trimco Group aims to provide brands with an effective solution to monitor and achieve their sustainable goals by launching Product DNA – a supply chain traceability and transparency toolbox for garment, footwear and home textile industries.

Monitoring the ESG performance with Product DNA

Trimco’s Product DNA is a multifold platform that includes different solutions, from supply chain ESG certification management to on-product communication options using QR codes, depending on the brand’s setup and strategy, bridging the physical and digital worlds. Trimco’s Product DNA can save brands major expenses in software development and workload in the onboarding process. As a trim supplier itself, Trimco leverages its global presence by onboarding garment factories to Product DNA with their extensive local support organisation.

Product DNA can be customised to every company’s ESG goals. As part of the solution, brands can measure the use of different sustainable materials in their collections by weight or by piece. Product DNA allows brands to monitor their ESG performance by comparing year on year progress or against their ESG target. The platform also links the usage with the garment factories’ scope and transaction certificates to substantiate the Brand’s ESG claims.

From Tier 1 all the way to Tier 4

The tracing technology enables brands to measure the amount of sustainable fibres and materials they put into the market. The tracking technology allows for easy management of garment factory ESG certificates. Depending on the brand’s strategy, ESG compliance transparency can go from Tier 1, garment factories, all the way to Tier 4, the raw material suppliers. For brands looking to dive into more detailed analysis, reporting on greenhouse gas emissions and other specific environmental measurements is also possible.

A customisable dashboard will enable the brand to monitor sustainable and ESG efforts with a few easy clicks. Comparison reports by material, season, collection, product category, regions, etc., are available in realtime with drill-down capability for in-depth analysis. Additionally, the brand’s internal stakeholders such as buyers, sourcing or compliance and sustainability teams, would also benefit from the platform. Product DNA could also provide the information required for external parties such as auditors, shareholders, public authorities and the general public.

Several brands have already taken the first step in running trials on the platform. Amongst others, Asics and DK Company have now chosen and rely on Trimco’s Product DNA platform to monitor their supply chain social and environmental compliance.