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New Report calls for better supplier inclusion

A new report has been published by Transformer Foundation calling more better supplier engagement in multi-stakeholder initiatives working in the fashion industry.

The report, Collective Action Reimagined: A Call for Fair Process and Supplier Inclusion in Fashion’s Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSIs), explores the systemic barriers preventing meaningful supplier engagement in some of the industry’s most influential MSIs.  In particular the MSIs that were the focus of the report were:

  • Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition who operate the HIGG evaluation programme)
  • Textile Exchange
  • SLCP (the Social Labor Convergence Program)
  • ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals)
Through a series of interviews with key informants within the fashion supply chain who have in-depth first-hand experience and close knowledge of MSI supplier engagement, the report uncovers how rules, governance, and processes often perpetuate supplier exclusion. The findings reveal that these organizations, though well-intentioned, often reinforce systemic barriers that limit supplier participation, leading to a cycle of distrust, disengagement, and ineffective sustainability strategies.
 

Despite these challenges, the report presents an optimistic future by advocating for the adoption of a Fair Process model. This framework, based on non-biased decision-making, equitable engagement, and transparency, aims to transform MSIs into true platforms for collective action.

Key Findings from the report include:

  • Supplier Exclusion is prominent. Few suppliers are engaged in MSIs due to systemic barriers, reinforced by MSI rules and governance, leading to distrust and disengagement.
  • There is an Opportunity for Change. With growing industry recognition of the
    importance of supplier voices, there is momentum for transforming MSIs into genuine platforms for collaboration.
  • The Way Forward is the Fair Process Model. The report advocates non-biased
    decision-making, equitable engagement, and transparency to make MSIs more inclusive and effective in driving meaningful sustainability efforts across the fashion industry.

SLF Leading the way for the leather industry

Here at SLF we are proud to have been a leader in this way of thinking right from the start.  Our A.I.M Approach to improvement ensures that all organisations at any point in the leather value chain, whatever their size, scope, geography or progress, can join the Foundation as a partner to benefit from tools designed to support improvement:

  • Peer reviewed Standards and Benchamrks with normative references
  • Mapping spreadsheet for checking progress
  • Guidance Notes
  • Templates
  • Glossary
  • Transparency Dashboard for real time recognition of progress
  • Access to training and support from the Foundation
Our A.I.M. Approach:
Accessible – Inclusive – Modular
Click here to Read the Full Report