Apparel industry challenges

It is important to note that most of the sustainability challenges facing the apparel industry should not be considered as separate, unrelated issues, because there is a high level of interconnection between than. For example, the environmental impacts of toxic chemical use and the potential impacts of these chemicals on the environment are intimately linked with impacts on factory conditions for the workers who are exposed to those chemicals, as well as the risks to the local community surrounding the factory from potentially toxic liquid effluent and air emissions to their health. Furthermore, there are additional potential risks associated with residual chemicals on the finished product to consumers and to the local environment. 

Modelling of uncertainties in supply chains has become important with the proliferation of product varieties and the increased volatility of the global market places of the contemporary business environment. For instance, product range and product style in a fashion industry are renewed constandy while in the basic apparel industry, long production and distribution lead times still prevail. Managing business environment dynamics in an uncertain and competitive market is a challenging task and forced many organizations to reform their operational processes. 

Vigneswaran, C., Ananthasubramanian, M., and Anbumani, N. (2011). Biovision in textile wet processing industry Technological challenges, /. Text. Apparel Tech. Manag., 7(1), 1-12. 

Individual retailers have attempted to resolve many of the sustainability challenges facing the industry, and some have made great strides toward a more sustainable model. However, all are faced with the same fundamental issues intrinsic to the traditional apparel business model, a model based on a fragmented, globalized supply network, where there is a lack of transparency and traceability. 

As the US apparel and footwear industry continues to confront challenges posed by state, federal, and international chemical management and product safety requirements, the AAFA Restricted Substances List is just one of several tools AAFA offers to provide greater clarity, said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Brnke. The AAFA RSL can be a helpful resomce for the industry as we pm ue collaboration and harmonization of complicated rules and restrictions. We are delighted to offer this tool to the industry for free. ... 

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