There continues to be much written about how important sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are to all types of businesses. Many articles are written by certifying organizations or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). And these can be self-serving since all ‘green marketers’ are working to profit and grow and maybe, to make a difference. Even ‘green’ non-profit organizations have to eventually answer to someone to stay viable.Few if any of the articles deal directly with the textile and apparel industries.
So are CSR and sustainability helping to shape textile and apparel production and retailing or are they mostly sales and marketing tools? Do your customers ask you about your energy use, your water use, your carbon footprint, or whether you use chemicals on the various restricted chemical lists or flame retardants that are being band? Do you ask your suppliers these questions? If so, what do you use as a meaningful basis for decisions?
