Femnet e.V.

News & Press Releases - Fair procurement for the public sector

New FEMNET study: Is traceable equally sustainable?

Technical solutions for traceability of textile products could be an important tool to bring together verified information on sustainability in supply chains, products and companies. As part of a study, FEMNET examined how they could be applied in the demonstration of public procurement – and where there are currently still limits.

The public sector is increasingly focusing on sustainability when purchasing textiles. However, examining the diversity of evidence that bidders can submit in procurement procedures repeatedly poses challenges for procurers. Could digital solutions for the traceability of textile products be a way to simplify the detection process? After all, they have the potential to record the path of a product and, in some cases, other relevant information, such as aspects of sustainability management. Do you keep what you promise? What added value can today's solutions have in practice?

As part of a qualitative study, FEMNET has examined various traceability solutions, which can be used in particular in supply chains of workwear and flat linen. The result: Traceability solutions are a potential tool for a sustainable textile and clothing industry. What matters, however, is the quality and quantity of the data from which it is fed.

Through their use, buyers can promote transparency and sustainability. However, it should be noted that while digital solutions may already be of significant relevance in market research, they cannot yet replace the examination of submitted evidence.

A short summary of the study content, key findings, recommendations for buyers and the entire study for download can be found on our new subpage on the topic Traceability of textiles.

The study was carried out as part of the FEMNET project ‘Procurement fairModify’. The project is funded by Engagement Global with its service center Kommunen in der Eine Welt (SKEW) with funds from the BMZ. It is supported by Fairtrade Germany.