Sustainability in Turkey’s Apparel Sourcing Industry
While textile and clothing demand from European countries has helped the Turkish textile industry grow exponentially, rising inflation and declining economic growth post-2012 pose a tough challenge to its economic progress. Reforms are required to address these challenges and help them get back on track.
Brand responsibility and sustainable sourcing
Turkey has shown some great promise over the last two decades as an important sourcing location for global apparel value chains. With more than 10000 manufacturing companies, it is the sixth-largest textile exporter globally, supplying internationally renowned brands and customers.
That said, brands are witnessing a remarkable change in purchase trends. Sustainable fashion is on its way to becoming one of the most important trends in this sector. In effect, brands must meet the market demand by procuring raw materials from responsible sourcing subcontractors and sustainable production.
Most world fashion brands have already incorporated sustainable fashion into their clothing line-up. Turkish manufacturers keep a close eye on this evolving global agenda and draft action plans based on the sustainability concerns of large distribution and apparel value chains.
Role of compliance
Turkish manufacturers have started adopting a partner chain mentality, where they are encouraged to take full responsibility for complying with global sustainability standards. As an extension, stakeholders are aware of their role in delivering responsibly manufactured apparel to the end-user.
For instance, in the last two decades, more and more manufacturers are steering away from harmful substantive dyes during the apparel production process. The remaining scraps are separated in the pre-production process, sent to the recycling units, and reconverted into fabric and yarn.
Major manufacturing companies are investing in renewable energy sources like windmills and solar panels to reduce the dependence on exhaustible resources and decrease energy consumption. Further, Turkey procurement freelancers can help these companies get access to the right suppliers.
Read: The Destiny of Renewables Procurement
Sustainable fashion with conscious actions
As supply chains continue to expand globally, sustainable sourcing is playing a crucial role in developing long-term relationships with suppliers and sourcing subcontractors. Therefore, improving the adoption and integration of sustainable procurement is becoming a major part of the overall process.
Turkey is growing rapidly as one of the top contenders in the global apparel supply chain. With positive commercial growth, the infrastructure is also developing to match the international sustainability standards and procurement intelligence, enhancing the growth potential of this marketplace. In effect, the right suppliers and Turkey procurement freelancers can develop effective strategies to help such manufacturers take conscious actions to reduce the overall impact on the environment and achieve positive social results.
Compared to a few years ago, consumers are growing increasingly aware of the impact of products on the planet. As such, sustainability as a concept is no longer a matter of prestige but of utmost necessity. Going forward, focusing on sustainable procurement and supply chains will give Turkey an early mover advantage in a highly competitive market.
