The German workwear company KAYA&KATO has partnered with IBM to develop a blockchain network for traceability in the clothing supply chain. The platform aims to enhance transparency to provide consumers with information about the sustainability practices involved in the product they’re purchasing. The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Development (BMZ).
KAYA&KATO’s initiative responds to an increasing demand from consumers to understand the environmental impact of their purchasing behavior. According to a study conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value in association with the National Retail Federation, 77% of consumers surveyed perceive sustainability as important, and 57% said they are willing to change their purchasing habits to help reduce negative impact on the environment. Another study conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by IBM resulted in 75% of respondents claiming concerns about the level of waste in the fashion industry, and 64% responded they were more likely to buy a fashion product if the sustainability claims could be proven.
There are numerous aspects to sustainability, from the chemicals used to labor practices. According to a UNICEF sponsored report, global child labor figures are estimated at 170 million and a large proportion of those are in apparel.
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