Office for Social Responsibility of China National Textile and Apparel Council

As the Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative (STTI) enters its third strategic phase, a concerted effort is underway to drive enduring impact across the fashion supply chain.

The central ambition is clear – to shift responsible purchasing practices from an exception to the industry’s norm.

Critical to this strategic vision are the ongoing pilot initiatives planned by STTI in collaboration with forward-thinking brands. These pilot programs aim to establish benchmarks and a comprehensive knowledge base of best practices, shaping the path for industry-wide advancements and heightened actions. STTI is at the forefront of two ground-breaking pilot initiatives, representing a substantial step toward tangible results in responsible purchasing practices.

In response to the growing need for shared responsibility and accountability, the first pilot focuses on responsible contracting. STTI actively collaborates with a brand committed to aligning its supplier contracts more closely with human rights and environmental due diligence principles, drawing inspiration from the Responsible Contracting Project's (RCP) core principles and model clauses. The ongoing pilot includes dynamic activities such as gap analysis, the revision and suggestion of documents related to responsible contracting, and more.

Another pilot STTI is focusing on is supply chain flexibility, as better operating and sourcing models are often a prerequisite for better purchasing practices. The pilot aims to connect more brands and retailers to upstream solutions that drive systemic improvements. Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms will be used to enhance brand’s operating performance in order to promote fairer purchasing practices. This groundbreaking endeavour seeks to equip suppliers with the tools and resources necessary for active participation in defining the future landscape of responsible purchasing practices.

Crucially, these pilot initiatives are not merely designed to effect change at the individual brand level. Instead, STTI aims to create replicable models that can be embraced and implemented across the entire industry. By openly sharing the insights gained from these pilot programs, STTI aspires to contribute significantly to the broader transformation of the fashion supply chain.