The IAF’s statement, shared in response to the ongoing supply chain crisis caused by conflict in the Middle East, says the apparel sector has the ability to influence the outcome of geopolitical developments.

“As in previous crises, our role as an industry federation is to articulate how the industry should respond and adapt in order to maintain stability and resilience,” the IAF states.

“We believe that the best way to deal with external shocks is to build the strongest possible foundations for our industry, to improve productivity and to reduce unnecessary waste of capital, material, and human resources. Achieving this requires sustained investments in supply chain processes and deeper collaboration, supported by a framework of responsible purchasing practices.”

The organisation adds that previous crises have seen the cost and risk of external shocks pushed upstream into the supply chain. However, it warns that manufacturers do not have limitless capacity to absorb rising costs.

“While transferring all risks and costs upstream may generate short-term benefits for buyers, depriving manufacturers of the capacity to invest, or even to meet existing operational costs, will weaken the industry and create long-term loss for all,” the IAF says.

Building better systems

Citing its Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative, the IAF says it is actively working to build the infrastructure needed to support a “more balanced and resilient system” for the apparel industry.

It argues that the current crisis, based in the world’s largest oil and gas producing region, brings the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels into particular focus.

“The days that a shift to an energy mix with more renewable energy sources was viewed only as an environmental concern are now behind us. Investments in renewable energy are a shared strategic priority for apparel brands, retailers, apparel and textile manufacturers and governments alike.”

The IAF says it is working with the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) to support the industry through its Apparel and Textile Transformation Initiative (ATTI).

The ATTI launched last year and aims to foster sustainability and innovation by empowering manufacturers to lead change.

The IAF says it will share updates from ATTI pilot chapters in Bangladesh and Türkiye in the next few months.

The IAF adds: “In times of global uncertainty, strengthening the resilience, fairness and sustainability of apparel supply chains is an economic necessity.”