Sustainability in Apparel Outsourcing
In case of outsourcing of apparel, ethical issues include sustainably. In theory, sustainability is the ability to tolerate in a comparatively incomplete means throughout a variety of sphere of life (Guarnieri & Trojan, 2019). Customers has a major awareness regarding ethics, therefore the sustainable clothing are in high demand. Sustainable clothing’s are produced in such a way that they have minimised to zero impact on the environment. It further involves minimising the environmental impact together with the development of positive working condition and economic security of the manufactures (Joy et al., 2012).
For the outsourcing nation, Vietnam, Australia and the seller, London, the research of the relation among sustainability and product design is very important. Implementing a business image which would illustrate the Queensland Trail Co as eco friendly is a primary ethical problem in the clothing industry. Further, various retailers and the development of chemical values add values to an ethical set in its product line. In the clothing industry, retailers understands that majority of the customers are emphasised on purchasing green (Jørgensen & Jensen, 2012). Consumers desire to purchase green is presently a fashion trend, however, important for the future sustainability aim of the clothing industry.
Another ethical issue for the clothing sector is the manufacturing of polyester or nylon. To manufacture polyester and nylon, a synthetic chemical fertilizers are requires in order to increase yields (Jørgensen & Jensen, 2012). Further, polyester and nylon farming depends in excess utilization of herbicides in order to manage weeds which vie with the plants, hence leading to low production and stunned growth (Ndubisi & Nygaard, 2018). However, in the production of adventure clothing, polyester and nylon is primary raw material. Further, herbicides sprayed in the polyester and nylon farms for varied motive cause danger to the lives of workers, since they might cause respiratory as a result of their exposure to the toxins (Ndubisi & Nygaard, 2018). Outsourcing polyester and nylon material with a soaring level of chemical content make threats to environment by the loss of biodiversity when the material get in touch with with water bodies.
Other ethical issues conclude child labour, to reduce the cost of production, several companies employ inexpensive labour force. From an ethical standpoint, such activities are deemed immoral. The misuse of child in such conditions of strained labour in unhygienic places is entirely uncalled for (Guarnieri & Trojan, 2019).
Moreover, animal cruelty is another one of the most important ethical concern for the industry. In the manufacture of several types of clothing, the skin of several animals is utilised. Majority of the time, these animals re merciless killed. Certain animals are near extermination due to excessive killing (Hiquet & Oh, 2019). Further in case of Queensland Trail Co, chemical compound such as aryl amines, chromium, nickel, lead and more are used in the treatment of adventure clothing in order to dye and soften them. This causes harm to the environment.
As Queensland Trail Co wants to move globally in the market, the ethical concerns mentioned above would require being responsible for. London has strong ties to Vietnam and Australia, therefore pursing business in London will be a great choice for the company. Moreover, the outdoor clothing market in London is projected to develop steadily in the upcoming years. It is projected to grow by USD 3.90 B, during 2020-2024 progressing at a CAGR of over 5% throughout the predicted stage (Business Wire, 2020).
Relation between Sustainability and Product Design
London would be primary collaborator for Queensland Trail Co, a as the firm expands worldwide, since it serves as a doorway to the London market in many ways. As with many nations, customers of London are becoming increasingly social conscious, as well as brand responsibility is becoming a more significant element for a company to implement prior to expanding in the market (Hoyer, MacInnis & Pieters, 2012).
Almost all business have started the idea of corporate social responsibility (CSR) Sanad, 2016). Government, social and environment programs and events are being incorporated into the laws and regulation of London in order to deal with issues including environmental sustainability, consumer rights, and labour issues. London as well as most regions has starts to regard environment and social responsibilities as a significant practice to sustain in the market. It has as a result, inspired customers to positively regard ethical and legal responsibilities while buying and regard them to be the most significant business responsibilities (De Mooij, 2019). Fundamentally, the customers in London are less worried about the superior quality in products and economic performance than they are of the companies adhering to ethical issues and social norms mentioned before.
According to a research conducted by Huq, Stevenson & Zorzini, (2014), reveals that London would alter and familiarize themselves with the shopping habits to minimise unfavourable influence on the environment. It was revealed that around 68 per cent of participants are eco friendly purchasers and will eagerly want to purchase from sustainable brands. The source of production of clothing is quite significant for almost 79 per cent of Londoners (mckinsey, 2020). Further it was revealed that customers are inclined towards brands which offer details and might even spend more for it. It reveals that firms who are outsourcing to London us be aware of the environmental concerns in the international production in the case of Vietnam. Moreover, in order to be, more transparent with customers (De Mooij 2019). Further, customer calls for suitability would raise more and more loudly that plays a continuous success of outdoor brand such as Queensland Trail and Co. Their product development team will gain a image throughout the London market for delivering quality products and sharing broad technical capability with a great understanding of materials, construction and innovative manufacturing techniques.
It is recommended to label their clothing to encourage sustainability. Most of the eco friendly items enjoy evident labelling for explanation to customers that the items are eco friendly and sustainable. Further, eco certification must play a key part in determining sustainability of products and featuring their scale sustainability, origin, and region of production process (Zhang & Benyoucef, 2016). Nevertheless, it is a region which is yet to be established in the clothing industry.
It is also suggested that the development of organic cotton without the use of hazardous chemicals. Customers has a considerable inclination towards buying organic cotton clothes to avoid influence the health position of farmers working on the polyester and nylon fields. Moreover, organic cotton is ecologically friendly since water and other processing solvents are recycled on a regular basis to minimise environmental degradation. Organic cotton is one example of a bio fibre (Boström & Micheletti, 2016). Plant materials that include cellulose include soya beans, sweet corn, and bamboo. Organic cotton has the advantages of breathability, excellent draping, strength, softness, and biodegradability. As a result, it is recommended as a sustainable fashion item. A naturally coloured cotton plant is advised to avoid the harsh chemical needs for the dye fixing method since it does not require dying (Sirilertsuwan,Ekwall & Hjelmgren, 2018).
Environmental Concerns in Apparel Outsourcing
When dealing with worldwide production and manufacturing, “Queensland Trail Co” should also develop a marketing strategy that focuses on their brand and image. To progressively improve the quality and trustworthiness of the products, the company must develop the brand’s reputation. To reduce scepticism, the company must ensure that consumers have access to manufacturing procedures in Vietnam and must be honest at all times (Goworek et al., 2020). Consumers should be informed on the manufacturing process as well as the company’s CSR actions. This will supply them with all of the knowledge they require to make an ethical and voluntary purchase decision.
Engaging in socially responsible practices could assist Queensland in strengthening brand awareness, establishing a positive brand image and entice customers across the decision making process. In order to increase sales, the aim is to increase brand perception and recognition. It is recommended that Queensland must peruse more individuals to comprehend their brand, acknowledge what they offer and what their products are in regard to brand awareness (Boström & Micheletti, 2016). Therefore, a sustainability design competition will be a major attempt intended at attracting more customers and designers.
In regard to brand perception, it is recommended to offer value to the customer by contribution. The Queensland Trail Co would improve the image of the company by implementing CSR practices, especially in terms of environmental preservation. Some of the more specific marketing recommendation includes pricing and promotion strategies, retail stores openings, improved brand awareness, better utilization of digital media and social channels, better in-store customer experience, rapid operations, and improvement of new products (Cuc & Vidovic, 2014).
Furthermore, by recycling garments, Queensland Trail Co would be able to safeguard the environment. The continuing loss of natural resources has sparked considerable concern. As a result, designers are crucial in addressing customers’ attitudes toward environmental challenges. Manufacturers and designers might be able to lessen their dependency on freshly created materials by sourcing more fabrics and materials from textile waste or previously used textile goods (Sirilertsuwan,Ekwall & Hjelmgren, 2018). This would save both energy and raw resources. Garments and household textiles are dismantled during the recycling process, allowing the cloth to be reused.
References
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Business Wire, B. (2022). COVID-19: Outdoor Apparel Market (2020-2024)- Roadmap for Recovery | Rise in Number of Private-label Brands to boost the Market Growth | Technavio. Retrieved 19 April 2022, from https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200909006013/en/COVID-19-Outdoor-Apparel-Market-2020-2024—Roadmap-for-Recovery-Rise-in-Number-of-Private-label-Brands-to-boost-the-Market-Growth-Technavio
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