However, the obstacles to relocation have been identified: first of all, the price of Made in France, which remains the main factor in the decision. The professionals in the sector therefore recommend that education be provided while working on costs. Explain the price difference to consumers and principals alike, but reduce this difference with other manufacturing countries by basing it on the real costs of relocated production. And focus relocation in France on more limited orders, develop production on demand.
The known obstacles to relocation can be circumvented by transforming the value chain
If the turn towards “sustainable fashion” may seem like an opportunity for designers and manufacturers, it is only under certain conditions, points out the CSF report. This means promoting a demanding model of social responsibility (reduction of carbon impact, product sustainability, innovative production approaches, particularly using natural materials such as linen and – or recycled materials).
It is also a question, a recurrent demand from manufacturers, of strengthening the partnership between principals and manufacturers in order to respond as well as possible to the need for flexibility on the part of the former and the need for visibility on orders on the part of the latter.
Finally, the need for support from the public authorities is necessary to encourage the conditions for partial relocation. Via, for example, the future investment programmes (PIA) and the France Relance plan. In addition, the report recommends working on exemplary public procurement, with stricter CSR clauses, support for innovative projects for the industrialisation of textile waste sorting and recycling channels, and training.