The IAF’s mission in 2021 to enable and promote stronger, smarter and more sustainable supply chains will focus on:
Contract and equity
IAF believes that the supply chain, to function well, literally and figuratively, needs a new contract. That is why IAF has partnered with the STAR network of industry associations, GIZ, Better Buying and the OECD in a project in which associations representing the majority of global apparel exports will develop their recommendations.
Institutional infrastructure
IAF believes that the apparel industry needs a better global industrial and institutional infrastructure. It is currently too fragmented, not inclusive enough, and many global initiatives do not involve enough industry stakeholders, including manufacturers and small and medium-sized brands.
Education and training
Providing associations with knowledge, training and mentoring can have a significant multiplier effect as they in turn educate their member companies.
Digitalisation
IAF believes that the sector needs a dynamic of digitalisation across the board. Education and standardisation are two of the main enabling factors that IAF will focus on.
Transparency
The industry needs to accelerate its efforts to increase the transparency of its supply chains. The IAF will focus its efforts on strengthening global collaboration between the apparel and textile industries.
Sustainability
Promises to reduce CO2 emissions are important but not sufficient. The costs and benefits of transformation need to be better shared in the supply chain. IAF will work to ensure that the voice of manufacturers is more clearly heard in the global industrial infrastructure being built to reduce the global environmental footprint of clothing.