Fashion retailer H&M is opening up its supply chain to other clothing brands. Smaller brands are allowed to use all parts in the H&M supply chain, from product development to logistics. "We are not afraid to open up our supply chain," says H&M.
The initiative launched by H&M is called Treadler, according to business newspaper Financial Times. It is initially a pilot, with large and medium-sized brands participating. The retailer is not naming any brands yet, but says it has received a lot of interest from the market.
Sustainable supply chain
Treadler is the first major project led by Helena Helmersson, CEO at H&M since a week but manager of sustainability for many years before that. According to Helmersson, it is no secret that H&M is part of an industry that is commercially successful, but not sustainable enough. "To future-proof our industry, we have focused on transforming and improving our supply chain in recent years. We think the result of our efforts can also be valuable for others," Helmersson said.
H&M itself is often the focus of criticism when it comes to sustainability. The clothing chain produces fast fashion at low prices, leading to accusations of overconsumption. However, the retailer aims to operate climate-neutral by 2030, using renewable energy and recycled materials. "The demand for affordable fashion will increase. We believe it is better that it is produced in a sustainable supply chain than a less sustainable one. But it does not solve the problem of overconsumption," H&M said in announcing Treadler.
Less risk through supplier network
With the new service, H&M also expects to help other brands establish a wide supplier network, so that events like trade wars or the coronavirus have less of an impact on their supply chain.
