SOKO Kenya in Vogue Business: Amplifying Our Voice.
We are excited to share that SOKO Kenya has been featured in an insightful Vogue Business article by Bella Webb, titled "Should fashion suppliers bear the cost of becoming more sustainable?" We are honoured to be part of this crucial discussion on sustainability in the fashion industry.
The article dives into the major changes needed due to the European Union's sustainable fashion legislation and asks the key question: who will drive this transition and bear the compliance costs?
Key Takeaways:
Power Imbalance: Historically, fashion brands squeezed suppliers, leading to issues like poverty wages and unsustainable practices. EU legislation offers a chance to address this.
Industry Initiatives: Efforts like off-shore wind projects and climate funds aim to support sustainable practices. Yet, industry initiatives need to scale up across companies and geographies — and quickly — if they are to help suppliers comply before penalties are imposed.
Cost Concerns: Compliance will mean higher costs, raising questions about pricing and consumer willingness to pay.
Compliance Challenges: Costs vary based on company size and local laws, but EU legislation is seen as a step forward.
Global Supply Challenges: Fashion relies on a complex network of global supply chains, which complicates the implementation of legislation. This is particularly challenging in countries that are dealing with geopolitical instability or heightened climate change risks.
Sophie, our Branding and Communications Lead, emphasised:
“If everyone took some of the responsibility to drive collective change, the transition might not be so painful,” and “Even if brands won’t pay higher prices, they could extend lead times to reduce the pressure on suppliers, or support them with training and resources. They could help suppliers apply for affordable loans and grants, just engage as if it’s a collaboration rather than a top-down transaction.”
Huge thanks to Bella Webb and Vogue Business for amplifying our voices. Let's keep this important conversation going and work together towards a more sustainable future for fashion!
To read the full article
