Blockchain-Enabled Supply Chain Traceability in the Textile and Apparel Supply Chain: A Case Study of the Fiber Producer, Lenzing

Supply chain traceability is a dominant concern for many industries, regulators, and policymakers. In the textile and apparel industries, social, environmental, and sustainability issues are frequent causes for concern, highlighting the need for effective traceability solutions. Blockchain technology has characteristics that make it attractive for supply chain traceability applications. However, the literature lacks discussion of empirical cases. We discuss current blockchain applications in the textile and apparel industries and analyze an exemplar of a prominent blockchain traceability solution adopted by a world-leading fiber producer, the Lenzing group. In this study, we identify two related objectives for traceability-product authentication and supply chain sustainability. The case study analysis has stimulated a rich discussion about the different levels of traceability achievable across the supply chain, the digital identification of products, and the extension of blockchain solutions across the whole supply network. Significant technical and business challenges exist in extending traceability to the upstream raw material supply chain and to the dispersed garment manufacturing networks downstream. More broadly, the study highlights the need to (1) clarify the objectives of a traceability initiative, and (2) scope a traceability solution appropriately, both horizontally across the supply chain and vertically with respect to the granularity of the items traced.

THE IMPORTED INPUTS AND FIRM EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN INDONESIAN TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRIES

Limiting imported inputs for Indonesian textile and apparel industries may inadvertently decelerate the industries’ export performance, because each subsector in the industries has its own characteristics. This study analyzes the use of imported inputs and firms’ exports in the Indonesian textile and apparel industries. It has employed unbalanced panel data from 2000–2015 with year gaps and estimated them using regression model. The main findings show that foreign input has a positive and significant impact on the firms’ exports, and the effect is larger on the apparels than the textiles when the industries are detangled. Although the result suggests a positive connection, the government may not fully liberalize all imported inputs for the industries. Instead, they may implement an effective protection scheme by relaxing tariffs on imported inputs for domestic production and imposing high tariffs imported inputs that have the potential to compete with domestic finished products.

Establishing basic requirements for textile and garment mass production units in the Tanzanian context

Purpose Garment making by the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has existed for a long enough time to make the sewing culture a mainstream phenomenon today. It is thus essential to evaluate existing producers, the required information and the key requirements for production. This should consequently forge the way forward. Hence, the purpose of this study was to establish guidelines for the basic requirements as a means of operating garment mass production units in consideration of the unique economic, legal and social environment in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach The study deployed a qualitative approach: interview sessions, questionnaires and observation together with the document review approach. A qualitative approach captured in-depth views, ideas and concepts from participants. Findings The study established the requirements for scaling up SMEs into mass production. The requirements include significant investment, well-planned strategies and an implementable industrialisation plan. The country also requires empowered workforces through the existing institutions, international collaborations with foreign investors, implementable policies, among others to excel in this sector. Research limitations/implications The identified information together with all factors is leading towards initiating textile-based industries. Thus, information resources concerning garment production in the Tanzanian context are suitable for both individuals and corporations intending to scale up their production. Originality/value This is probably among the first studies in Tanzania which explored the basic requirements for setting mass-production units for textile and apparel industries. The uniqueness relies on the involved participants from multi-perspective domains.

ANALYSIS OF EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDONESIA, CHINA, INDIA

The textile and apparel industries are labor-intensive and capital-intensive industries. The focus of this research looks at the competitiveness of textiles and apparel in Indonesia, China and India. The research method used is comparative descriptive, with the Herfindahl approach, Trade Specialization, Relevealed Comparative Adventage and Constan Market Share. Herfindahl calculation shows the market structure in Indonesia, China and India in the form of perfect competition. While the Trade Specialization approach, Indian exports are more stable than Indonesia and China. The TSR approach generally shows Export Promotion. The Revealed Comparative Adventage approach, Indonesia and India show stable and stagnant results, the RCA scale shows that China has a comparative advantage and strong competitiveness. Conclusion of the research, the market structure takes the form of a perfect competition and Export Promotion. China Has comparative advantages and strong competitiveness, followed by Indonesia and India.