Adjusting to the changing landscape of safety and quality risks caused by COVID-19 has led leading textile brands and retailers to rethink their best practices.
This year, SgT was invited to speak on this issue at the ICPHSO (International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization) Annual Virtual Meeting and Symposium. The effects of the pandemic have seen textile brands and retailers struggling to meet critical deadlines and contending with competing priorities.
Impacts on product safety, quality, and integrity have included:
- a lack of control during development,
- an absence of qualified onsite workers,
- increased risks to social compliance and CSR,
- sourcing in new countries with diverse regulations, risking compliance, and
- a lack of routine chemicals and raw materials.
Adaptive strategies to protect product safety and quality
Our technical experts have identified the top ten practices on the ground that are assuring safety, quality, and business continuity in the new normal. Some of these are:
- Fixing problems upstream: Anticipate and solve issues before they happen by focusing on the earlier stages of development. Third-party technical teams can support you on-site when your teams can’t travel.
- Using local experts: When your own teams can’t be onsite, bring in locally-based technical experts who can monitor and act on your behalf to minimize and handle risk.
- Boost visibility over your supply chain: Use technical solutions to follow your operations remotely. Make more informed decisions through platforms that help capture, connect, and analyze your valuable data.
Keen to know the other best practices we’ve seen on the ground and the opportunities they’re creating? Contact our textile experts today
