Each fair reveals something unique, and this edition highlighted a significant shift in the direction of sustainability and supplier accountability.
Key Highlights:
🌟 A New Level of Transparency
One of the standout features this year was the emphasis on certifications. Almost every supplier I encountered now provides factory certifications to ensure compliance with ethical and operational standards. These include certifications related to fair trade practices and adherence to international labor and safety regulations, giving buyers greater confidence in their sourcing choices.
🌟 Material Certifications on the Rise
While factory certifications are now standard, a growing trend among suppliers is offering fabrics certifications. For example, suppliers of organic cotton and recycled fabrics can now provide documents verifying the authenticity of these materials. Some even include hang tags to certify the fabric’s sustainability credentials directly on your finished products—an excellent tool for brands looking to showcase transparency to consumers.
This year’s fair demonstrated that sustainability and transparency are no longer optional, they are becoming industry standards. The shift towards material certifications is particularly exciting, as it allows brands to communicate their values directly to consumers with credibility.
Rocío Bordachar 