STTI calls the BRM a welcome ‘first step’ but adds that it is clear that successive improvements of the BRM’s purchasing practice questions are going to be necessary. Specifically, STTI would like to see a larger proportion of BRM questions devoted to purchasing practices, better reflecting their role as a key prerequisite for real improvements in social and environmental conditions in the apparel supply chain, the initiative said in a press release.

STTI, a global manufacturer driven initiative focused on creating fairer purchasing practices in the textile industry, has welcomed the launch of the revised Brand Retail Module (BRM) by the SAC, an instrument used by over 500 brands and retailers globally, which now includes several questions specifically focused on purchasing practices.

Miran Ali, STTI spokesperson commented: “STTI is glad that the SAC has been receptive to its recommendations and we can now see the garment manufacturers’ definition of good purchasing practices clearly reflected in the BRM. The resulting revised BRM is definitely a step in the right direction in the quest for the necessary improvement of purchasing practices.

“Brands and retailers wanting to achieve a good BRM score will need to be taking the improvement of their purchasing practices seriously. These are important achievements for STTI and the Common Framework, both individually and as a collaborative effort.

“Most important are of course the actual purchasing practices. The Better Buying Commercial Compliance Tracker shows that long payment terms, prices not reflecting steeply rising input prices and the lack of forecast information reflect areas of least commercial compliance. In the end, STTI will judge the success of the new BRM by the actual improvement of the commercial compliance of its users.

“Brands and retailers’ use of the BRM will start to generate important knowledge that will help us to better assess purchasing practices. STTI therefore looks forward to a continued collaboration with the SAC to improve and increase the purchasing practices element in the BRM.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)