The Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative (STTI), a global manufacturer-driven initiative aimed at establishing more equitable purchasing practices in the textile industry, has welcomed the release of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) revised Brand Retail Module (BRM), an instrument used by more than 500 brands and retailers globally, which now includes several questions aimed explicitly at purchasing practices.
The BRM is a positive “first step,” according to STTI, but further development of the BRM’s purchasing practice questions will be required.
According to a news release from the program, STTI wants to see a more significant percentage of BRM inquiries focused on buying procedures to better represent their importance as a necessary condition for substantial improvements in the social and environmental circumstances in the garment supply chain.
“STTI is pleased that the SAC has been responsive to its recommendations, and we can now see the garment makers’ definition of good purchasing procedures represented in the BRM,” said Miran Ali, a representative for STTI. The ensuing amended BRM is a step in the right way in the drive for the essential reform of buying processes.
“Brands and retailers must drastically improve their buying procedures to receive a high BRM score. These are significant accomplishments for STTI and the Common Framework, both alone and collectively.
Of course, accurate purchasing methods are the most crucial. According to the Better Purchasing Commercial Compliance Tracker, extended payment periods, pricing that do not reflect sharply growing material prices, and a lack of forecast information are areas of least commercial compliance. Ultimately, STTI will determine the new BRM’s success based on how much its users’ absolute business compliance has improved.
“Brands and retailers’ adoption of the BRM will begin to produce vital information that will aid in our ability to evaluate purchasing practices. To enhance and expand the buying practices component of the BRM, STTI, therefore, looks forward to continuing its work with the SAC.