Talking strategy: Harry van Dalfsen discusses the International Apparel Federation's (IAF's) aim of global standardisation to improve supply chain efficiency

At a time of growing concern over environmental issues, safety issues and working practices, governments and other organisations have introduced various regulations and standards with which suppliers and other supply chain participants must comply. However, many of the regulations and standards have a national or regional focus as international harmonisation takes time and is expensive. In "Talking strategy" this quarter, Harry van Dalfsen, the president of the International Apparel Federation (IAF) discusses the initiatives which the IAF is pursuing to standardise on compliance and improvement models for the textile and clothing industry by cooperating with other multinational organisations. In addition, he comments on key issues relating to standardisation in the fields of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental sustainability in the global textile and clothing supply chain, and the challenges posed by the growing popularity of fast fashion. He also discusses the IAF's plans regarding education -- which is one of its focuses in 2013.

To read the full report buy issue 20 now	Subscribe

Global Apparel Markets provides intelligence, analysis and insight on the global apparel and fashion industries.

What's in it? Each issue contains data and expert analysis on key industry topics, including: artificial intelligence (AI); augmented reality (AR); consumer expenditure; corporate social responsibility (CSR); cotton; denim; environmental sustainability; fibres; imports and exports; key geographical markets; labour law; product innovations; regulation; retail; sourcing; strategy; supply chains; and trade and trade policy. A single issue of Global Apparel Markets includes: practical and strategic advice from an industry expert a report on a key geographical market a round-up of the latest product innovations a feature on trade and trade policy comprehensive coverage of the latest business news An annual subscription to Global Apparel Markets is a cost-effective way to keep informed about trends and developments in the global apparel and fashion industries. Subscriptions are available in printed and/or digital formats. Printed and digital subscribers receive each issue in printed format in addition to a digital PDF file, which is available immediately on publication. Subscribers also receive a complementary digital subscription to Global Apparel Update, delivered directly by email once a month. This free supplement contains essential information on business news and the latest product developments. Like all Textiles Intelligence publications, Global Apparel Markets is a reliable source of independently sourced business information, and it does not carry advertising. This is what our customers say: "In our work, we were looking for industry insights and trends - who the major suppliers were, which countries were producing and what, productivity rates, investment incentives, where investors were moving to and why, etc. A lot of the individual country case studies you did were great - I remember one recently on the UK for example. There was also a great article from a guy on the Turkish market and recent trends there. Both these articles were written for the layman so they were easy to understand but comprehensive at the same time. The technology articles were also interesting. Basically, it was an all-round good publication that covered everything in enough depth so that you would always find something of interest in each issue." (Alan J. Saffery; Competitiveness, Private Sector & Economic Growth ; Saffery Consulting)