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Blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability in the textile and apparel supply chain: A case study of the fiber producer, lenzing

Ahmed, Wafaa A. H.; MacCarthy, Bart L.

Blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability in the textile and apparel supply chain: A case study of the fiber producer, lenzing Thumbnail


Authors

WAFAA AHMED WAFAA.AHMED@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Assistant Professor in Information Systems



Abstract

Supply chain traceability is a dominant concern for many industries, regulators, and pol-icymakers. In the textile and apparel industries, social, environmental, and sustainability issues are frequent causes for concern, highlighting the need for effective traceability solutions. Blockchain technology has characteristics that make it attractive for supply chain traceability applications. However, the literature lacks discussion of empirical cases. We discuss current blockchain applications in the textile and apparel industries and analyze an exemplar of a prominent blockchain trace-ability solution adopted by a world-leading fiber producer, the Lenzing group. In this study, we identify two related objectives for traceability-product authentication and supply chain sustainabil-ity. The case study analysis has stimulated a rich discussion about the different levels of traceability achievable across the supply chain, the digital identification of products, and the extension of block-chain solutions across the whole supply network. Significant technical and business challenges exist in extending traceability to the upstream raw material supply chain and to the dispersed garment manufacturing networks downstream. More broadly, the study highlights the need to (1) clarify the objectives of a traceability initiative, and (2) scope a traceability solution appropriately, both hori-zontally across the supply chain and vertically with respect to the granularity of the items traced.

Citation

Ahmed, W. A. H., & MacCarthy, B. L. (2021). Blockchain-enabled supply chain traceability in the textile and apparel supply chain: A case study of the fiber producer, lenzing. Sustainability, 13(19), Article 10496. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910496

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 15, 2021
Online Publication Date Sep 22, 2021
Publication Date Sep 22, 2021
Deposit Date Aug 23, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Sustainability
Electronic ISSN 2071-1050
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 13
Issue 19
Article Number 10496
DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910496
Keywords textiles and apparel; blockchain; supply chain; fiber producer; traceability; granularity; sustainability; authenticity
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/10360800
Publisher URL https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/19/10496

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