The growth of the global supply chain created substantial challenges for corporate responsibility. In the
backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, renewed concerns regarding responsible purchasing practices have
been raised by suppliers.

Compulsory business closures during lockdowns have led to truncated demand and revenue for textile and
clothing brands across the globe which prompted cancellations of processed orders and delayed payments
to suppliers. These cause multiplier effects on the socio-economic conditions of employees, workers, and
small enterprises in the supply chain, and put significant strain on supplier-retailer relationships. This is
worsened by relaxations of social, welfare and industrial laws that have been observed by some governments.

Such practices are not only against the principles of sustainable supply chains but the long-term cost of
abandoning suppliers and a precarious work environment in the time of crisis could far outweigh the shortterm
savings obtained from the cancellation of orders.

From this perspective, our webinar will answer the following questions:
• What can textile and clothing suppliers and buyers do to minimise the negative impacts of this crisis on
their businesses?
• How can responsible purchasing practices be adopted into retailers and buyers’ decision-making to
ensure business and supply chain continuity in the post-COVID-19 environment?
• What is the social responsibility of governments and employers during the time of crisis?

Participation in the webinar is free of costs.

Agenda