Does fast mode slow down? How global trade, AI can be used as a force for good

July 14, 2023

In a world of fast fashion, where trends are born as quickly as they are discarded, global trade regulation has struggled to keep pace with and overcome a troubling reality that hides behind the glamorous facade of the industry: supply chains tainted by human rights abuses and forced labour.

USC experts discuss how global trade regulations, consumer demands and technological advances are bringing human rights to the forefront of the changing textile industry.

Contact: Nina Raffio, [email protected] or (213) 442-8464

Facing fast fashion’s toll on migrants and women

The fast fashion industry has openly acknowledged creating one-off products with no apologies. But it is important to include labor in the definition of sustainability because humans are an integral part of our environment, said Enril analysisa teaching professor at USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.

Enrile, an expert in global justice, human trafficking and exploitative labor, sheds light on the plight of migrant women, who make up an important part of the global workforce.

Wherever you perform large-scale migrations, you will also experience higher rates of labor exploitation. These countries often have export processing zones where factories are built with different laws and standards to attract business,” he said.

“The scope is enormous, with thousands migrating in search of labor every day, leading to entire villages in developing countries without women, said Enrile, adding that gender-based violence in the fashion industry is well-documented, driven primarily by male supervisors. that impose unreasonable production targets imposed by fashion brands.

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Conscious consumers push fashion towards social responsibility

Accessibility to information has exposed ethical issues surrounding the sourcing of products. “We’re seeing a preference for not just fair trade, but direct trade and a more conscious and socially conscious consumerism,” he said Elizabeth Currid-Halkettthe James Irvine chair of urban and regional planning and professor of public policy at USC Price School of Public Policy.

Consumers value the origin of products, showing a preference for goods that come from areas known for their quality, explains Currid-Halkett. An example is the rise of American manufacturing, especially the Made in the USA movement which was prominent in high-end denim and casual wear like T-shirts and sweaters.

This is very important to the American economy because it reflects the social awareness around our purchasing decisions. When a product is made in the US, made in LA, or made in Brooklyn, part of the appeal lies in knowing where it came from and who made it, he says.

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The future of fashion and supply chain transparency is digital

Nick Vyasa professor at the USC Marshall School of Business and an expert in global supply chain management, sees great promise in artificial intelligence for revolutionizing business processes in the global fashion industry.

Generative AI can promote better supply chain visibility by tracking inventory via RFID tags and IoT sensors. AI-powered decision-making can help companies select suppliers based on performance, certificates and data analysis, ensuring ethical sourcing practices.

“Existing economic barriers should accelerate our investment in new technologies that increase efficiency and promote sustainability,” said Vyas. “As we go through these turbulent times, the key to resilience lies not in resisting change, but in accepting it.”

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