Glossary

In the context of textiles, chemical traceability refers to the ability to track and trace substances used in textile articles throughout the supply chain. This involves ensuring that all chemicals involved in the production process are documented and can be traced back to their origin (Schenten et al., 2019).

Describes the intensity of cooperation along the various value chain stakeholders (incl. the ability and willingness to be transparent and the perception of data protection aspects).

Describes the intensity of cooperation between two or more (potential) competitors and if necessary a neutral party to reach a common ground to trace the chemicals in the apparel sector.

Describes the development and successful dissemination of physical (e.g. scanners) and non-physical (software) elements of the technical infrastructure for sharing information along the entire value chains.

Describes the legal framework in the EU for the traceability of chemicals in textiles and includes laws, regulations and directives issued by government authorities. The regulations can affect the entire value chain.

Describes the global legal framework for the traceability of chemicals in textiles including laws, regulations and directives issued by government authorities and the degree of alignment with EU legislation. The regulations can affect the entire value chain.

The traceability in the value chain is the ability to track the history and location of a product or its components throughout the entire production process, from raw materials to the final product delivered to the consumer. It involves documenting, recording and verifying each step, allowing greater transparency, quality control, and accountability.

Describes the level of knowledge, and availability of resources and manpower in the supply chain to collect, stock, manage, communicate, secure and complete the data about chemicals along the supply chain.

Describes to what extent new business models and value chain actors related to traceability of chemical substances are successfully introduced to the global market.