Read the textile industry sustainability report. vol.2

I would like to study the current situation of the textile industry in Japan by reading the report of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Blueprint for a New Era" July 2021.

Deepen your understanding by commenting and supplementing excerpts from the report. I would like to read on in style. thank you.

This is the continuation of vol.1.

Some companies are gradually starting to take sustainability initiatives, but they are not doing enough in managing complex and global supply chains. However, in light of the fact that ESG investment that emphasizes sustainability is expanding worldwide, and that interest in sustainable initiatives is increasing among young people, especially Generation Z. It can be said that there is no time to wait for sustainability initiatives in the textile industry.

In the textile industry of the future, efforts toward sustainability will be emphasized. The country is also moving forward.

What is a supply chain?

The supply chain refers to the series of processes from procurement, manufacturing, inventory management, delivery, sales, and consumption that lead to the delivery of goods and products to consumers.

What is ESG investment?

An investment that considers not only financial information but also the company's environment, social, and policies and rules within the organization (governance).

What is Generation Z?

It refers to the generation born from the late 1990s to around 2012. This is the generation that naturally uses digital, SNS, and smartphones in their daily lives.

1. Current status of the textile industry

Due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, the sales amount of clothing has decreased.In addition, demand for work clothes such as suits has decreased due to the implementation of telework from home, etc., and casual clothes are desired. Needs are changing.

Online business negotiations are being held using zoom, etc., and non-face-to-face meetings are progressing.

The number of establishments in the domestic textile industry continues to decline, down from 56,000 30 years ago to 10,000, less than a fifth. In addition, due to the declining birthrate and aging population, it is pointed out that there is a shortage of successors for production bases. The textile industry is managed by a long and complex supply chain, with a division of labor at each stage. In sewing, etc., there is a multiple subcontracting structure. It has been pointed out that the ties between apparel companies and domestic production companies are weakening as production shifts overseas.

Domestic business establishments are overwhelmed by overseas production and cannot generate profits. Business establishments with excellent technology and experience are not paid a fair price. I have a tough situation.

Even under these circumstances, textiles (fabrics) in the Japanese textile industry are strong. It is highly evaluated and adopted by high-performance fibers such as sweat-absorbent, quick-drying and antibacterial, and by luxury brands around the world. In addition, we handle a wide range of materials and possess advanced technologies and products. As a new field, development is underway to enable the acquisition of biological data such as electrocardiograms using materials such as fibers that conduct electricity.

Technological innovation is progressing in domestic fabrics.

That's all for today.

see you tomorrow

thank you very much.