The Fiber Traceability Initiative

Europe is aiming to become the most sustainable region in the world and the textile industry is facing major changes. In addition to the Textile Strategy, which requires the textile industry to become more socially and environmentally sustainable, the European Parliament has adopted the revised Ecodesign Framework. The new rules aim to improve various aspects of products throughout their life cycle to make them more durable, repairable, reusable and recyclable.

Challenges for the textile industry

According to the European Parliament, Europeans consume on average almost 26 kg and throw away about 11 kg of textiles every year. And consumption looks set to increase. To protect the environment and consumers, EU laws are being introduced that have the potential to drive the fashion and textile industry towards responsible production and consumption. Traceability and transparency in the value chain is becoming an important piece of the regulatory compliance puzzle, but its complexity makes it difficult for many companies to find practical ways to implement it.

26 kg

11 kg

Pilot to create traceability from farm to gallows

To explore the possibilities of establishing full traceability and transparency in the value chain, the Fiber Traceability Initiative was launched. In the project, the wool value chain is explored as traceability in today’s wool industry is limited to the country of origin. There is also no guarantee or certification to ensure that the wool has been produced sustainably and according to animal welfare requirements.

The project, led by Axfoundation, brings together actors from across the value chain. Partners in the project are GS1 Sweden, Filippa K and VirtualRouteZ, and enabling label supplier is Trimco. The project is also supported by Textile Exchange and other key organizations in the textile industry.

The ambition of The Fiber Traceability Initiative is to be able to trace wool products from farm to gallows, and then through resale, repair and reuse. The project develops and implements a proof of concept for a QR code-based traceability solution where a QR code is placed in the garments. By scanning the QR code, buyers and consumers can get a comprehensive picture of the garment’s journey.

The technical solution uses GS1 standards to create a uniform, competitively neutral and global framework for product identification and labeling, ensuring interoperability between systems. To facilitate the collection and sharing of data along the value chain, the project uses the VirtualRouteZ digital platform.

Expected results and objectives of the project

  • Full traceability and transparency throughout the wool value chain
    – The project includes wool garments in Filippa K’s fall and winter collection for 2024
  • Establish verified sustainability and quality standards for wool to strengthen industry credibility
  • GS1 standards are implemented at laundries, spinning mills and manufacturing suppliers
  • Provide all stakeholders, from sheep owners to consumers, with the information needed to make sustainable choices
  • Making it easier for companies to label their products with digital product passports
  • Accelerating the transition to a circular economy and inspiring transparency in the fashion industry

The Fiber Traceability Initiative is also expected to help reduce the environmental impact of wool garments, strengthen the conditions for fair compensation to sheep owners, and reduce the amount of waste and material waste.

Read more about The Fiber Traceability Initiative here.


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    David Almroth, Head of Expansion, GS1 Sweden

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