How supplier collaboration enables carbon reduction in fashion

As fashion brands scale their climate ambitions, pressure to deliver credible Scope 3 carbon reductions is increasing. Yet despite the proliferation of targets and ESG reporting, implementation remains inconsistent. A core issue lies in the data used to calculate emissions: many brands still rely on secondary data sources, which, while useful for indicative baselines, are insufficient for operationalizing reduction strategies.

Accurate decarbonization requires accurate measurement. This means working with primary data—supplier-specific, process-level, and up-to-date. However, engaging manufacturers across complex global supply chains is not trivial. It requires the right frameworks and infrastructure, not just for data collection, but for transforming manufacturers from passive information providers into proactive sustainability actors.

At Sustainable Brand Platform (SBP), we support this transition through a progressive supplier data collaboration model, enabling brands to engage suppliers at increasing levels of depth and precision. This model balances scalability and accuracy, helping brands improve data quality while empowering suppliers to take ownership of their environmental performance.

Carbon Reduction Requires Accuracy

Carbon emissions in fashion are deeply embedded in the upstream supply chain, especially in material production and manufacturing processes. These stages are where the biggest impacts happen, and yet they’re often the least visible to brands.

If a brand doesn’t know the true environmental footprint of the polyester it sources, the specific energy and water use of Tier 3 yarn producers, or the dyeing and finishing processes applied at Tier 2 facilities, how can it hope to reduce emissions meaningfully?

Using average data might help tick a box on a sustainability report, but it won’t drive real reductions. It’s like trying to lose weight by guessing your calorie intake—you need real numbers to see real results.

Limitations of Secondary Data in Scope 3 Accounting

Secondary data, typically sourced from LCA databases such as Ecoinvent or commercial tools, provides average values for materials and processes. These figures often reflect outdated practices, regional assumptions, and generalized scenarios. As such, they do not capture:

• Variability in energy sources at individual facilities
• Efficiency differences between manufacturing lines
• Actual chemical use or treatment methods in wet processes
• Supplier-specific environmental initiatives (e.g. use of biomass, solar, or closed-loop systems)

The consequence is clear: reliance on these averages can result in significant under- or over-estimation of a brand’s actual carbon footprint. Without robust data, reduction strategies risk being misdirected, and potential interventions may be missed altogether.

Why Primary Data Enables Real Emission Reductions

Primary data, when captured from the source, allows brands to assess the true environmental performance of a specific material, process, or facility.

Thanks to the SBP Manufacturer solution, textile manufacturers are not only capable of sharing their data seamlessly, but more importantly, it activates a new role for manufacturers: from passive data providers to active partners in decarbonization, by allowing them to:

• Identify hotspots and implement reduction strategies
• Share verified primary data directly with customers for product-level footprinting
• Participate in EcoDesign and low-impact material development initiatives
  
  

This collaborative approach not only improves data quality but creates shared ownership of climate goals between brands and suppliers.

A Model for Progressive Data Collaboration

SBP’s solution supports a three-level framework for advancing supplier engagement and data precision. This model is designed to reflect real-world constraints while providing a clear path toward more impactful decision-making.

Level 1: Data Simulation Using Secondary Sources

• Goal: Establish a fast baseline using data from PLM/BOM systems
• Scope: Full material library
• Data Type: Material composition and quantity
• Output: LCA results using industry averages (CO₂e/kg by category)
• Use Case: Scope 3 Category 1 estimation; compliance reporting

Level 2: Manufacturer-Level Primary Data

• Goal: Improve accuracy by collecting primary data at the facility level
• Scope: Strategic or high-volume suppliers
• Data Type: Factory-level energy, water, and input data
• Output: Environmental performance metrics and refined LCAs
• Use Case: Green procurement, supplier benchmarking, impact hotspot identification
  

Level 3: Process-Specific Primary Data

• Goal: Achieve high-precision measurement through process mapping
• Scope: Priority materials or suppliers with high environmental impact
• Data Type: Inputs and outputs for specific manufacturing processes
• Output: Granular LCA results, actionable insights for EcoDesign
• Use Case: Product-level impact reduction, intervention planning, verified claims
  

This model doesn’t force a one-size-fits-all solution but provides a pathway for gradual adoption and continuous improvement, aligned with strategic goals and operational feasibility.

From Measurement to Execution

Once data collaboration is established, brands can shift from impact estimation to reduction execution. Specifically, they can:

• Use primary data to compare materials and select lower-impact options
• Collaborate with manufacturers on decarbonisation plans
• Embed environmental performance into product design and sourcing tools
• Track measurable progress toward Scope 3 targets over time
• Respond credibly to regulatory and consumer demands for transparency
  

The foundation is reliable data, but the goal is to share impact reduction across the value chain.

Empowering Suppliers, Enabling Brands

The future of carbon management in fashion lies in shared responsibility. Brands can no longer carry the burden of measurement and reduction alone, especially when the majority of emissions occur upstream.

SBP’s progressive supplier collaboration model enables manufacturers to become informed, capable partners in this effort. With the manufacturer module, they gain tools to assess, act on, and communicate their environmental performance, delivering value not just to the brand but to their entire customer base.

If your brand is ready to move beyond averages and partner with suppliers for measurable reductions, this is the moment to begin.‍