1. Background

Since the adoption of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) in 2015, efforts toward sustainability undertaken in both the public and private sectors have become increasingly active in Japan and overseas.

In the Japanese textile and apparel industry, some companies have gradually started working toward sustainability. However, it can hardly be said that enough is being done with regard to, for example, managing the long, complex supply chains the industry is said to have.

In light of this situation, this February, METI inaugurated a new body called the "Study Group on Sustainability of Textile and Apparel Industry" with the aim of encouraging the textile industry to work harder on sustainability. Since then, the study group has been progressively discussing and deliberating relevant matters, over the course of a total of six meetings.
The report summarizes the results of the group's work, and makes policy recommendations for the future.

2. Main information contained in the report

Efforts toward sustainability involve a wide range of aspects, from environmental awareness to providing suitable working environments.
Furthermore, making progress with these efforts will require participation not only from the companies in the supply chains, but from consumers as well.
In light of this, the report recommends focusing on the following efforts in the future in order to further the work toward sustainability in the textile industry.

• Environmental Consideration

(1) Formulating guidelines on Design for Environment
(2) Constructing collection systems
(3) Reforming consumer cooperation

• Responsible Supply Chain Management

(1) Implementing due diligence
(2) Developing a suitable environment for obtaining international textile certifications
(3) Accommodating technical intern trainees

• Gender Equality

(1) Establishing public-private sector round tables
(2) Presenting role models for younger generations

• Supply Structure

(1) Utilizing digital technology
(2) Promoting customer-centered business development
(3) Reforming the production processes

• Digitalization

(1) Promoting understanding among management echelons
(2) Expanding best practices
(3) Spreading awareness of support measures

3. Documents, etc.

You can access further information via this page for the Study Group on Sustainability of Textile and Apparel Industry.

• (1) The Report (PDF:974KB)PDF
• (2) Summary materials (PDF:410KB)PDF
• (3) Collection of presentation points (in Japanese only) (PDF:1,126KB)PDF

Division in Charge

Lifestyle Industries Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau