Forbes Features CGS Expert’s Take on Chain-of-Custody Challenges, ESG

Forbes has published an article by CGS Vice President of Strategic Accounts Mark Burstein entitled “Fashion Supply Chain Transparency Takes Center Stage.” Featured as Forbes Innovation content, the article discusses the latest retailer and governmental requirements for supply chain traceability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance.

Burstein, a member of the Forbes Technology Council, has been a global software executive and business consultant for large global fashion brands for more than 30 years. His article explores supply chain transparency challenges and solutions.

“Faltering on the ESG front can result in shipment seizure, lost sales and damaged customer relationships. On the other hand, strong ESG compliance offers opportunities to build sales, profits and trust between trading partners and with consumers,” Burstein wrote.

Challenges

The article covers timely issues such as:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection track-and-trace rules under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA)
• Walmart’s requirement for suppliers to provide detailed production records from their supply chain partners
• Forthcoming laws and regulations under the New York’s Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act, the European Climate Law and the European Union Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

Solutions

Burstein’s article also offers solutions to achieving supply chain transparency in a cost-effective, efficient manner, including:

• The supply chain digital twin as a means of identifying suppliers and verifying supplier documentation and chain-of-custody handoffs.
• Supply chain cloud technology for efficient, labor-saving ESG data collection, control and sharing.
• Production management solutions for a clear view and evidence trail to the factory floor, including operator pay, productivity and manufacturing line metrics.

Businesses Are Prioritizing EGS, Sustainability

Supply chain issues Burstein covered for Forbes are top of mind for many executives. ESG compliance was a major theme in CGS’ 2023 Supply Chain Trends and Technology Report. Consumer goods, apparel and retail executives polled for the report ranked ESG initiatives as their second-highest growth opportunity and their No. 2 improvement priority for 2023. When Ernst & Young commissioned a survey of Fortune 1000 C-suite executives, the firm found unanimous consensus that sustainability and social compliance are important for the success of their businesses.

If your company is looking to improve ESG compliance and supply chain transparency, BlueCherry solutions can help. Visit our website to learn how we can support you in this journey.