THE ROLE OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN FASHION SUPPLY CHAIN: ITS POTENTIAL IN SUPPORTING TRACEABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

The fashion industry, in addition to being one of the most challenging sectors for sustainable development, is based on a complex network of global and fragmented supply chains that lead to an almost total lack of transparency and traceability of processes. The aim of the research is therefore to support companies in the fashion industry in understanding the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing the transparency, traceability and sustainability along the supply chain. The combination of these concepts constitutes the novelty of this research due to its originality and the emerging nature of the blockchain, which has the potential to address current problems and make supply chain processes more transparent. Therefore, this study investigates the role of blockchain for traceability and, in a broader perspective, its link with sustainability, highlighting the drivers and barriers to its adoption as a technology to support the traceability of supply chains. The starting point of this study, in fact, was the review of the academic literature in order to identify gaps in current knowledge. Subsequently, a preliminary model is developed to meet the research objective. The methodology used will be the development of case studies based on interviews with blockchain professionals and industry experts in supply chains, sustainable fashion and consultants. This variety is due to the scarcity of real blockchain applications in the fashion industry and the interest in wanting to provide a more integrated vision. The research result will be a relevant tool for both supply chain fashion professionals seeking to understand the opportunities and implications of blockchain, and for researchers seeking to link the emerging blockchian niche topic with the well-developed area of fashion supply chain and traceability in the fashion supply chain.