Talking strategy: Harry van Dalfsen discusses the International Apparel Federation's (IAF's) aim of global standardisation to improve supply chain efficiency

At a time of growing concern over environmental issues, safety issues and working practices, governments and other organisations have introduced various regulations and standards with which suppliers and other supply chain participants must comply. However, many of the regulations and standards have a national or regional focus as international harmonisation takes time and is expensive. In "Talking strategy" this quarter, Harry van Dalfsen, the president of the International Apparel Federation (IAF) discusses the initiatives which the IAF is pursuing to standardise on compliance and improvement models for the textile and clothing industry by cooperating with other multinational organisations. In addition, he comments on key issues relating to standardisation in the fields of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental sustainability in the global textile and clothing supply chain, and the challenges posed by the growing popularity of fast fashion. He also discusses the IAF's plans regarding education -- which is one of its focuses in 2013.

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