Global Supply Chain and Sustainability: A Critique.

The need to run companies in a sustainable manner is now an implicit understanding. The Brundtland Report, Our Common Future, published in 1987, defines sustainability as development, which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The three pillars of sustainability known as Triple Bottom line (TBL) are economic, social and environment. While economic sustainability has always been emphasized, there is a growing pressure on businesses to take care of the environmental and social implications of their products and processes. Our research reveals that much is left to be addressed in the social and economic aspects of sustainability, with some researchers stating that sustainability in these areas is more an act of greenwashing. In this paper we examine the role of global supply chains as they address sustainability issues in the fast fashion industry, particularly the issue of worker exploitation, a sustainable practice. We conclude by making suggestions for ethical sourcing, consumer awareness and behavior and government role in addressing this issue. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR