US brands tackle supplier efficiency in Vietnam

US apparel brands VF and Target are working with the International Finance Corporation to improve resource efficiency at their supplier factories in Vietnam.

Under the first phase of the programme, energy and water efficiency assessments will be conducted at around 30 factories over the next 12 months to help them reduce operating costs and improve productivity.

Factory assessments at VF and Target supplier factories across the textile value chain, including cut-and-sew, dyeing and printing, and garment washing operations, will identify and develop cost-effective measures to improve energy and water efficiency while helping suppliers improve productivity and competitiveness.

In addition to providing advice for technical solutions, IFC will help facilitate financing through its partner banks in Vietnam, drawing on its experience in other major textile exporting countries, such as Bangladesh and China.

Subsequent phases will evaluate opportunities for use of clean energy to meet captive power needs of the textile supply chain.

For the full story, see the April 2016 edition of Textiles South East Asia. Not a subscriber? Sign up HERE