In the fashion industry, Tier 2 suppliers play a crucial role in the production process, focusing on the creation and treatment of fabrics before they are assembled by Tier 1 suppliers. The CO2 emissions intensity of Tier 2 suppliers can vary significantly, both across different countries and within the same country, as explained by Partner Robert Westerdahl and colleagues. For example, in one country, the best-in-class manufacturers have managed to reduce their emissions by 39 percent compared with the national average, while the worst-in-class manufacturers have seen their emissions increase by 84 percent.
Image description:
A dot chart displays the average carbon dioxide emission intensity of suppliers within 6 different anonymized manufacturing countries expressed as a percentage above or below the average supplier emission intensity for each country. A dark blue dot indicates the worst-in-class supplier’s emission intensity for that country, and a light blue dot represents the best-in-class supplier’s intensity. The y-axis shows the percentage above or below average, ranging from –60% to 100%. The x-axis represents the 6 different countries. The chart also shows an average intensity across the 6 countries, allowing for comparison of individual anonymized country performance against an overall average. Country A shows a worst-in-class intensity ~85% above average, and a best-in-class approximately –40% below. Country E shows a much narrower spread, with the worst-in-class being ~38% above average, and the best-in-class approximately –21% below.
Note: This image description was completed with the assistance of Writer, a gen AI tool.
Source: Made2Flow (sample size: 450 dyeing facilities across 6 countries).
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To read the article, see “Sustainable style: How fashion can reduce Tier 2 emissions,” March 18, 2025.