Decarbonizing Fashion: Tackling Tier 2 Supply Chain Emissions
As industries race to decarbonize, and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions, attention is turning to the parts of the supply chain that have been overlooked. In the fashion sector, Tier 2 - which includes dyeing, fabric treatment and finishing - accounts for a significant share of the industry’s carbon footprint. Yet, despite its impact, this level of the supply chain remains under-addressed, largely due to a lack of visibility and actionable data.
A recent McKinsey1 report highlights this gap, pointing out that Tier 2 emissions can account for over half of a garment’s total production footprint. Meanwhile, broader cross-industry discussions on decarbonization reinforce a shared urgency: without stronger data and collaboration across supply chains, climate targets will remain out of reach.
At Trimco Group, we believe that visibility starts with traceability - down to the purchase order (PO) level. This is why we have created ProductDNA® - a comprehensive tool designed to uncover emissions hotspots at the Tier 2 level, empowering brands to make measurable progress in their decarbonization efforts.
From Unknowns to Insights: Mapping the Tier 2
Through the Certificate Manager module of ProductDNA®, you can identify all the actors involved in the production of a specific garment — including Tier 2 processing units — on a PO level. By connecting POs to real suppliers’ database rather than generic sourcing regions, we help brands uncover emissions hotspots and begin to act on them with data-backed precision.
Why is this crucial? Knowing only the country of origin is no longer enough when it comes to sustainability. Brands need granular data to identify which processing units are involved, how they operate, and their environmental impact. This clarity enables brands to:
- Pinpoint emissions hotspots across production stages.
- Collaborate with suppliers to reduce environmental impacts at critical stages.
- Prioritize high-quality, actionable data for decarbonization efforts.
By creating transparency down to the PO level, ProductDNA® transforms unknowns into actionable insights, enabling brands to approach sustainability with greater accuracy and accountability.
Increase Supplier Knowledge with Certificate Manager for Sustainability Goals
Visibility on the T1 level, such as finished product garment or footwear manufacturing, is only the first step. Equipping brands with knowledge about their supply chain —especially Tier 2 — is just as critical. This is what ProductDNA®’s Certificate Manager comes in.
This tool enables brands to easily collect, monitor and manage factories' performances involved in the supply chain of a specific product. With the Certificate Manager, users can:
- Assess factories’ environmental and social credentials, such as water treatment standards, chemical usage, and renewable energy adoption.
- Make informed, data-driven decisions about sourcing partners.
- Streamline compliance with emerging regulations and sustainability initiatives.
Features like structured certification data provide brands with the tools needed to develop responsible sourcing strategies while fostering trust and transparency across their supply networks.
Why Is This Important
As regulations tighten and consumer expectations rise, the ability to account for emissions beyond Tier 1 is becoming a business imperative. Fashion companies must move forward in their sustainability journey, turning transparency efforts into measurable impact.
ProductDNA® makes this shift possible. By helping brands trace and understand Tier 2 and further down in the supply chain. We provide the foundation for smarter sourcing, reduced risk, and meaningful steps toward decarbonization.
Ready to decarbonize your supply chain? Learn more about how ProductDNA® can help you tackle Tier 2 emissions and accelerate your sustainability journey.
Contact Trimco Group today to get started.
Why Choose ProductDNA® for Decarbonization?
/ Actionable insights: Leverage detailed supplier data to identify and address emissions hotspots.
/ Efficiency: Simplify the process of collecting and managing certifications across your supply chain.
/ Accountability: Build trust through transparent practices in collaboration with your suppliers.
/ Impact: Make meaningful progress toward climate targets with smarter sourcing strategies.
Sources:
Sustainable style: How fashion can reduce Tier 2 emissions | McKinsey