TrusTrace, a global leader in supply chain traceability, has unveiled its fourth Industry Playbook, titled “The Data Advantage – A Practical Guide to Building De-risked, Compliant and Future-Ready Supply Chains”, at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen (June 2025).
In the face of growing regulatory complexity, climate-related risks, and increasing pressure for transparency, the playbook introduces the TrusTrace Compliance Canvas™—a strategic framework to help brands and suppliers simplify, standardize, and strengthen supply chain data collection processes. The goal is to enable companies to meet ESG regulations while reducing data fatigue and mitigating risk.
The playbook features contributions from leading global brands such as adidas, Hugo Boss, and Primark, along with suppliers like Epic Group, Karacasu Tekstil, and Impetus Group. These organizations share actionable insights on navigating regulatory landscapes, enhancing data systems, and preparing for emerging compliance challenges.
Key sections of the playbook include:
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The Minimum Data Package: A standard checklist of the most essential data points for regulatory compliance.
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Understanding Data Requirements: A clear guide to current and upcoming ESG rules, and how to prepare.
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Practical Insights: Real-world accounts from leading brands and suppliers on today’s challenges in traceability and data handling.
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Executive Risk Outlook: Thought leadership from Textile ETP, Policy Hub, LSE’s Grantham Institute, and TrusTrace on the legal and reputational risks facing supply chains.
The playbook argues that data should no longer be collected for compliance alone, but should empower brands to make smarter sourcing decisions, improve resilience, and unlock genuine environmental impact insights. It highlights the disconnect between the volume of documentation collected and the lack of meaningful, verifiable environmental data.
TrusTrace CEO Shameek Ghosh reinforces that standardized data infrastructure is crucial: “As data becomes central to climate and compliance strategies, brands need more than good intentions—they need robust systems.”
The playbook concludes with a call for stronger collaboration between brands and suppliers to make sustainability actionable, measurable, and scalable.
