Netherlands' Laudes Foundation launches Transparency in Action portal

The platform also navigates the current fragmented landscape of transparency resources.

Designed by Laudes Foundation in partnership with knowledge partners WikiRate, Fashion Revolution and Open Apparel Registry, the Transparency in Action portal features best practices, expert advice, tools, and resources – including information on existing and upcoming legislation – for brands to take informed steps towards transparency and expand their current efforts, the organisation said in a media release.

The platform takes a comprehensive approach to transparency, covering supply chain, factory performance and purchasing practices. Each have different transparency requirements and the platform offers dedicated guidance and checklists to help fashion brands navigate these.

The Transparency in Action portal also identifies and takes fashion brands through four key transparency steps to improve disclosure: collecting and disclosing data in an open and standardised format; analysing and comparing data to identify action points; taking action to continuously improve; monitoring and evaluation to review whether actions have been effective and adjust if changes are required.

On launching the platform, Jill Tucker, head of labour rights, Laudes Foundation, said: “We strongly believe in the long-term impact of effective transparency for fashion brands, and Transparency in Action seeks to facilitate that. We urge all brands to make use of this free-to-all resource, no matter where you are in your transparency journey.”

Katie Shaw, chief programme officer, Open Apparel Registry, added: “When we launched Open Apparel Registry, industry was ready and willing to share name and address data. Fast forward a couple of years and we now hear appetite to share additional data points. Not only is transparency here to stay but it’s growing.”

Laureen van Breen, managing director, WikiRate, said: “I'm delighted to see the arrival of the Transparency in Action website to help us keep track of the latest developments, projects and collaborations.”