Tag: social responsbility

About the interview

Social responsibility is a critical topic in apparel sourcing and trade. Gen Z, both as consumers and future professionals in the fashion industry, care deeply about this issue. At the same time, the conversation around social responsibility has become more technical and complex, such as compliance with new regulations like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).

In the interview, Avedis Seferian, President & CEO of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), shared his insights and extensive practical experience about the current landscape and emerging trends in social responsibility related to apparel sourcing, including:

• What does “social responsibility” truly mean in the context of today’s global apparel industry, and how has that meaning evolved over the past decade?
• What are the key expectations for fashion companies if they need to achieve socially responsible sourcing?
• Is social responsibility more of a legal issue or an ethical issue for fashion companies? Where does the line lie between what is required by law and what is expected ethically from apparel brands and factories?
• How does a typical social compliance audit work on the ground, and why does it involve much more than simply “completing a checklist,” as some people may misunderstand?
• Does greater supply chain transparency help promote social responsibility? How can fashion companies be encouraged to become more transparent, and what challenges remain?
• What is the impact on garment factories and their workers when fashion companies suddenly cancel sourcing orders? As fashion companies increasingly expect suppliers to be “flexible,” such as accommodating last-minute changes to sourcing orders, could this expectation further complicate social responsibility efforts?
• Can AI and technology have some potential applications in promoting social responsibility in the fashion industry?
• Advice for students and young professionals entering the apparel industry who want to make a meaningful impact in social responsibility and ethical sourcing.

About Avedis Seferian

Avedis Seferian joined WRAP in 2004 and became its President and CEO in 2012. Avedis has extensive knowledge of social responsibility issues within the highly complex worldwide supply chains of the apparel, textile and footwear sectors. A recognized expert in the area of social compliance and responsible sourcing, Avedis was named by Assent Compliance as one of the top 100 corporate social responsibility influence leaders for 2020.

Additionally, Avedis speaks five languages, has lived in four countries and holds three degrees from three continents—a Bachelor’s in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University in India; a Master of Business Administration from the American University of Armenia; and a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in the United States.

About Emilie Delaye (moderator)

Emilie Delaye is a master’s student & graduate instructor in Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, with a specific interest in supply chain, global sourcing, and sustainability. Emilie is also a member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA) 2025-2026 Student Committee and the University of Delaware President’s Student Advisory Council.