FW:Learning - An educational model for effective chemical management in the apparel supply chain

Purpose and goal

The FW:Learning project was initiated in order to develop a new digital tool for tool educating key suppliers in chemical management within the textile supply chain. Given the complexity of working with chemical management in the textile supply chain and the need for collaboration, the tool would be designed to improve dialogue and joint problem solving between brands and retailers, chemical companies, fabric manufacturers and garment manufacturers. The longer term goal was to support the project partners to reach new client segments both within Sweden and internationally.

Results and expected effects

The prototype has succeeded in making a very complicated subject easily understandable for practitioners. The methodology used to educate the user is also very easy and clear to understand and has an attractiveness which motivates users to ´want to learn more´. Finally, the method used in the prototype can be used to educate and train apparel industry representatives in a range of topics, beyond Chemical Management. Still, because a limited number of users from supply chain companies have tested the tool, our conclusions are preliminary.

Approach and implementation

The project proceeded mostly according to plan. However, project partners underestimated the amount of time it would take to enrol test users. Additionally, because the tool relies on rewarding users for network connections, and for uploading case studies, it was unrealistic to think we could get this feedback within the projects stated time frame. Unfortunately this means that we have had limited feedback from users in the textile supply chain. Project partners need to continue to test the tool in the coming months to ensure the prototype can deliver on what it intends.

External links

This is the prototype which the project partners will continue to refine in the coming months.