UN SDGs Shaping Sustainable Supply Chains: The Case of Apparel Manufacturers in Developing Countries

Abstract

Social sustainability dimension in the supply chains has been addressed scarcely and very differently across the time in Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) literature. Hence, the necessity of addressing social sustainability in different supply chains has been addressed by the scholars over the years. Meanwhile, the United Nations expect sustainable development across the globe by 2035 by introducing the Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in 2015. As a result, the tremendous responsibility falls upon the shoulders of the actors of supply chains spread across the globe since businesses play a major role towards the development of the world. Hence, this research attempts at studying how the integration of UN SDGs and supply chain practices of the suppliers in the developing countries lead to better sustainable apparel supply chains. A systematic literature review followed by interviews with experts in the apparel supply chains were conducted to gather data in this study. As a result, 11 sub-topics were identified under the social sustainability dimension of sustainable supply chains followed by best practices of the Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers who also played a major role as suppliers in the ethical global apparel supply chain. Hence this study presents social sustainability practices in depth from the perspective of UN SDGs setting example for any other labor-intensive supply chains.