Mar 12, 2025
The apparel industry is working to be more sustainable, but verifying those claims is complicated. With over 70 certifications and no standardized way to share data, brands and retailers struggle to track sustainability efforts efficiently.
In this episode, Amy Reiter, Senior Director of Customer Success for the Apparel and General Merchandise Initiative at GS1 US, joins hosts Reid Jackson and Liz Sertl for a conversation on the challenges of sustainability certifications in apparel. Many companies still rely on PDFs and spreadsheets to verify organic cotton claims and responsible manufacturing. GS1 US is working to change that by improving data-sharing processes and exploring how GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) can streamline certification tracking.
Tune in to learn how the industry is tackling sustainability verification and what it means for brands, retailers, and consumers alike.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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Why GTINs are critical for accurate sustainability claims
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How brands and retailers can replace inefficient certification tracking
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The growing role of machine-readable data in product transparency
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Sustainability Journey at GS1 US
(03:16) Streamlining Textile Certification Data
(06:51) GTIN Certification Process Overview
(10:22) Gen Z Drives Eco-Label Awareness
(13:04) Seamless Machine-Readable Data Sharing
(18:28) Sustainability Practices in Business
Connect with GS1 US:
Our website - www.gs1us.org
Connect with the guest:
Amy Reiter on LinkedIn