Responsible Purchasing Practices Show Improvement Across Apparel Supply Chains

Responsible purchasing practices among global apparel buyers are showing measurable improvement, according to new data from Cascale’s Better Buying 2025 survey, though significant challenges remain around audits, working conditions and shared accountability.

Released on 30th January 2026, the Better Buying Responsible Purchasing Practices Snapshot Survey 2025 Report provides a data-driven assessment of how suppliers experience buyers’ purchasing practices across softgoods supply chains. Formerly known as the Better Buying Partnership Index, the annual survey amplifies anonymised supplier feedback to highlight both progress and persistent gaps in buyer–supplier relationships.

The report draws on 974 supplier ratings from 51 countries and regions, collected between October and November 2025. China, Bangladesh and India accounted for the largest share of responses, with 920 softgoods ratings included in the final analysis. By focusing exclusively on softgoods, Cascale aimed to provide a clearer view of purchasing behaviours within one of the most complex and labour-intensive segments of the apparel industry.

Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale is a global nonprofit alliance that brings together more than 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics and NGOs. The organisation owns and develops the Higg Index, now available exclusively on Worldly, and aims to drive equitable and restorative business practices across the consumer goods industry.

The latest report reveals overall partnership performance improved year on year, with the proportion of buyers rated as “True Partners” increasing by five per cent compared to 2024. According to the findings, suppliers are seeing tangible improvements in planning and operational practices, particularly where buyers allow sufficient time for production processes, improve operational efficiency and provide better visibility to support long-term business planning.

Katie Hess, Head of Product at Cascale’s Better Buying, said the results underline the importance of listening to suppliers and acting on their feedback. “Suppliers are clear about what enables strong partnerships: predictable planning, fair terms and consistent communication,” she said. “When buyers embed these practices, they create more resilient supply chains and better outcomes for workers, businesses and the environment.”

Financial fairness and ethical conduct were highlighted as relative strengths. Nearly 74 per cent of suppliers rated buyers as True Partners on fair financial practices, while more than 93 per cent reported that their business dealings were free from corruption and bribery. These results suggest that many brands and retailers have made progress in strengthening integrity and transparency within commercial relationships.

However, the survey also identifies ongoing areas for improvement. Audit duplication and working conditions remain key concerns for suppliers, despite incremental gains in scores. Suppliers continue to call for greater alignment among buyers to reduce repetitive audits and for stronger shared responsibility when it comes to workplace and environmental performance.

Open-ended supplier responses reinforced the value of collaboration and day-to-day operational discipline. Transparent communication, clear points of contact and proactive problem-solving were consistently cited as critical to reducing friction and improving execution. Reliable forecasting and long-term visibility were also identified as essential for capacity planning, efficiency and innovation, particularly in a volatile global trading environment.

Suppliers pointed to practical examples of good purchasing practices, including timely purchase orders, stable lead times and simplified processes. Many also emphasised the role buyers can play in supporting supplier capability building, from sharing market insights to aligning on environmental targets and innovation initiatives.

Cascale is encouraging brands and retailers to use the findings as a benchmark to assess their own purchasing practices and identify targeted areas for improvement. The Better Buying Snapshot Survey forms part of the organisation’s broader commitment to advancing responsible purchasing practices as a foundation for decent work, improved environmental performance and long-term supply chain resilience.

To view the full report tap here: https://cascale.org/resources/publications/cascale-better-buying-responsible-purchasing-practices-snapshot-survey-2025/