Detoxifying the Supply Chains: Production Networks of Slow Garment Factories in South-Eastern Europe

Abstract

An aspect of the detoxification processes of supply chains can be attributed to the reshoring of clothing production within the European Continent. Empirical evidence suggests that regional manufacturing networks operating in the South-Eastern fringes of Europe, after a devastating decade of diminishing orders, have recently started to produce specialized clothing for western European medium-sized niche fashion companies. These South-Eastern European manufacturers currently possess the experience in higher quality production. They also demonstrate some forms of sustainable production practices, and employ workers who are paid at least fair wages. Moreover, a certain sense of socio-cultural affinity emerges where all actors involved in the production and distribution acknowledge a loose interpretation of European solidarity which is translated into orders and subsequently into job retention within European borders. The theoretical underpinnings of this chapter lie in the concept of global production networks where commercial transactions among network members together with non-economic actors, such as civic associations and states can play an influential role in transnational production arrangements. The authors adopt the qualitative approach for this study based on the interpretivist methodology. In a single case study of a production network operating in the Balkans, the authors explore all major variables pertaining to the detoxification parameter of reshoring production. The findings broadly confirm that reshoring currently occurs in Europe as well as that all actors engage with sustainable practices which can form a viable and simultaneously competitive manufacturing strategy.