Input–output analysis as guidance for the Brazilian textile supply chain

The present study applies the input–output model (IOM) to quantify direct and indirect impacts of the textile supply chain in Brazil. The objective was to identify environmental and social aspects obtained by the IOM. The textile supply chain was selected due to its economic, social and environmental importance to the country. The IOM model was built based on data from the System of National Accounts, National Energy Balance, Annual Estimates of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Brazil, and Statistics from the Brazilian Central Employment Registry, the data refer to the year 2015. The results show that the greatest energy use in the textile supply chain occurs in scope 3, a 75% share. The textile supply chain released a total of 2.88 kgCO2e/dollar, 95.5% of this total are indirect emissions attributed to scope 3. The study has showed that there is a wide disparity between direct (15%) and indirect (85%) jobs, and there is also a gender gap across the supply chain (61% are men). The data show that 95% of direct employees and 85% of indirect employees do not have a high level of education. The IOM proved useful for identifying socio-environmental aspects, providing quantitative and accurate information on the entire supply chain (scope 3). The information is useful for identifying bottlenecks along supply chains, as well as for policymakers, who can use the results to evaluate standards and regulations throughout the supply chain.