Sustainability has become a major talking point in the denim world as brands and retailers tout their efforts tied to everything from cotton cultivation to worker welfare. But without true visibility into the entire supply chain, companies may fall short of adequately backing up their claims.

Denim production has historically required heavy water, chemical and energy use, making the industry a target of sustainability scrutiny. The anatomy of a jean includes numerous components, from the fabric to trims such as thread, zippers, buttons and rivets. And each of these elements comes with its own potential reputational risks.

At the textile level, the cotton that denim heavily relies on has recently come under the microscope following reports of forced labor in locations such as China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. This has heightened the argument for being able to trace cotton back to the field level. The production of denim fabric also uses chemicals and dyes, which can be harmful to workers and the local community if they enter the water. Companies also need to verify the origins of their trims to prove that the metals used in zippers or buttons are not conflict minerals.