Read the article below and answer ALL the questions that follow.

SA fashion brands lean into sustainable textile innovation

Sealand, the premium outdoor brand produced in Cape Town, and intimates label Jockey South Africa, which is

manufactured in South Africa, have incorporated sustainable textiles Econyl and Modal respectively into their product

ranges.

Fashion and apparel companies have been urged to use more recycled materials and environmentally$-$friendly textiles from

natural regenerative sources to help combat the scourge of plastic waste.

Experts recently called for the United Nations to set a global target of zero new plastic pollution by $2040,$ and at the COP$27$

conference delegates also agreed that the management of plastic waste should be a core element of combatting carbon

emissions and tackling climate change. Because most plastics are derived from fossil sources, they contribute to global

warming throughout their production, consumption and disposal lifetime, as well as being a massive contributing source of

ocean and land pollution.

Regenerated nylon from waste

Sealand recently launched its first range of gear made from Econyl nylon, marking the first time that a company in Africa will

be using this innovative material in bags and outdoor gear.

Econyl is regenerated nylon that is made from collected nylon waste that would otherwise pollute the earth, including fishing

nets, fabric and industrial carpet scraps, and industrial plastic. This nylon waste then goes through a regeneration and

purification process that creates a new nylon product that is exactly the same as brand$-$new, fossil$-$based nylon. It can be

recycled, recreated and remolded repeatedly.

Source: Sealand

Speaking about the new range, Sealand co$-$founder Jasper Eales explained: $$Sealand was built around our love for the sea

and the land that we live on$.$ Our mission is to protect nature and the outdoors that we love, and to ensure that every

decision that we make keeps the planet and its people front and centre. All of our bags and apparel are made from

upcycled or recycled waste, or from responsibly and carefully sourced materials.$$

$$The launch of the product range made with Econyl is the biggest product and material progression that Sealand has made

to date, and it takes our commitment to the planet one step further. It$$s said that up to a million tonnes of lost and discarded

$$ or 'ghost' $$ fishing nets enter the ocean every year, causing untold damage to marine life and habitats. To be able to use a

fabric that can create value out of waste such as this, and which can play a role $$ however small $$ in removing it from our

natural environment, is incredibly important to us$,$ he continues.

Econyl has been used globally in collections by leading global fashion names including Stella Mccartney, Gucci and Louis

Vuitton.

$$This is a premium material, which is also incredibly durable and functional. It has a water retardant built into it$,$ so it is also

water$-$resistant. Our products are built for adventurous high$-$performance lifestyles, so these are a natural extension to our

range,$$ continues Eales.

The new range made with Econyl includes four products $-$ the Buddy S backpack, Rowlie backpack, Moon cross body bag

and the Dune M duffle bag $-$ in three colours.

SA fashion brands lean into sustainable textile innovation $($bizcommunity$.$com$)$

NB: Answers should be paraphrased and referenced accordingly

Less $5$ marks for incorrect referencing format

Less $10$ marks for major referencing format

QUESTION $1(25$ Marks$)$

Examine Sealands supply chain comprehensively, and develop a model that strategically aligns with its operational goals.

In your discussion, critically analyse each activity and flow within the supply chain, emphasising how they interact and

impact the overall efficiency, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction of Sealands' operations.

QUESTION $2(25$ Marks$)$

Evaluate and compare various Retailer$-$Supplier Partnerships $($RSP$)$ models that could be implemented by Sealand.

Consider the unique needs of Sealand and the demands of its supply chain. Critically assess the advantages, challenges,

and potential outcomes associated with each RSP model, and justify which one aligns best with Sealand's strategic

objectives.

QUESTION $3(25$ Marks$)$

Using insights from the provided article, analyse the benefits and risks associated with Retailer$-$Supplier Partnerships $($RSP$)$

for Sealand. Utilise critical thinking to weigh the advantages and potential drawbacks of such partnerships, considering

factors such as supply chain resilience, cost$-$effectiveness, information sharing, and the potential impact on overall

business performance.