January 2025 marked a definitive collapse in the credibility of ethical sourcing narratives within the textile sector. The non-profit investigative organization Transparentem released From Field to Fabric. This document is not merely a report. It is a forensic indictment of the global apparel supply chain. The investigation targeted 90 cotton farms in Madhya Pradesh. It specifically focused on the districts of Khargone and Barwani. These areas are high-volume procurement zones for the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and private aggregators. Investigators uncovered a direct pipeline connecting verified child labor to 60 major international brands. The list includes retail giants such as Amazon, Adidas, Gap Inc., H&M Group, and Inditex.

The methodology employed by Transparentem was exhaustive. From June 2022 to March 2023, field researchers documented labor conditions. They traced bales from farm gates to ginning mills. The trail continued to three primary Indian suppliers: Pratibha Syntex, Remei India, and Maral Overseas. These entities are vertically integrated manufacturers. They supply yarn and textiles to Western markets. The data reveals that compliance audits failed completely. Auditors missed widespread employment of minors. Children under 14 were found working in fields. Adolescents aged 14 to 17 handled hazardous pesticides without protection. The investigation confirmed debt bondage. Families are trapped in cycles of financial servitude to farm owners.