CHAMPIONING CHANGE : part 2
THE MATERIAL APPROACH.
Each and every brand in our industry is facing change.
The pandemic uprooted and exposed the flaws in our system and pushed ‘action’ to the front of our agendas. But often this can be the hardest part - creating a strategy for doing things differently. We know people want solutions but there isn’t a quick fix. So if you have the patience, we can guide you with the plan.
We identified four key topics that are on the minds of brands, however big or small:
Remapping the sourcing mix
Forging stronger supplier relationships
Digitizing the value chain
Adapting business models and mindsets
Hopefully, you nodded to at least one of the above. So, from the beginning, remapping the sourcing mix. What should sourcing the future fashion supply chain look like?
Our current, linear models operate with a one way flow. The fashion supply chain of the future, will circulate products and emphasise their lifecycle, involving all actors in the fashion system. So we need to create products that can sustain themselves through a circular model.
That starts with materials.
One way to ease the transition into sustainable sourcing is to partner with manufacturers who hold high priority certifications. But with over 160,000 manufacturers worldwide, where do you begin your search?
Think about it this way : you're not a contractor with a manufacturer, you’re a collaborator.
With this approach, deciding on the right manufacturer becomes more about aligning your brand purpose and values, simplifying the process by having a key criteria to base your collaborator choices upon.
So if your purpose is to create products using the most sustainable materials available, ask about the progress they’re making towards long-term sustainability improvement.
If you value ethical working conditions, ask about SLCP (Social and Labor Convergence Program) assessment results - a tool used to measure working conditions.
If you are looking for a lasting relationship with a manufacturer to collaborate with season after season, look for manufacturers who are consistent - who report regularly, who set roadmaps and objectives and value an inclusive culture.
Finding the best fit for manufacturing your collection isn’t easy. It’s a process of trial and error. But, the more emphasis we place on what we stand for as a brand - our purpose and criteria - the easier it is to collaborate with manufacturers who share the same approach.
Take a second to look at your company from an outside perspective to see what it needs most. Then once you have this established, you can look to the following resources to find the right fit:
TRADE SHOWS - Sourcing at Future Fabrics Virtual Expo is a good place to start and better still, as a remote event anyone can access it from around the world. The Future Fabrics Virtual Expo is an online research and sourcing platform, with increased search capability, and opportunity for direct contact with mills. The fabrics are searchable by categories from fibre type and price, to certification and provenance.
ONLINE RESOURCES - We love Common Objective's resources for smaller startups and brands with a focus on sustainable and ethical manufacturing.
They are a powerhouse of information and free resources that are dedicated to teaching fashion newbies. So, take advantage.
EUROPEAN DATABASE - If made in Europe is your thing, Sqetch optimises the way fashion brands, clothing manufacturers and fabric suppliers work together. Search the right partner(s) to work with, connect and communicate about sample making and production.
Designing for zero waste requires testing alternative materials and processes for a circular system. As consumers become more engaged with sustainability issues, circularity and purpose-driven change will be the key that unlocks the door to a more sustainable future.
It’s a huge subject, and first and foremost, for fashion, a material matter.
