Today’s retailers and brand owners work at a frantic pace, producing and selling more and more garments at ever-cheaper prices – even though it’s a model that seems at odds with steps being taken by many of these firms to build sustainability into their supply chains. However, the keys to narrowing this divide are increasingly held by designers, as Leonie Barrie finds out. |
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US: Levi's rolls out life-cycle product tags - Article (22nd October 2009) US denim firm Levi Strauss & Co said that from January 2010 it will be the first major retailer to include messaging on product care tags that encourage people to donate unwanted clothing. US: Timberland cuts emissions but misses renewables goal - Article (14th October 2009) Outdoor footwear and apparel operator Timberland has reported a 27% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions since 2006, as part of its green commitments. SWITZERLAND: Outdoor groups coordinate sustainability efforts - Article (29th September 2009) The European Outdoor Group (EOG) and the Outdoor Industry Association(OIA) in the US have agreed to work together to co-ordinate their sustainability projects. Speaking with style: Mike Barry, head of sustainable business, M&S - Article (25th September 2009) Recessions are difficult times for most retailers but Marks & Spencer (M&S) arguably has a harder time than most. Not only does it endure the leaner pickings all retailers suffer, but it does so under the glare of the media spotlight. That said, one area where it looks set to stay well ahead of the game is in the sustainability stakes, as Mike Barry, head of sustainable business at M&S, tells just-style. UK: Sustainability is good for business says M&S exec - Article (25th September 2009) The drive for companies to differentiate themselves through creative sustainability initiatives is not only good for business but will open up “new marketplaces” over the next ten years, a leading executive from Marks & Spencer (M&S) has told just style. SOURCING: Puma digs further down supply chain - Article (16th September 2009) Sporting goods firm Puma has added "lower tier" suppliers to its factory monitoring programme, and continues to roll out a scheme that installs proper management systems in suppliers’ factories. GERMANY: Adidas tops sustainability index - Article (4th September 2009) German sporting goods firm Adidas Group has announced being rated an industry leader in sustainability issues and corporate responsibility by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI). COMMENT: Lean is green in apparel product development - Article (25th August 2009) Within the apparel industry the dialogue on sustainability has mainly focused on the production of ‘green products’ and the use of textile processing methods and supply chain strategies that reduce the sector’s environmental footprint. But as we begin to think of sustainability in broader terms, the product development stage provides another key point in the product lifecycle that is worthy of a closer look, writes [TC]²’s Kerry Maguire King. COMMENT: Sustainability raises the bar on apparel sourcing - Article (4th August 2009) From credit problems at CIT, to falling pay and rising opposition to the political situation in Honduras, textile and apparel suppliers last month faced up to a number of significant sourcing issues. But perhaps most momentous of all was the unlikely positioning of Walmart and the Chinese government as environmentalists’ great hopes, writes Mike Flanagan. |
