Pioneering Sustainable Fashion: A Deep Dive into Materials Innovation at Sustainable Brands '24

Hear from Sustainable Fashion Pioneers

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As sustainability leaders in the apparel and textiles industry, you’re constantly seeking innovative solutions to reduce your environmental impact while meeting consumer demands. The upcoming Sustainable Brands conference (October 14-17 in San Diego) offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge approaches in materials innovation and supply chain management, hear from fellow climate action pioneers, and create meaningful partnerships to help you accelerate your goals.

We're excited to announce that Planet FWD's Head of Growth, Kayalin Akens-Irby, will be moderating a case study session - "Transforming fashion through materials innovation in garment and accessory design" as part of the Supply Chain Management & Monitoring Track on Tuesday, October 15th. You'll hear from industry giants and walk away with valuable insights into alternative supply channels, re-commerce, recycling, upcycling, and buyback models that are reshaping the fashion landscape, including:

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Target's Circular Design Strategy

Target has been making significant strides in sustainable fashion through its private apparel labels. Their Blue Jeans Go Green program, in partnership with Cotton Incorporated, allows customers to recycle any denim clothing item, regardless of condition or original retailer. This initiative not only diverts textile waste from landfills but also upcycles the denim into housing insulation for communities in need.
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As part of Target’s overall sustainability strategy Target Forward, Target's Circularity programs incorporate circular design principles into their product development process, using recycled or sustainably sourced materials, designing for durability and repair, and considering end-of-life solutions for products. Target aims to design 100% of their owned brand products for a circular future by 2040.
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Universal Thread, one of Target's first brands to be designed for circularity, has introduced innovative products like T-shirts, tank tops, and denim skirts developed in collaboration with Accelerating Circularity. These items use recycled fibers from post-consumer garments and textiles, marking a significant step towards Target's goal of becoming a market leader in creating inclusive, sustainable brands by 2030. The company's Circular Design Guide, launched in 2020, further supports this initiative by providing internal guidance on material choice, durability, repairability, and recyclability.
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Crocs: Stepping Towards Net Zero

Crocs has set ambitious sustainability goals, aiming to become a net-zero company by 2040. They have taken a significant step towards circularity with the September 2024 launch of their limited-edition Keep It Going Classic Clog. This innovative product features 25% post-consumer recycled content in each shoe, created from shoes collected through the brand's 'Old Crocs. New Life' consumer takeback program. The clog's unique Moon Dust color showcases visible specs of recycled material, telling the story of its circular journey. 
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This launch follows Crocs' achievement of incorporating 25% bio-circular content across its entire Croslite material portfolio, incorporating renewable resources to reduce the carbon footprint of their iconic clogs. They’ve also implemented a donation program for gently used Crocs, extending the life cycle of their products and providing footwear to people in need. Their nearterm goals are to achieve 50% bio-circular content within their Croslite compounds on a mass balance basis by 2030 and to reduce the carbon footprint of their Crocs Classic by 50% by 2030.

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Marchon Eyewear's Sustainable Innovation Vision

Marchon Eyewear has been making significant strides in sustainable eyewear production under their Eyes on Tomorrow strategy. They’re using innovative materials such as biobased castor oil to make frames with 45% or 60% plant-based resin. Marchon is also pioneering an upcycling method for producing glasses using recycled plastic water bottles.

Marchon has partnered with Eastman to use Acetate Renew, a sustainable alternative to traditional acetate that incorporates significant recycled content. This material maintains the quality and versatility of traditional acetate while significantly reducing its environmental impact.

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Hilos Studio: Revolutionizing Footwear Production

Hilos studio is at the forefront of sustainable footwear manufacturing with their innovative 3D printing technology. Their on-demand production model eliminates traditional inventory risks and reduces waste by up to 85% compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Hilos' approach combines 3D printing with traditional craftsmanship, allowing for customization and efficient material use. This not only reduces waste but also opens up new possibilities for design and personalization in the footwear industry.

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The Importance of Materials Innovation

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These initiatives highlight the critical role of materials innovation in driving sustainability in the fashion industry. By rethinking our approach to materials, we can:

• Reduce reliance on virgin resources
• Minimize waste throughout the product life cycle
• Improve product durability and longevity
• Create closed-loop systems for materials recovery and reuse
• Decrease the overall carbon footprint of fashion products
  
  

The session at Sustainable Brands '24 will delve deeper into these strategies and more, providing valuable insights for sustainability leaders looking to drive change in their organizations.

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Join Planet FWD at Sustainable Brands '24

We invite you to be part of this crucial conversation shaping the future of sustainable fashion and drive your brand towards a sustainable and regenerative future. At SB’24 San Diego, coming up Oct 14-17, you will gain the insights, tools, and partnerships needed to drive new business and brand value as well as net positive environmental and social impact.

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Join 1,200+ sustainability and brand leaders, 200+ speakers, and 50+ exhibiting brands who see environmental and social innovation as a critical driver to long term business success. Planet FWD community members receive an exclusive 20% off all pass types! Register using the code “ptrPFWD20” to take advantage of this special offer.We look forward to seeing you there!

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