How to balance sustainability with profitability in fashion?

The fashion industry is at a critical juncture. While it has long been associated with glamour and creativity, it is also one of the most environmentally hurtful industries in the world.

From the production of textiles, where massive amounts of water and energy are required, to the overwhelming amount of waste generation to climate change and degraded ecosystems—fashion has plenty of issues.  

To combat these issues, governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly introducing regulations to promote sustainability in the fashion industry. In Europe, for example, the European Green Deal aims to make the continent’s textile industry more circular and reduce the negative impact of textile production. Legislation such as the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action and the Sustainable Development Goals set clear targets for fashion brands to achieve.  

As consumer awareness of sustainability issues grows, fashion industry leaders must find innovative solutions to meet these demands. Companies looking to balance sustainability and profitability can turn to technologies like Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software. WFX PLM offers a complete solution that addresses the challenges faced by fashion brands in achieving sustainability objectives while staying competitive in the market.   

WFX PLM is a comprehensive product lifecycle management software that offers fashion and consumer product brands an integrated solution for sustainable and profitable operations. Many businesses have achieved remarkable improvements in line planning, visibility, communication, efficiency, and profitability through WFX PLM:  

1. Better Line Planning: Reducing Waste from the Start 

WFX PLM enables fashion brands to streamline their line planning process by providing comprehensive tools for design, sourcing, and production. By having access to real-time data and analytics, fashion teams can make informed decisions, optimize their product offerings, and minimize excess inventory and wastage. 

2. 360 Degree Visibility: Tracking Sustainability Every Step of the Way 

With WFX PLM, fashion brands gain complete visibility throughout the entire supply chain. From raw material sourcing to production and distribution, every aspect of the process can be tracked and monitored. This increased visibility allows brands to identify areas for improvement, ensure responsible sourcing, track important certifications, and meet sustainability goals. 

3. Reduction in Air Shipments: Lowering Carbon Footprint 

One of the key benefits of implementing WFX PLM is the reduction in air shipments. By optimizing the supply chain and improving communication with vendors, fashion brands can minimize the need for last-minute air shipments, significantly reducing their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. 

4. Improved Vendor Communication: Less Wastage, Fewer Rounds of Samples 

Effective communication with vendors is crucial in reducing wastage and minimizing the need for multiple rounds of samples. WFX PLM provides a centralized platform for seamless collaboration between fashion brands and their suppliers. This facilitates clear communication, faster feedback loops, and ensures that samples are produced correctly the first time, thus reducing material waste and improving efficiency. 

5. Tracking Important Certifications: Meeting Sustainability Standards 

WFX PLM offers built-in features for tracking important certifications, such as organic, fair trade, and cruelty-free labels. By having a centralized system for managing certifications, fashion brands can ensure compliance with sustainability standards and gain a competitive edge in the market. 

Fashion brands worldwide have experienced tangible benefits from implementing WFX PLM. Here are a few testimonials from industry leaders: 

• Evelyn Gibson, Production and Purchasing Manager at Aussie fashion brand Spell said, “WFX has been a valuable partner in helping us stay true to our values and continue to grow our business in a responsible way.” 
• WFX allowed Wisconsin-based Ardisam to implement a mold prevention plan and has improved their quality checks and testing. “I would say visibility and sustainability are probably next on the list as far as being able to see that and work on that more,” said Sara Goodman, Product Development Manager at Ardisam.