Looking back at 2023, we saw a mix of exciting wins and unique challenges for apparel brands worldwide. Black Friday brought a nearly historical peak, with supply chain executives, “100% ecstatic with the results.” But beneath the surface of the retail rejoice, we saw a string of difficulties facing the global shipping industry — particularly concerning the Panama Canal. 

We had the distinct pleasure of hosting a Q&A with Kathleen Talbot, Chief Sustainability Officer and VP of Operations at Reformation to pick her brain about one of our favorite topics: sustainability in the apparel industry.

Original publishing date: December 14, 2021

Republished date: November 12, 2024

Conventional thinking says brand-building is led by advertising, marketing, and visual presentation. But we know that consumers have a host of expectations that live beyond those characteristics. That means the days of leaving brand perception to your marketing department are over.

In supply chain terms, sustainability is akin to ultimate resource management. Sustainability ensures balanced supply and demand for the long-term by avoiding the depletion of natural resources and maintaining ecological balance. 

If the global pandemic has taught businesses anything, it’s that supply chain resilience is critical to future-proofing brand and business operations. Global sourcing and manufacturing are increasingly critical to meeting evolving consumer demands and sustainability requirements. And at the epicenter of that evolution is nearshoring.