MATERIAL EXPLORATION
This project explored materials to reduce environmental impact while enhancing durability and scalability. This effort aligned material innovation with brand strategy, addressing the question: Can we improve durability sustainably?
Year: 2024
Duration: 4 Months
Role: Quality Developer
Scope: Assessed sustainable material trade-offs to business viability.
To identify a sustainable material solution that enhances durability and reduces environmental impact, while supporting the brand's seasonal print strategy.
OBJECTIVE
Traditional dye processes consume excessive water and chemicals, while early commitments to seasonal colors led to forecasting inaccuracies and material waste. To support the brand’s strategy of expanding print options for future seasons, a material solution was needed that could enhance durability while reducing impact.
WHY
The sustainability team conducted an impact assessment utilizing data from the Higg Index to evaluate potential environmental savings associated with switching to dopedye materials. We worked closely with the sustainability manager, leveraging Higg Index data while collaborating with factory partners and material suppliers to evaluate performance, cost, and feasibility. This assessment was fundamental throughout the material exploration to ensure alignment with the brand’s broader product strategy.
EXPLORATION
To address higher costs and larger MOQs, a two-pronged strategy was proposed, focusing on prints and core solids. Based on supplier insights, we proposed using white dopedye fabric as the base for print harnesses, enabling us to meet dopedye MOQs while ensuring print quality and supporting late-stage print decisions For core solids, higher-volume production ensured that popular, high-demand colors could span multiple seasons, enhancing both operational efficiency and design flexibility.
STRATEGY
Dopedye material integration was selected as a scalable solution to reducing environmental impact, enhance material durability, and offer more flexibility in print forecasting. This approach aligned with brand strategy, sustainability targets, and responds to growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products.
SOLUTION
ALIGNMENT
Dopedye material adoption establishes a foundation for a multi-year strategy of sustainable material integration. Leveraging the brand’s franchising model, this initiative supports long-term environmental goals while ensuring scalability for future collections. This approach reinforces the brand’s commitment to sustainability, maintaining performance standards and meeting consumer demand for responsible innovation.