9· 26· 24

SEA CHANGE

Transformation. What is it and how do we get there? The fashion, textile and denim communities have long been criticized for their negative impacts through pollution and waste. But that reputation is changing. Slowly but surely stakeholders have evolved their businesses into cleaner, tech-driven and more environmentally-conscious enterprises. This event will take a bottom up approach from building with sustainable foundations to pushing out the goalposts as far as what is achievable.

 

Join us to SEE the change that is possible. 

LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR

It’s been years in the making.

When Sourcing Journal first began hosting our Sustainability Summits, it was always meant to be a bi-coastal endeavor. Then Covid happened.

The time has finally come. On September 26, the premier event for industry insiders working in sustainability and beyond will finally have its day in Los Angeles. As we all know, the lion’s share of textile and garment manufacturing that is still standing stateside is happening there. And the laws, rules and regulations that will ultimately shape our industry and its move toward a greener future are being written in California.

We can’t forget about denim. LA has become a hub for premium jeans brands, and manufacturers are now moving in with onshore facilities. Rivet, the preeminent trade publication for the sector, is a key facet of the SJ universe and will be helping to lead the discussion. Often cited as one of the largest drivers of waste and pollution in fashion and textiles, the denim industry has taken a pioneering role in product innovation and processes over the last two decades to become a beacon of the change that is possible.

We will welcome some of those changemakers to the stage to share their stories, their challenges, and their successes. The godfather of denim himself, Adriano Goldschmied, will be on hand as well as the leaders of many other notable labels including Amy Williams of Citizens of Humanity, Jeff Frye of Kontoor Brands, Adam Taubenfligel of Triarchy and Ética Denim’s Agustin Ramirez.

Since the first stages of planning this event, we knew there were a few locally-based names that exemplify the sustainability movement and were absolute must-haves (much like their fashions). And have them we do. Kathleen Talbot of Reformation and Katina Boutis of Everlane will both be sitting down for candid one-on-one conversations that offer insights on the current state of the industry, how we got here and where we are headed.

I mentioned earlier that California is setting the tone for the nation when it comes to sustainability legislation. We will be talking to some of the people shaping those guidelines with both the Deputy Mayor, Energy & Sustainability for the City of Los Angeles and the Chief Deputy Director at CalRecycle offering information on where current legislation stands as well as what is in the pipeline.

Of course, innovations in fabrics and inputs play a critical part in the sustainability story. Perhaps the most buzzed about name in this space is fledgling textile-to-textile recycling startup Syre. Whether Syre can succeed where others failed or if they can scale the necessary volume to have an impact remains to be seen, but Jad Finck, Chief Commercial Officer at Syre will chat with us and lay out the game plan, as well as offer some perspective on obstacles ahead and the path to success.

All in all, it’s a day that is not to be missed and a wonderful opportunity to share time with colleagues and make the most of the plentiful networking breaks. On behalf of myself and the SJ team, we looking forward to seeing you there.

 

Pete Sadera

Editor In Chief

Sourcing Journal

 

TOPICS

California Legislation Conversation

California has been perhaps the most dynamic front-runner in the push for more sustainable legislation on a state level. From getting fair pay for labor to cutting edge policies around EPR and PFAS, this unique sit-down explores the genesis of these undertakings and what to expect next.

 

Resale / Reuse / Repair

Whether we are talking circularity or traceability, secondhand shopping and takeback programs are one of the most critical ingredients for success. This panel dives into this rapid growth sector and talks with brands and manufacturers that have seen true benefits from installing these programs.

 

Green Benefits of Made in the USA

One of the oft-overlooked avenues toward a less pollutive industry is producing goods closer to home. As one of the U.S.’ leading manufacturing hubs, Los Angeles is uniquely positioned to benefit as a return to making more in the U.S. gains a foothold. This panel brings together some of these players to discuss the opportunities and challenges, as well as hone in on why being closer to the end consumer is more sustainable in every way.

 

Do's & Don'ts on Running a Sustainable Biz

When it comes to sustainability, the toughest part is often where to begin. This panel talks to leaders of brands spawned by the green movement and offers an interactive conversation to get you off to the right start and avoid common missteps that hinder progress.

 

Waste Reduction

No sustainability conversation would be complete without addressing the industry’s waste problem. The volume of goods that ends up in sale bins, off-price stores and landfills illustrate the need daily. Thanks to new technology, apparel can now address the overproduction that was born out of a system built on economies of scale. Learn how to better predict demand, execute on those signals with more focused, quicker production runs, and incorporate new innovations in merchandising and allocation to deliver the right goods to the right place at the right time.

 

Circularity in Denim

From upcycling techniques to closed-loop manufacturing processes, denim has emerged as a leader in the space.  With end of life in mind, the already durable classic blue jean has undergone a transformation over the last decade to become an example of designing for circularity. This panel will examine how brands and makers consider length of use and end of life as part of the design and manufacturing process.

 

Denim & Innovation

Sustainability underpins most, if not all of the new technologies and products from the denim supply chain. From next-gen fibers to finishing technology and alternative dyes, innovation is remaking the category  in a more eco-conscious way—all while maintaining denim’s style, comfort and durability. This panel will discuss how the latest breakthroughs are making the oft-criticized denim sector one for the most active on the green front.

 

What to Expect

 

At this full-day (in person!) event, hear industry experts detail how they are navigating the challenge of becoming more sustainable.

Attend dynamic workshops to get informed and engage with others on the future of sustainability.

Listen to brands and retailers discuss how they are communicating sustainability to the consumer.

Insights into the technologies, services and developments aiding companies in their plight to achieve their aggressive sustainability targets.

Engage with like-minded individuals working to sift through the information noise to help their companies not only become more sustainable, but more financially prosperous.

Network with friends and colleagues, celebrate successes and collaborate on how we can partner to plow a path forward.

 

 

Who Should Attend

You work for a brand and you play a role in reaching your company’s sustainability goals

You’re curious about the latest innovations in alternative textiles and raw materials

You’re a leader seeking clarity on what existing (and potential) legislation in California and beyond mean for your brand

You’re a creative director designing with circularity in mind

You’re a denim enthusiast interested in the latest denim innovations

You want to understand the nuances, challenges and solutions of recycling

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You want to know what’s next in sustainable fashion

 

Agenda

*subject to change

To view the full agenda, click "Block" to expand

Thursday, September 26, 2024
Breakfast & Registration9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 
Block I10:00 AM - 11:20 AM 
Networking Break11:20 AM - 11:50 AM 
Block II11:50 AM - 1:05 PM 
Lunch1:05 PM - 2:05 PM 
Block III2:05 PM - 3:25 PM 
Networking Break3:25 PM - 3:55 PM 
Block IV3:55 PM - 4:40 PM 

Speakers

ASU California Center Broadway

The Herald Examiner Building

1111 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

ticket Rates

Early Bird ends July 31st. Inquire about group rates and academic discounts.

SUBSCRIBER 

Early Bird: $449   |   Regular: $549

NON-SUBSCRIBER

Early Bird: $499   |   Regular: $599

premier PARTNER

PARTNERS

academic PARTNER

Partnership Inquiries

EVENT SPONSORSHIP
Hillari Lazzara

SVP Sales
hlazzara@fairchildfashion.com

ATTENDEE & TICKET INQUIRIES
Lauren Simeone
Director, Audience Development
lsimeone@fairchildfashion.com