These days, it seems the news and many conversations are filled with challenges around the supply chain industry. The shipping costs have escalated, limits to raw materials, access limited across countries and regions, sanctions, rising energy prices and general economic gloom.
Challenging times like these always bring great opportunities. Pre-pandemic supply chains were very focused on efficiencies, volumes, movement of goods from low-cost environments and how to create margin from buying from underdeveloped countries. Essentially, buying from the Third World to sell to the First World, using large factories, low-cost raw materials and low labour costs.
The pandemic has escalated the awareness of sustainability in the fashion and lifestyle sector. Additionally, many new brands have been created from independent sources, people who have a point of view and want to contribute something to the world, rather than buying from large faceless conglomerates. This is, actually, such a joyful progression, with many start-ups citing sustainability as a key pillar or core value.
If we would move too far away from this previous description of a supply chain, what would that be? This new Supply Chain would be creative, it would be sustainable, and it would honour those people connected with it. By taking into consideration every aspect of the chain, it would provide value at all levels and to all involved, from creator to consumer. It will also provide the workers with a lifestyle and a way of working, a cultural environment that is rewarding, respectful and creates growth for them. The materials would not be depleting; they would be innovating and influencing future materials and models. These materials would care for the consumer, as well as the planet. The Supply Chain would encourage biodiversity rather than harming it.
The Supply Chain would be transparent. So the consumer will know exactly what they were purchasing, including all the actions and impacts throughout the supply chain. It would look at crafts that have long been forgotten or those crafts on the way to being forgotten. It would encourage and educate people to learn those crafts and keep them alive for future generations. So the skills of artisans and artists are valued, rather than working in factories and constantly looking for lower overheads.
I'm not being idealistic; I don't think.
So, here is an opportunity to feature a brand so extraordinary and, having created this commitment, will be a new, future Luxury Brand.
"Stelar". Are they doing everything perfectly? No. But, they are doing a lot, which is amazing.
Here are a few ways they are making the supply chain more sustainable:
1. TRACEABILITY: They care about where their products come from, who made them and how and when, using locally sourced raw materials.
2. MADE IN COMMUNITIES, NOT FACTORIES: Such a great and more holistic way of looking at the supply chain.
3. COMMITMENT TO UNITED NATION'S GOALS: They work to contribute to the achievement of goals; #1 Poverty Reduction, #5 Gender Quality, #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, #12 Responsible Consumption and Production.
Learn more about their impact and brand here.
Thanks
Kate Padget-Koh