“Act as if what you are doing makes a difference. It does.”
WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY LOOK LIKE TO US?
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR APPROACH BELOW:
ETHICAL LABOR
A work practice that protects the human rights of the workforce.
THE PROBLEM: There is evidence of worker exploitation around the world. This includes low wages, harmful working conditions, child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, and modern slavery.
OUR SOLUTION: Michigan Fashion Proto is committed to treating our employees fairly with livable wages, clean and safe working conditions, and a work/home life balance. We also acknowledge our responsibility to only work with partners who regard ethical labor in the same way we do.
ECO SUPPLY CHAIN
The Supply Chain is the network between a company and it’s suppliers. It includes everyone involved in the making and distribution of a product.
THE PROBLEM: The energy intensive processes utilized by the textile and apparel industry have a negative impact on the environment and its community members.
OUR SOLUTION: Michigan Fashion Proto is dedicated to mapping our supply chain so we can better understand the environmental and social impact of our business practices as well as our partner’s business practices. We envision a future where we can confidently educate and empower our client’s to design a sustainable product.
OUR RESPONSE:
Here are some of ways we are working towards a Eco Supply Chain:
Fabrics/Textiles: Some of our favorite wholesale fabric vendors offer ecofriendly options. From textiles made from organic, natural fibers to recycled textiles, we can help you source fabrics that reflect your brand’s sustainability values.
Packaging Materials: We also offer recycled and compostable packaging options that are accessible to our clients.
Textile Waste: Before cutting our client’s production runs, we create Markers. Markers minimize fabric waste by maximizing fabric usage.
Office Waste: Our office participates in local programs to ensure that recyclable waste does not end up in landfills.
TRANSPARENCY
A brand can achieve transparency by being as open and honest as possible about their business’ values and practices.
THE PROBLEM: A major portion of the fashion industry remains silent, keeping their unethical business practices in the dark in order to maintain profit and growth.
OUR SOLUTION: Michigan Fashion Proto believes it is important that our client and their customers have access to information that may potentially impact an issue they care about. We are working hard to clearly and effectively communicate our company values and hold ourselves accountable when we stray from those values.
OUR RESPONSE: Show your customers who makes their clothes! We can photograph the lifecycle of your product so you can share these images with your target market and start building your own brand’s transparency. This service is available if your project’s development or production is taking place at Michigan Fashion Proto.
Click here to learn more about this service.
RESOURCES
Download our FREE Fiber Comparison Sheet to learn about the sustainable advantages and disadvantages of common fiber types.
Read our blog about sustainable textiles here.
Learn about the 3 most important issues we think a brand should closely consider in order to achieve a positive sustainable message here.
Is cotton a sustainable textile? Find out here.