| Title | Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Apparel Product Development: A Case Study of Eileen Fisher |
|---|---|
| ID_Doc | 74764 |
| Authors | Curwen, LG; Park, J; Sarkar, AK |
| Title | Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Apparel Product Development: A Case Study of Eileen Fisher |
| Year | 2013 |
| Published | Clothing And Textiles Research Journal, 31, 1 |
| Abstract | The three-fold purpose of this study is to document current challenges the apparel industry experiences in developing sustainable apparel, discover product development strategies for fulfilling sustainable business goals, and determine the principles guiding successful interaction between designers and the upstream supply chain. This study adopted a case study method to identify and communicate practical challenges and solutions of Eileen Fisher, a women's apparel manufacturer. Data were collected from thirteen in-depth interviews conducted with members of the case company and its suppliers, with secondary data analysis from the case company's website and archival records. The study identified five challenges the case company encountered with respect to maintaining product value, quality, and aesthetics, meeting needs of suppliers, and coping with higher material and labor costs. Five solutions were put into place supporting sustainability objectives, and which highlight the practice of innovation in design, optimizing timing and resources, gathering and diffusing information, relationship management, and making trade-offs for cost and value. Five principles, which guided the design team and its interaction with upstream suppliers, were identified and modeled. The implication for other apparel companies in overcoming challenges of sustainable product development is that it begins with a clear mission, strong company mandate, and like-minded supply partners. The authors believe that, in beginning to fill an area of limited research, examination of the connections between design process and the supply chain is imperative for advancing sustainable practices in the apparel and textile industry. |
Similar Articles
| ID | Score | Article |
|---|---|---|
73418
|
Claxton, S; Cooper, T; Goworek, H; Hill, H; McLaren, A; Oxborrow, L Pilling in knitwear: a clothing longevity problem beyond design(2017) | |
| 66422
|
Ho, HPY; Choi, TM A Five-R analysis for sustainable fashion supply chain management in Hong Kong: a case analysis(2012)Journal Of Fashion Marketing And Management, 16, 2 | |
| 69899
|
Kim, J; Zorola, M Sustainable Innovation in the Apparel Supply Chain: Case Study on TAL Apparel Limited(2018) | |
| 33936
|
Kozlowski, A; Searcy, C; Bardecki, M Innovation for a Sustainable Fashion Industry: A Design Focused Approach Toward the Development of New Business Models(2016) | |
| 71220
|
Fung, YN; Chan, HL; Choi, TM; Liu, R Sustainable product development processes in fashion: Supply chains structures and classifications(2021) | |
| 17877
|
Chowdhury, NR; Chowdhury, P; Paul, SK Sustainable practices and their antecedents in the apparel industry: A review(2022) | |
| 78475
|
Pal, R Sustainable Business Development Through Designing Approaches for Fashion Value Chains(2014) | |
| 75709
|
Rotimi, EOO; Topple, C; Hopkins, J Towards A Conceptual Framework of Sustainable Practices of Post-consumer Textile Waste at Garment End of Lifecycle: A Systematic Literature Review Approach(2021)Sustainability, 13, 5 | |
| 77595
|
Moretto, A; Macchion, L; Lion, A; Caniato, F; Danese, P; Vinelli, A Designing a roadmap towards a sustainable supply chain: A focus on the fashion industry(2018) | |
| 70888
|
Niinimäki, K; Hassi, L Emerging design strategies in sustainable production and consumption of textiles and clothing(2011)Journal Of Cleaner Production, 19.0, 16 |