Every Forward With Design product is a reflection of thoughtful choices. Mindful of our environmental footprint, we lean into using responsible production methods, materials, fabrics, and more. We try to raise the bar. We push ourselves relentlessly to meet our goals, and to improve wherever we can – for the planet, as well as for people, by favoring socially responsible practices as much as possible.
Materials, Fabrics & Technologies
As a Brand we're on a responsible journey, one that starts with a commitment to mindful choices so we can reduce our environmental impact. The idea behind the choices we make is to take fewer resources from the environment and give discarded materials a second chance.
Although style is a given when developing new Forward With Design products before any idea is allowed off the drawing board, we ask ourselves questions like, 'How sustainable can we make this product?' – so that ultimately we arrive at a finished product that is the best version of itself.
A few areas where we're making thoughtful choices:
Environmentally friendly dyes and dyeing processes
Fabrics made from recycled and repurposed materials
Recyclable packaging and/or recycled packaging
In 2023 over 60% of the Forward With Design assortment will be made using a portion of recycled materials, all hangtags will be made using FSC-certified recycled paper & we have changed to using a 100% recycled polyester attaching string. We continue to work on any virgin polyester/nylon fabrics in our assortment to become recycled using post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials.
We strive to use the most sustainable materials from farm to factory and invest in new fabric innovations as we want to be thoughtful about the fabrics we pick to ensure we’re reducing our impact on the planet.
Recycled Polyester
All of our recycled polyester is derived from post-consumer plastic bottle waste certified by GRS or REPREVE®.
Recycled Nylon
We used nylon made from scraps of finished fabric certified by GRS.
Sorona® Agile
A partially plant-based spandex substitute, certified by the Sorona® Common Thread Fabric Certification Program.
Seamless
Seamless knitting reduces fabric wastage and ensures better comfort and fit.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 dyeing
All of our fabrics are dyed according OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, a certification which tests for harmful substances.
TENCEL™
Soft, gentle fabric made from sustainably sourced natural raw wood material, providing comfort while aiding in breathability and temperature regulation.
Future Developments
A sustainable mindset is part of Forward With Design's DNA and every Forward With Design product is a reflection of thoughtful choices. Mindful of our environmental footprint, we lean into using responsible production methods, materials, fabrics, and more. We push ourselves relentlessly to meet our goals, and to improve wherever we can – for the planet, as well as for people, by favoring socially responsible practices as much as possible.
Over the next few years, we'll be working to minimize our footprint through a variety of projects, such as our carbon footprint initiatives that include reducing waste, upcycling mono materials, developing traceable garments, and using circular and sustainable materials.
01
Upcycled Materials
Where possible, we will try to source pre- and post-consumer garments made with fabrics, for use in making our products. This helps to divert 'waste' from landfills or destruction and reduces the energy and water used to farm or create virgin materials.
02
Traceable Garments
We're figuring out how to adopt global traceability practices that can tell you where Forward With Design products are made, and how. Traceability permits us to understand whether items were produced in facilities that follow socially responsible labor practices or accepted environmental standards related to every phase of production.
03
Circularity & Sustainable Materials
Forward With Design supports circularity in the fashion industry. We continuously look to improve our performance in sustainability by increasing our use of pre-and post-consumer fabrics and materials made with recycled fibers, deadstock, and unwanted leftover fabrics as we know that extending the life of the things, we surround ourselves with is one of the most mindful decisions we can make to reduce our footprint on the environment.
Long term, our journey will always focus on adopting new practices without compromising the future of our planet. Some of these practices include:
Elimination of single use plastics
Yarn technologies vs topical finish
Minimized use of PU
Trims, pocketing, structural elements
Dope dyeing / Solution dyeing
Biomimetic materials e.g., Plant-based nylons and spandex
Carbon capture textiles
The People We Work With
Forward With Design's clothing and accessories collection is created in collaboration with skilled partners around the world. We closely work with a network of factories committed to greatness through responsible practices.
Our best contribution to the planet today, and for the future, is to better educate ourselves and others. As we become more aware of sustainable practices, the better choices we can make regarding materials, partnerships, and processes the bigger the impact we can leave on the planet.
HOW OTHERS ARE WEARING IT
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