From Everlane’s open pricing model, to brands like Madewell, Target and Mott & Bow calling out the mills they source from on consumer-facing labels, the message is clear: the denim industry has to become more transparent to meet the expectations of increasingly eco- and socially-conscious consumers.
Transparency will be the focus of Kingpins Transformers, sponsored by Rivet, taking place in Amsterdam on April 17. The day-long event will feature speakers and panels from various sectors of the global denim supply chain, and will address transparency from a variety of viewpoints.
“Transparency is the ultimate commitment by brands and retailers to share all available information about their products. Today, most brands aren’t held accountable for their product components. But that’s going to change,” Andrew Olah, founder of Transformers, said. “Companies that think transparency is just a buzzword with no bite are likely to be eaten alive when it does.”
Through panels and interactive sessions that include leaders in the fiber, textile, technology, chemical, and machinery sectors, Kingpins Transformers aims to educate companies in order to help them move forward. The two-part event will take place at Westergastheater at Amsterdam’s Westergasfabriek. Presentations begin at 9:30 A.M., followed by an afternoon program and a round table discussion, concluding at 4 P.M.
“As retailers, brands, manufactures and consumers, we have an increased responsibility to commit to a more transparent and sustainable supply chain. One that is not done for marketing or sales purposes, but one that has the environment and the well-being of those involved through the supply chain in mind,” Edward Hertzman, founder and president of Sourcing Journal and Rivet. “Transformers is a candid and open forum of thought leaders leading the charge and making real change. Unlike other conferences that focus on greenwashing and self-celebration, Transformers doesn’t hold back from the truth, exposes the real issues and forces its speakers to deliver actionable plans and results.”
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Speakers for Kingpins Transformers in Amsterdam include: Robin Cornelius, Product DNA founder; Dr. Christina Raab, ZDHC implementation director; Tricia Carey, Lenzing director of global business development, denim; Ignasi Cubiñà, Eco Intelligent Growth co-founder and director; Baptiste Carriere-Pradal, Sustainable Apparel Coalition vice president, Europe; Frouke Bruinsma, G-Star RAW corporate responsibility director; and Helen Sahi, Avery Dennison global senior director of sustainability.
Transformers will continue the conversation on transparency in New York City June 5, immediately preceding Kingpins New York June 6-7.