THE BEST OF INTIMA – 07/2009 - (Page 144)

Report Think Green at the Underfashion Club th The Underfashion Club of New Y City hosted a seminar on April 28 called “Think Green…Make ork Green: Reusable, Resources, Recycled” to explore what green policies major brands are implementing and to understand to what extent retailers and consumers are responding. At The Underfashion Club’s “Think Green” seminar panelists represented the intimate apparel supply chain from fiber suppliers to retailers and included Tricia Carey, Lenzing Fibers Merchandising Manager; Gale Epstein, President of Hanky Panky Ltd; Jose Herrero, Bloomingdale’s Director of Energy Services; and Tim Williams, International Brand & Retail Liaison Manager from DyStar Textile Services . Among the attendees were executives from Chantelle, Cotton Inc, Darlington Fabrics, Delta Galil, Carole Hochman, Invista, Komar , Macra Lace, Victoria’s Secret and Wacoal. Consumers expectations Who pays for it? One of the points of discussion which came across strongly was that there is no group consensus on whether the consumer is driving the push for green and whether they would be willing to bear the cost. There was general agreement, however , that all members of the supply chain need a deeper understanding of the issues. Victor Vega, Senior VP of Inventory and Production Management at W acoal, stated that “W e are looking at alternatives and cost saving ideas that are ecological, sustainable and efficient. W e have used some bamboo and continue to look at other options. By partnering with suppliers and understanding what is offered, we seek new developments. Because of where we are in the supply chain, we have the power to influence the market.” All in all few of the attendees acknowledged established corporate policies. “The general agreement is that we need to move in the direction of green,” said Walter Costello, Sales Director Macra Lace and newly , elected President of The Underfashion Club. “Our company supplies laces using nylon, polyester and spandex; , I believe it is difficult for us to offer a lot of green products. As an example, recently , we introduced a recycled polyester using Sorona® from Dupont; it generated conversations and samples, but no bulk orders.” Bloomingdales’ Director of Energy , Jose Herrero , was appointed to the new position only a year ago, but he has made an impact on both the environment and company profits with the implementation of several energy and recycling systems. Among Bloomingdale’s corporate sustainability goals the most prominent are using earth friendly cleaning products and construction materials. A 5-10% reduction of landfill waste was achieved by recycling cardboard and clear plastic on delivery trucks, plus recycling of hangers, bottles, cans, paper, and all light bulbs. A 4% reduction in energy use per year was achieved by using energy efficient light bulbs, automated building controls, holding stores accountable for their energy use, and friendly competition between stores to use the least amount of energy. Gale Epstein, President of Hanky Panky , has designed and manufactured intimate apparel for over 30 years. Beginning with shipments in Fall 2009, Hanky Panky will deliver an organic cotton intimates group. Hanky Panky’s commitment to green products includes sourcing and manufacturing only in the USA to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Although she is personally dedicated to green, Ms. Epstein admits that there are challenges in educating the overall retail market as well as consumers. While Tricia Carey from Lenzing Fibers said that there is no quick and easy solution to the green issues discussed, she added that “It is important to use the best available eco alternatives. With time, consumers will come to expect environmentally responsible products.” Tim Williams from DyStar concluded that “The Underfashion Club is well-suited for this type of interaction on green. There is obvious concern about the topic and contact among the members. These cooperative efforts will lead to sharing of knowledge and the types of partnerships required to bring change to more green in the supply chain.” 144

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of THE BEST OF INTIMA – 07/2009

Contents and Index
Shop Scouting Wolrdwide - BOI's Selection from Asia to Europe
Newer Notables
- Hakuna Matata
- Eres
- Frankie Morello
- Misa
- Shan
- Petit Bateau
- Printemps
- Barbara's New Beginnings
- Arianne
- Romantika
- Passionata
BOI's Survey - What really sells in focus
Expert - Trends to shine through economic gloom (part2)
Retail News - Aimer, Elizabeth Hurley
Photo shoot - Hide and seek
SS 09/10 Lingerie Trends
Talent
- Giadadanielle
- Patrice Catanzaro
Brand New
- Parah, Armani
- Made by Niki
- Panos Emporio, Jog
- Shocking Princess, Edith Desmarais
- la Fée Verte, Porzia T
- Lejaby, Save the Queen
- Andrès Sardà
Photo shoot - Above and beyond
Tête à tête - Stella McCartney
Launching
- Hot Milk, Fruit de la Passion
- Jenna Leigh, Zinke
- Equmen, Between the Sheets
- Cosabella, Maidenform
- Britta Uschkamp, Maison Close
Portrait
- All about Martha Rey
- Graffinis by Paul Cartelli
In Stock - Brands' in stock items ready for order
SS 09/10 Beachwear Trends
Event
- Femmy Gala 2009, Hollywood Glamour
- Va Bien's first 30 years
- Chantelle’s 60th Anniversary, Lingerie Miami
- Hug Awards 2009, Wacoal (Fights for the Cure)
Interview - Ann Deal wins award
Report - Think Green at the Underfashion Club
Business News - Oroblù, Maidenform, Secret Curves, MY Lingerie, Iconix
Undercover
Exhibition update
- Curve
- Mode City
- Mare di Moda
- Calendar
Network Express - Network Dessous' ten wroldwide magazines
Expo - The Lace Experience
Fabric News - Recticel, Radici Spandex, Maglificio Ripa, Lycra
Fabric trends - F/W10 key fabric trends

THE BEST OF INTIMA – 07/2009