Case Study: Reducing Carbon Footprint - The Fabric Library at Our Stockport Showroom

Background

The fashion industry has long relied on global sourcing, with UK and European buyers frequently traveling to the Far East—particularly China—to view fabric collections, assess sample trends, and approve materials. This process results in significant carbon emissions from long-haul flights, as well as environmental impact from back-and-forth sample shipments.

As sustainability becomes a growing priority for brands and retailers, there is a need for a more efficient and eco-conscious approach to fabric sourcing and product development.

Our Solution

To address these challenges, we established the Fabric Library at our Stockport showroom, offering a one-stop bespoke service that enables buyers to:

Access the latest fabric hangers and sample trends locally, eliminating the need for extensive overseas travel.

Source materials and trims in one place, streamlining the development process.

Speed up approvals, reducing the back-and-forth exchange of physical samples.

Collaborate with long-term business partners, ensuring the best product offerings are readily available in the UK and Europe.

The Results

Since implementing the Fabric Library, we have seen measurable reductions in carbon emissions and greater efficiency in product development:

50% reduction in overseas travel for fabric sourcing and approvals.

Significant decrease in air freight shipments of samples, leading to lower CO₂ emissions.

Faster development cycles, as decisions can be made locally with immediate access to materials.

Increased collaboration between buyers and suppliers, improving transparency and sustainability.

Key Takeaways

Reducing long-haul travel for fabric approvals has a direct impact on lowering CO₂ emissions.

Minimising sample shipments not only speeds up development but also reduces transportation-related environmental impact.

A localised fabric sourcing model supports sustainable decision-making and strengthens relationships with trusted suppliers.

By shifting fabric sourcing and approvals closer to home, the Fabric Library at our Stockport showroom has proven to be an effective solution for reducing the carbon footprint of UK and European buyers. This approach is a scalable, sustainable model for the future of fashion sourcing, balancing efficiency, quality, and environmental responsibility.