By PAGE Editor

The fashion industry has long been criticized for its negative impact on the environment and society. However, a new non-profit organization, World Collective, is offering sustainable solutions for the industry's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Launched in 2021, World Collective offers an online resource hub that provides solutions for teams leading supply chain transformation. This platform is unique in that it focuses on SMEs, which often struggle to access the same environmental and social programs as larger corporations. World Collective aims to bridge that gap by providing access to best-in-class resources, tracking software, blockchain, and global solutions partnerships.

World Collective's platform aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and offers membership participation at three levels, with progressively higher subscription fees. The levels include Activate, Innovate, and Transform with each level offering different benefits and resources to members.

One of the challenges facing World Collective is helping SMEs gain access to the necessary resources and technologies that are often costly. Another obstacle is helping these smaller businesses connect with the platform's global network. However, the organization is committed to supporting and accessing these resources and encouraging meaningful connections with its global partners.

The fashion industry has seen many sustainability initiatives, with some failing to make a significant impact. However, World Collective's focus on SMEs and its comprehensive approach to sustainability solutions could potentially make a difference. The platform offers a way for smaller businesses to measure their impact, track their global reach, and reduce costs, all while promoting sustainable practices.

According to Jeanine Ballone, a supply chain & sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in the industry and one of the founding partners of World Collective,

"Our goal is to provide small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fashion and lifestyle industry access to best-in-class resources, tracking tools, and partnerships that ensure Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) solutions. We understand the importance of sustainability and are committed to providing our members with the support they need to achieve their sustainability goals."

The fashion industry is a challenging sector for sustainability efforts, with its complex supply chains and ever-changing trends. Nevertheless, there is a growing demand for sustainable practices in the industry. According to a report, the sustainable fashion market is projected to grow by 9.81% between 2020 and 2027.

To address these challenges, World Collective offers a platform for collective action to promote impactful and sustainable solutions for fashion and lifestyle brands' supply chains. The platform provides full transparency and traceability from Tier 1 Assembly factories to Tier 4 raw material suppliers through a certification compliance database.

All membership levels include access to SGS Group, the world's leading testing, inspection, and certification company, technical assistance, training, invitations to global networking events, and discounts for top exclusive Executive Education programs.

World Collective's platform is designed to be more than just support. Ballone explains,

"We offer real tools that actually make your business more successful. We don't just tell you how to do it; we give you the tools and work with your teams to implement the platform across your supply chain."

The platform offers programs, including transparency & traceability, carbon accounting and access to global impact projects with jurisdictional, environmental, and social partners. Members also have access to an online vetted resource hub that provides solutions for teams leading supply chain transformation.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, World Collective addresses social and environmental issues related to global supply chains in the fashion & lifestyle industry. By offering improved sustainability, worker's rights, and transparency and traceability in operations, World Collective aims to provide access to quality resources and improve knowledge that will allow its members to make informed decisions for improved environmental and social outcomes.

Partnering with World Collective offers brands and suppliers a comprehensive supply chain solution, technical assistance, access to innovation, and open doors to global partnerships that can help position them at the forefront of environmental and sustainable fashion practices. This can create a healthier planet for future generations.

While World Collective faces challenges in helping SMEs access necessary resources and connect with the platform's global network, the organization's commitment to providing support and promoting sustainable practices could prove to be a step in the right direction for the fashion industry.

As consumers become more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchases, the demand for sustainable fashion is growing. Brands that embrace sustainable practices and transparency in their supply chains can gain a competitive edge in the market. World Collective's platform offers SMEs the opportunity to do just that, by providing access to the resources and knowledge they need to implement sustainable practices across their supply chain.

 World Collective's platform is a unique solution for SMEs in the fashion industry, offering them access to best-in-class resources, tracking software, blockchain, and global solutions partnerships. The organization's focus on sustainability and commitment to helping SMEs make informed decisions that lead to improved environmental and social outcomes could potentially make a significant impact on the fashion industry.

As the demand for sustainable fashion continues to grow, brands and suppliers that partner with World Collective can position themselves at the forefront of environmental and sustainable fashion practices, creating a healthier planet for future generations.

*** The source for the projection that the sustainable fashion market is projected to grow by 9.81% between 2020 and 2027 is a report by Allied Market Research titled "Sustainable Fashion Market by Type, Gender, and Distribution Channel: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020–2027."

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