PPB December 2017

T- sh i r t s A Method For The Madness The Method brand is well-known internationally for its biodegradable, cruelty-free and non-toxic cleaning products. Method’s tagline, We are people against dirty , highlights the company’s mission to rid the world of dirty surfaces and dirty energy. Method is a founding B Corp, which designates businesses that meet comprehensive standards for using their power to solve social and environmental problems. The company was looking for another B Corp to create recycled t-shirts for its staff orientation events. Luckily, Fairware Promotional Products (PPAI 262992), a distributor that specializes in ethical sourcing and sustainable products, is always looking to partner with fellow conscious companies. Fairware teamed up with Royal Apparel (PPAI 269959), a supplier known for environmentally-friendly, made-in-the-USA production. The resulting t-shirts, made from organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles, are a genuine reflection of Method’s mission to have a positive impact on the world. “This is a great example of how we work to match our client’s values with our suppliers’ products,” says Denise Taschereau, one of the founders of Fairware. “Showcasing Method’s motto, this project is evidence that branded merchandise can be a living example of a company’s vision and commitments.” Case Study Join the sports craze with this triblend baseball tee with ¾ sleeves in colors that contrast with the crew neck. This classic-fit tee is made of 50 percent polyester, 38 percent cotton and 12 percent rayon. Available in the following color combinations, there is something for everyone: light grey/red, light grey/ blue, light grey/royal, light grey/grey and grey/black. Sizes include XS-4XL. Blue Generation / PPAI 174655 www.bluegeneration.com INNOVATE 18 | DECEMBER 2017 | Routzhan agrees that vintage athletic styling will continue to be successful. She adds, “Ladies fashion fit trends continue to be strong in layered, festival-inspired looks with a boho/retro feel which also ties into what’s happening in active lifestyles. High-neck halter tanks, muscle tees and tanks, and cropped tops will be popular new silhouettes for 2018.” For men, she says, “fits continue to be body conscious and elegant, with heavier- weight jersey emerging and longer lengths inspired by the athleisure trend and men’s embrace of slim, jogger-styled bottoms.” Cut From A Different Cloth Enthusiasm for new fabrics is at an all-time high, with continual innovation in fabrications and textures, including enhanced softness, moisture wicking and insect repellent capabilities, eco-friendly manufacturing and more. Routzahn says that with retail trends entering our industry in real time, t-shirt fabric beyond the basic 30 singles cottons and triblends will be highly sought after. “Fabric treatments, garment dyes and washes are strong and creating some exciting new looks and feels. Customers will need to touch these new fabrics to really understand and appreciate their qualities, so samples will be more important than ever,” she explains. Brad Moxley, corporate business development manager at supplier Cutter & Buck (PPAI 196156), says the company is utilizing new Spin technology that provides superior color in an eco-friendly process. “This new technology allows the color to become one with the fiber. Rather than dyeing yarn or fabric in a solution of water and dye chemicals, the pigment is melted and mixed with clear polyester solution prior to spinning/extruding it into yarn. This results in excellent colorfastness that withstands sunlight, laundry detergent and abrasion. It also results in excellent color consistency between batches.” Moxley explains, “If you cut a standard poly yarn, you will see a white core surrounded by color, as the dye sits on the outside of the fiber. If you cut a Spin yarn, you will see solid color all the way through the fiber.” As a bonus, he says, the Spin process results in 85 percent less water consumption, 70 percent less chemical consumption, a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption and a 30 percent reduction in carbon imprint.