Announcing Sourcing Journal x Rivet Sustainability LA

SJ STAFF
·3 min read

For the first time, Sourcing Journal is bringing its live event experience to Los Angeles.

The inaugural Sourcing Journal x Rivet Sustainability LA event on Sept. 26 will invite the industry to The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills to gather, learn and get inspired to transform their businesses. Themed “Sea Change,” the full-day conference will present case studies and actionable insights showing how to propel environmental and social responsibility forward.

More from Sourcing Journal

“Sourcing Journal bringing a live event to California has been in the works for some time, and frankly, is long overdue,” said Sourcing Journal’s editor-in-chief Peter Sadera. “As a key manufacturing hub and the home of some of our industry’s most successful and progressive brands, we are eagerly anticipating the event. From thought-provoking panels to educational conversation, LA Sustainability will bring the world-class experience of an SJ event to the West Coast.”

The agenda will reflect Sourcing Journal and Rivet’s extensive coverage of sustainability in the fashion supply chain—from raw materials to retail. Brands and retailers will take the stage to share their successes as well as suggestions for what to do—and not do—to garner the best outcomes.

When it comes to sustainable legislation in the United States, where California goes, other states tend to follow. Recently, The Golden State has rolled out laws that protect fair pay for workers and prohibit the use of PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. A session will dive into what to expect next in sustainability laws from California and beyond.

In an industry that has now predominantly outsourced production operations, L.A. is a final bastion of apparel manufacturing in the United States. Although it may no longer be the norm, there is a case for Made in America fashion. Making clothing and footwear domestically offers sustainability benefits, including reduced transportation emissions, quicker response to actual demand and visibility into factories’ practices.

Added denim focus

While the day will present content applicable for the entire fashion and textile industry, there will be denim-specific sustainability highlights throughout. Although some issues are present across soft goods sectors, sessions will cover some key action items in the denim world, including curbing water usage and enhancing circularity.

In recent decades, Los Angeles has become a center for premium denim, as jean-centric brands set up headquarters in the area. Manufacturers have followed suit, opening facilities for cut and sew, finishing and more nearby, shortening the supply chain and facilitating collaboration.

“As the global hub for denim supply chain news, Rivet is looking forward to providing L.A. denim brands and manufacturers a platform to share their sustainable journeys with our first in-person event alongside Sourcing Journal,” said Angela Velasquez, executive editor of Rivet. “Though the denim industry is known for being an early adopter of sustainable innovations, the event is an opportunity for denim leaders to break out of their silos and learn how other apparel categories are navigating sustainability.”

Registration will be opening soon for Sourcing Journal x Rivet Sustainability LA. Inquire here for more information.