The apparel industry stands at a critical juncture, facing mounting challenges such as overproduction, unexpected markdowns, and supply chain inefficiencies. In light of these pressing issues, Kornit Digital and MAS Holdings have forged a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionising the sector through sustainable, on-demand production practices. This collaboration is touted as a significant step towards not only enhancing the capabilities of MAS’s clients—comprised of various retailers and brands—but also addressing the industry’s urgent need for a more responsive and efficient production model.
Kornit, known for its expertise in digital on-demand manufacturing, brings a robust technological foundation to this partnership, combining its innovations with MAS’s extensive experience in supply chain management and data analytics. Together, they aim to empower brands to execute weekly production runs in the US, maintaining optimal inventory levels at retail outlets. This approach is designed to alleviate the problem of excess stock, enhance full-price sales, and free up working capital by reducing waste. As Kornit’s CEO, Ronen Samuel, emphasizes, the fashion supply chain is fundamentally flawed, and urgent changes are essential to address these inefficiencies.
One of the key advantages of this partnership lies in its focus on agility and responsiveness. Traditional fashion supply chains are often characterised by long lead times that prevent brands from quickly adapting to shifting consumer preferences. By implementing locally-adapted, on-demand production methods, brands not only stand to increase revenues through reduced missed sales and markdowns but also significantly lower inventory costs.
The implications for sustainability are profound. Kornit’s approach promotes a responsible production model that allows for high availability of products without the need for extensive inventories. This not only mitigates waste—a critical concern in modern manufacturing—but also aligns with growing consumer expectations for eco-friendly practices. Kornit’s broader vision includes goals to eliminate 1.1 billion overproduced apparel items, save an estimated 4.3 trillion litres of water, and prevent 17.2 billion kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions by 2026, as outlined in their recent ESG report. This commitment underscores the intersection of sustainability with profitability, providing a clear pathway toward a more responsible fashion production landscape.
MAS Holdings, a formidable player in the apparel manufacturing sector, supports major brands like Victoria’s Secret, Gap, and Nike, indicating the potential wide-reaching impact of this collaboration. By leveraging Kornit’s advanced technologies and MAS’s manufacturing strengths, the partnership is well-positioned to redefine industry norms around production efficiency and environmental responsibility.
In a recent keynote presentation, Samuel highlighted the importance of integrating technology into sustainable fashion, aiming to educate and engage not just industry stakeholders but also consumers about the benefits of responsible production. The collaboration with MAS is a crucial step toward demystifying sustainable practices and showcasing their commercial viability.
By fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making in fashion production, this partnership addresses an industry that is evolving rapidly in response to consumer demand for transparency and sustainability. As traditional models come under scrutiny, the union of Kornit’s on-demand capabilities with MAS’s supply chain expertise offers a timely alternative, promising to reshape how the fashion industry operates in a post-pandemic world that increasingly values agility and responsibility.
In summary, the Kornit and MAS partnership represents a significant leap towards not only solving immediate industry challenges but also setting a new standard for sustainable fashion production. With a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, they are poised to lead the charge for a more agile, responsible, and profitable apparel industry.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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