Faya Sanders 
Sustainable development is making the world go 'round. Consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever, so society continues to look for better ways to keep the needs of the current generation met while saving for the future.
While some industries are faster at achieving greener results, sustainable fashion has been pushing hard towards zero waste. It isn't just during the product development process when there is waste, but also when it reaches the market since there are always chances of discontinuation. The retail industry has a ways to go, but it is headed in the right direction.
Why Care About Sustainability?
The main aim of sustainable fashion is to create products that are environmentally friendly. For the fashion industry, this means
- Ridding of plastic,
- Utilizing reusable and biodegradable materials, and
- Creating production and delivery processes that emit fewer chemicals into the atmosphere.
There are movements taking place all over the world where people are fighting for a greener earth. Since people are purchasing little to no products that harm the environment, they are willing to pay more for those that are sustainable. If your business isn't as environmentally friendly as others, you will likely lose business to those who are as consumers become more aware and interested.
What is Product Lifestyle Management Software?
Almost all sustainable efforts begin with one tool, Product Lifestyle Management Software, or PLM for short. PLM processes were created for companies or businesses to produce or manufacture efficiently with almost little to no waste. Within the software, you can set budgets, boundaries, and goals for the company and keep track of every update related to the product from ideation to disposal. You'll be able to select safe fabrics, dyes, manufacturers, travel arrangements, and more.
A good retail PLM like centricsoftware tool can keep track of the entire manufacturing process and keep you on a greener, eco-friendly path.
How is PLM Software Supporting Sustainable Changes?
More and more people are looking for transparency in the products they purchase. Since PLM software keeps track of every update regarding a product, it also supports sustainable changes. Here's how it works in each stage of product development:
- Design/Development – During this stage, the PLM software can set your budget along with environmental goals. When using a PLM made for retail, it can use tools that can provide knowledge on sustainable products, tools, and materials to your entire team or organization.
- Manufacturing and Suppliers –When it comes to the manufacturing process, the software suggests ways to reduce C02, toxic materials, and excessive energy and eco-friendly packaging methods. Once it is out in the market, suppliers can provide consumers with all the details of the process which would capture them since everyone is hoping for a greener world.
- Introduction – It can save resources since it specifies goals and can reduce the cost and materials required for prototypes. The goal is to make minimum mistakes and one prototype at the most. After introducing the product to the market, transparency is the key.
- Decline – PLM Software suggests strategies to deal with the end of a product's lifespan. It suggests methods to recycle and re-use the products so that there is minimum wastage after discontinuation and when a new trend emerges.
Go Green and Be a Part of a Sustainable World
Taking part and adopting eco-friendly practices isn't just beneficial to the environment but to your company as well. You and your team will work at a set budget, with minimal waste involved and a higher ROI since people will pay more for a sustainable product.
