An integrated impact report produced by The Parently Group – the parent company to David Luke School Uniform, Grass & Air and Juco – has been released in advance of the COP26 Summit. Key findings show that Transparency, Re:Commerce and Rental will be three of the most influential sustainability trends for kids’ fashion in 2022.

Are We Nearly There Yet? offers a transparent insight into what it means to be a sustainably-minded business in a post-Covid world. Produced by Manchester-based The Parently Group, the report reflects on how sustainability has evolved in its business whilst facing up to the realities of the long journey that lies ahead.

Recognising a shift in how sustainability has been integrated into the day-to-day operations of the different brands within the Group, managing director Kathryn Shuttleworth wants ‘Are We Nearly There Yet?’ to show the level of commitment the business and its brands have made to sustainability across all departments; from culture to merchandising and product development to marketing.

A work in progress

“It became clear when compiling the report that certain drivers are influencing our approach to manufacturing and retailing kids’ fashion,” says Shuttleworth. “It was fascinating to see a clear picture of where each brand is at in terms of its own sustainable journey and how we might ‘do better’ in the years to come. The aim of Are We Nearly There Yet? is to consolidate our learnings and reflect on the gaps to compel ourselves as a business to do better.”

The report is the first time that The Parently Group has integrated sustainability with its vision for customer and employee experience in such a clear and visual way. The inclusion of key accountancy to reflect on how sustainable business practices have influenced the balance sheet demonstrates a conviction to be transparent and accountable.

 

 

Report trends that will define sustainability in 2022:

• Kindness is a currency businesses can use to engage employees while the continued trend for homeworking limits our IRL contact and we seek out authenticity as a means of connecting with our fellow workmates.
• Brutal transparency is the buzzword when it comes to supply chain. The impact of Covid and Brexit demonstrate how vital it is to nurture sustainable, ethical relationships with manufacturing partners.
• More raw than ever before. Brands that rethink the design process and source raw materials that are recyclable will take the circularity process to new levels.
• Kids’ clothing rental will go stellar as families get more understanding of how this model can be a convenient, cost-effective and most importantly, sustainable way to dress their children.
• Brands big and small will go crazy for ‘re-commerce’ with the likes of Grass & Air following in the footsteps of Finisterre and Sweaty Betty by integrating the Re:Skinned model into its online presence.

To view the report, please click here. Alternatively, for further information on The Parently Group, please click here.