Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1497119
factory in the woods of Maine, hooked up an old L.L.Bean to a generator, and committed to making product based on an all-American supply chain. Origin manufactures perfor- mance textiles and a range of goods, including everyday workwear and clothing, denim, boots, fitness gear, and hunting apparel. e company is a partner with BASF and Unifi. The Question of Greenwashing "Everyone is mad about greenwashing," stated Antoshak from Gherzi USA, who asked the group how firms can get the message out without any greenwashing. "We believe it starts with a robust claims process reviewed by a team, and in the U.S., meets the requirements set in FTC Green Guide – which is being revised," said Hegedus, who also highlighted the importance of establishing a dialog with the consumer to offer the truth. How companies look at transparency is also critical. According to Boyd, measures like 3rd party certification and providing a CSR complement. Unifi's U Trust product certification initiative rolled out in 2022 for its supply-chain network. "You also have to look at where you are NOT doing well," said Daniels, "that's the flip side of transparency." A current focus is on regen- erative and carbon capture technologies. "It's how to make the data and make it meaningful while staying true to the core of what the data shows. It goes back to science-based data," Daniels explained. According to Roberts, Origin creates awareness around sustainability and trans- parency in different ways. For example, Origin has a weekend Uncut Series available on the firm's YouTube channel that provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the com- pany operates and the people who make the product. "We wedge in just enough to open the conversation between customer and consumer." Additionally, Origin has a new project underway to offer a QR code that links factory to consumer, also known in-house as the "pizza tracker." "It's about making an emotional connection with con- sumers," said Roberts. n textileinsight.com Spring 2023 ~ Textile Insight • 47 Head-to-Toe, Made Locally TS Designs partners with other NC companies to make a collection of local head-to-toe apparel. TS Designs founder Eric Henry is shown above modeling some of the latest looks: • Shoes by Opie Way. opieway.com • Socks by Farm to Feet. farmtofeet.com • Jeans by Raleigh Denim Workshop + Curatory (TS Designs supplied the only year of NC organic cotton has ever been grown). raleighdenimworkshop.com • Black Walnut tee by Solid State Clothing, a t-shirt that is made completely "dirt to shirt" in North Carolina. solidstate.clothing • Wool shirt by Kitsbow Apparel, benefit corporation using their state-of-the-art "one piece" flow production. kitsbow.com • Beanie naturally dyed with marigolds grown by Fonta Flora Brewery and dyed at the south's last garment dye facility run by TS Designs. fontaflora.com Eric Henry decked out entirely in North Carolina- made goods.