Redwood Classics Apparel Releases 10-Year Retrospective on Sustainability and Diversity
The Made-In-Canada apparel maker showcases how even smaller businesses can make a lasting impact
TORONTO, ONTARIO [FEBRUARY 16, 2021] - Redwood Classics Apparel, a Toronto-based premium clothing manufacturer, is proud to release its first ever Impact Report, detailing their decade of sustainability and diversity in the fashion industry.
Focusing on the period of 2009-2019, the Impact Report dives into what sustainability means to Redwood Classics Apparel, including their mantra of “people, planet, prosperity”. They hope that, by releasing this Impact Report, it will serve as an aspirational baseline that others in their industry can look to as we all build toward a more sustainable future.
The Impact Report highlights ten years of conscious growth, sustainable innovation, and the strides Redwood Classics Apparel and their Founder and President, Kathy Cheng, have made for diversity, inclusion and innovation, both inside and outside of their factory walls.
“Innovation is so much more than just a new idea,” says Cheng. “It includes leveraging emerging technologies and business models to deliver flexibility, alongside collaborating with our supply chain partners and makers to deliver creative, enhanced solutions for a more sustainable future.”
Some highlights and findings from the Impact Report include:
- Average 70% of the raw material Redwood Classics Apparel consumes is knit within a 100-mile radius of their factory in the heart of Toronto, Canada, enhancing their ability to rapidly innovate
- By sharing the importance of the company’s family textile legacy, a platform for marginalized supply chain partners has been created to enable them to have their voices heard
- By producing locally in Canada, the company is able to minimize shipping emissions and material waste
- The company uses landfill-destined deadstock and turns it into upcycled fabric, creating circular solutions for a thriving planet
In addition, Redwood Classics Apparel recognizes its use of natural resources and the impact it has on the environment, and the Impact Report details the measures that have been taken to minimize their carbon footprint throughout the manufacturing process.
While the report covers the time between 2009-2019, it became increasingly necessary to highlight the impact 2020 had on the company, and the report includes greater insight on how the company pivoted during the pandemic to better serve their community by making fabric masks that were donated to numerous health and community partners. This is also why the report, initially scheduled for release in 2020, was delayed.
The full report can be found on the company website here.
ABOUT REDWOOD CLASSICS APPAREL
Backed by over three decades of textile excellence and as a means of providing an end-to-end premium solution, Redwood Classics Apparel was founded by Kathy Cheng in 2009 as an in-stock premium apparel line that is owned and operated by WS & Co. Ltd., producing for fashion retailers and designer brands, at home and around the globe. With a focus on people over profit, Redwood Classics is steadfastly committed to combating offshoring, putting Canada on the map as a leading destination for premium apparel manufacturing.
As a proud supporter of supplier diversity and corporate social responsibility, Redwood Classics Apparel holds certifications from WEConnect International, Women Business Enterprise Canada Council (WBE Canada), and the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) and is a National Member of Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). As a certified Tier-2 supplier, Redwood Classics Apparel is also a member of the Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI) and the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).
Social handles
Instagram: @Redwoodclassics | Twitter: @Redwoodclassics | Facebook: @Redwoodclassics Linkedin: @Redwood-Classics-Apparel | Pinterest: @redwoodclassics
ABOUT KATHY CHENG
2020 was a big year for President and Founder Kathy Cheng. She was named on Inc. Magazine’s 100 Female Founders List for 2020 and was awarded the CAMSC Special Recognition Award for her philanthropic work and inclusive local procurement during COVID-19. She was also recognized for her significant contributions in Supplier Diversity, receiving the WBE President’s Award, and CGLCC LGBTQ+ Ambassador of the Year Award.
Social handles
Instagram: @kathykwcheng | Twitter: @kathykwcheng | LinkedIn: @kathycheng
FOR MEDIA INFORMATION, PHOTOS, OR INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
Ashley Chan
REDWOOD CLASSICS APPAREL
TEL: 1-416-754-9800