Funding and Scaling Proven Sustainable Solutions to Accelerate Positive Impact in the Fashion Industry - Lewis Perkins // Apparel Impact Institute
In episode 175 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Lewis Perkins, President of the Apparel Impact Institute, on raising a $250M Climate Fund and scaling proven systems and ideas to transform the textile industry towards a sustainable future.The Apparel Impact Institute (aii) is a nonprofit organization that is working to address these environmental issues by identifying, funding, scaling, and measuring proven environmental impact solutions in the apparel and footwear industry.About LewisA passionate advocate for “doing the right thing,” Lewis Perkins has recently been appointed President of the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), an organization launched by leading brands and apparel sector industry associations to select, fund, and scale programs to drive positive impact in the fashion sector.Previous to this Perkins was President of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII) where he led the Institute’s Fashion Positive initiative, which engages designers, manufacturers, brands and influencers in creating Cradle to Cradle Certified TM materials and products with the circular economy in mind.Prior to joining the C2CPII, Perkins consulted with corporations and organizations on the social and environmental program development. He also served as Director of Sustainable Strategies for The Mohawk Group, a leading carpet manufacturer and the commercial division of Mohawk Industries.About The Apparel Impact InstituteAii's mission is to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly apparel and footwear industry by identifying, funding, scaling, and measuring proven environmental impact solutions. Their vision is to transform the fashion industry into a force for good, ensuring that all apparel and footwear are made in a way that is safe for the environment, workers, and communities.Aii focuses on a few key areas: energy, water, and chemistry. These areas are critical for the fashion industry because they have a significant impact on the environment. The organization works with its partner brands, manufacturers, and philanthropic donors to identify and implement solutions that reduce the industry's impact on the environment.Energy: aii is working to reduce the fashion industry's reliance on fossil fuels by identifying and implementing energy-efficient solutions. This includes using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power.Water: The apparel industry is a significant consumer of water, and it is responsible for a significant amount of water pollution. Aii is working to reduce the industry's water consumption and improve the quality of the water it uses.Chemistry: The fashion industry uses a variety of chemicals in the production of apparel and footwear, and many of these chemicals are harmful to the environment and human health. Aii is working to identify safer alternatives and to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in the industry.Aii recently launched a $250 million Climate Fund, which is aimed at supporting the apparel industry's transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The fund is designed to provide financial support to brands and manufacturers that are committed to reducing their environmental impact. The Climate Fund is also used to support research and development of new sustainable materials and processes.