Event Network, a leading operator of retail stores for experiential attractions in the US, has revealed its exclusive private-label apparel line, Wearsponsible.
The original collection was showcased in 28 of its zoo and aquarium partnerships, including the Georgia Aquarium and Denver Zoo. The response was so impressive that the firm expanded the range which will be available at 75 retailers from Spring 2024.
Commitment to sustainability
The Wearsponsible apparel line exemplifies Event Network’s dedication to providing a range of products for their partners and visitors that are sustainable or eco-friendly. In addition, its products are responsibly sourced and manufactured.
Abby Kessler, a senior member of the Event Network purchasing team who led the Wearsponsible project, says: “We have been committed to sustainability and conservation for years, but we realized being responsible implies we are all in this together from the CEO to the consumer. We are accountable for what is in our control.”
The Wearsponsible collection is entirely traceable from seed to sew, which means that every stage of the process is reviewed and audited for environmental, social, and cultural impact. All products are also Fair Labor Certified, so audited procedures and methods are in place to ensure safe and fair labour standards while also actively improving conditions in the supply chain.
The t-shirt material is non-GMO, plastic-free, 100% organic cotton, and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified.
The GOTS certification is an example of how the Event Network purchasing team is approaching sustainability with a focus on responsibility and accountability. This certification standard establishes standards along the supply chain. It covers both environmental and labour conditions in textile and apparel production that uses organically produced raw materials.
Kessler explains: “Our first batch of organic tees were OCS (Organic Content Standard) certified which is good, but for 2024 our organic tees are now GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified; we worked towards an even higher standard and have achieved it!
“Even the hang tags are made from recycled paper and attached to the garment with fabric scraps rather than plastic. That’s what we mean by holistic, we’re looking at all aspects of the item.”
Collaborations with artists
The artwork for the Wearsponsible clothing line was created in collaboration with talented artists from various backgrounds and locations around the nation, ranging from local artists to those who represent DEI-owned enterprises. Event Network has found an array of exceptionally creative individuals to produce unique artwork for these exclusive clothing pieces.
“By asking ourselves how we can be responsible- more than just sustainable or eco-friendly, we are avoiding the pitfall of simply checking boxes,” adds Kessler. “We know we can do better on a much larger scale than just focusing on one aspect of apparel. Wearsponsible is a way of thinking, a way of doing better, and a way of educating our guests on what it means to be responsible stewards of our planet.”
Event Network recently announced a new partnership with Zoo Knoxville, one of the premier zoological experiences in the southeastern US. The collaboration began in early November with a refreshed main store and a new, more sustainable product assortment.
