Industry experts opine that the demand for “Made in USA” products is becoming an important factor in consumer behavior in the textile and apparel industry. Local manufacturers are in support of this trend.
While speaking to Fibre2Fashion correspondent Mary Christine Joy, Ron Beegle, Corporate Director of Environmental Affairs, Mount Vernon Mills said that, “The mood to purchase “Made in USA” seems to be returning.”
It isn't hard for textile manufacturing and retailing companies to practice sustainability in the US. Once the playing field is leveled when everyone has to comply with US EPA-like regulations, a lot of manufacturing will return to the US, and the advantage of lower wages will be set-off by the high cost of transportation and environmental controls, according to him.
“As a domestic manufacturer of apparel fabric, we strongly support “Made in USA” products,” he asserted.
On a similar note, Nick Brayton, President, Woolrich commented, “We feel it's more than a trend; that it's a movement that keeps gaining momentum. We are working hard to help with that momentum, and are doing our part to increase wool production here in the USA.”
“We hope that “Made in USA” only becomes an even more important factor in consumer behavior,” he concluded.