Up Close: An Intimate Talk with Fairly Made's Co-Founder Laure Betsch

"Up Close" is Sourcing Journal's recurring feature where they regularly engage with industry leaders for insights on various subjects spanning from their company's latest moves to personal style. In this interview, Laure Betsch, who co-founded the fashion transparency software firm Fairly Made—which has recently raised 15 million euros She shares her shopping checklist and explains how the platform assists brands in assessing the environmental impact of their products during the developmental stage.

Name: Laure Betsch

Title: Co-founder

Company: Fairly Made

From which other sector has the most effective grasp of supply chains emerged? What lessons could the apparel industry glean from this?

The food sector has consistently led in areas such as traceability and consumer openness. Terms like “organic,” “fair trade,” or “AOC” [which stands for “appellation d'origine contrôlée,” meaning “controlled designation of origin”] have established standards for product origins and quality. The apparel industry could adopt similar practices by refining their supply chain structures and making this detailed information accessible to every stakeholder, right down to the end consumers.

What should be the direction of the apparel industry? What is currently their main focus?

To standardize and digitalize supply chain information. Many brands frequently struggle with having a transparent and unified understanding of the processes involved in manufacturing their goods. Lacking this essential groundwork makes any assertions about sustainability unstable. It’s crucial for us to emphasize transparency and enhance data accuracy so as to develop genuine environmental initiatives.

Which advancement or invention carries the most promise for enhancing processes within the apparel and textile sectors?

Digital product passports serve as a link among brands, suppliers, regulators, and consumers. Constructed using validated information, these passports have the potential to shift the industry from being opaque and responsive to becoming clear and responsible.

Could you share some details about your organization? ʼs latest product introduction:

We've introduced our new Ecodesign feature—a robust solution designed to assist fashion brands in crafting superior products right from the beginning. This innovative tool allows design and product teams to predict the environmental consequences of various materials and production methods through simulations. As a result, they can assess these impacts prior to actual production. This represents a significant leap forward in promoting sustainability at an early stage, ensuring that creativity goes hand-in-hand with tangible reductions in ecological footprint.

What kind of description would you provide for your organizational culture?

Our company's ethos is grounded in three fundamental principles.

Clarity Unveiled: We advocate for open access to trustworthy data, whether it’s companies monitoring their supply lines or individuals searching for transparency.

Thoroughness: Our approach involves validated methods, and we collaborate extensively with each supplier to ensure reliable and confirmable information is provided.

Kindness: We back our collaborators with compassion, understanding that sustainability is an ongoing process. Each advancement, regardless of size, holds significance for us.

What What is the finest choice your organization has made in the past twelve months?

Focusing entirely on product innovation has marked a significant shift for us. We dedicated resources to create new functionalities such as Ecodesign and enhanced our technological framework overall. These efforts enabled us to offer an impeccable user journey—more user-friendly tools, instant access to critical data analytics, and stronger connections across various digital channels. As a result, Fairly Made isn’t merely seen as a compliance ally; we’ve become a forward-thinking answer to shaping the future of fashion production.

Where do you seek inspiration for your personal style?

I find creativity through classic shapes and premium materials that improve with time. My approach centers around thrifting, clothing rental services, and adopting a circular mindset for my fashion selections.

What's your approach when buying clothes? Could you characterize yourself as a particular type of fashion shopper?

I value quality more than quantity. I use the BISOU technique, which is a five-step strategy designed to make you reconsider a buy and prevent excess spending. Each letter represents a French term, making up this evaluation list.

Need: Do I truly require this item? Is it essential, or merely something I want? Could I manage without it?

Immédiat (Immediate): Is this something I need urgently? Can I delay my decision for a few days or weeks? Doing so can help prevent buying things impulsively.

Similar: Do I already possess an item like this? Is it merely a replica or a slight modification of something I already own?

Origin (Origin): What is its source? Who created it? In what circumstances? Was it locally produced, ethically sourced, sustainably made?

Utility (Usefulness): To what extent will this be beneficial? How frequently am I likely to utilize it? Will it enhance my quality of life or merely add unnecessary complexity?

What are the main three characteristics of a product that influence your choices when buying something?

Origins—I'm interested in discovering who created it and the circumstances surrounding its creation. Materials , Because it affects durability and environmental footprint. Plus flexibility—I want to effortlessly combine different items in my closet.

Which retail encounter has been particularly memorable for you?

I genuinely appreciate when vendors have an extensive knowledge of their products, including every detail about the materials and histories of each item. Reformation shopping experience.

What aspect of the future fills you with the most hope?

The advancements that brands have achieved since our launch seven years ago really instill optimism in me. When we first started, the concepts of transparency and sustainability within the fashion industry were relatively obscure. Now, an increasing number of companies are stepping up, posing pertinent queries, and sincerely striving to lessen their environmental footprint. Seeing this transition evolve from mere recognition to tangible actions—and being a part of this metamorphosis—is immensely heartening.

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