The apparel industry is experiencing disruption from many directions. Concern over the environmental impact of textile and apparel production, waste, water pollution and the carbon footprint of products contributes to sourcing more eco-friendly fibres, reduction of transportation in the supply chain, reduction of harmful chemicals, and other strategies for improving sustainability measures. Concern over working conditions, living wages and questionable treatment of workers in third world countries has led to greater interest in reshoring production or more carefully selecting international partners. New technologies are also disruptive, and can lead to greater efficiency, less waste and fewer errors, yet are expensive to implement and need to be properly utilized to provide intended return on investment.

Many of these disruptions are contributing to the expansion of apparel production in the Canadian market. Canadian companies have started to reshore production to produce their products locally to retain control over quality and lead time, and to ensure they are meeting consumer sustainability criteria.

Sustainable Production Managers will be trained to work with companies who produce goods in local apparel production plants. They can also work with companies who outsource production overseas, as greater scrutiny of the process is needed to ensure environmental, social and other compliance requirements are met.