Kingpins Transformers NGO Hits the Ground Running
Anyone who has been to a Kingpins Transformers event understands the power and energy it carries. Now its organizers want to harness that spirit to effect greater change in denim sustainability.
Andrew Olah, president of Olah Inc., launched Transformers Foundation in January 2020 that will collaborate with the supply chain, brands and consumers to influence environmentally sustainable action within the denim textiles and fashion industries. Titled Kingpins Transformers, the NGO is bringing on supply chain leaders to join as founding members, with Olah, Robin Cornelius, Emily Olah, Alberto De Conti and Miguel Sanchez serving on the board of directors. Together they will chart a roadmap of activities for 2020 and 2021 that propels a greener future for this $70 billion industry.
“Transformers will address murky and non-transparent or opaque industry issues on fibers, chemistry, water, etc., and discuss with its members how to come up with a clear and concise adoption recommendation to brands, retailers and NGOs,” stated Olah on a recent webinar.
Its mission includes moving the needle on sustainable performance through the open sharing of best practices; by encouraging, giving visibility and supporting sustainable progress; by challenging unclear, non-solid marketing or claims; and by transparently celebrating best-in-class and innovation.
Unlike some other similarly minded NGOs, Kingpins Transformers also intends to make consumer and student education a cornerstone of its purpose. These goals will take the form of supplying advice to the general public, calling out greenwashing, and engaging in consumer testing and brand/retailer claim validations. The group aims to physically reach more than 1,200 students per year and at least 50,000 through social media.
For those who wish to stay informed and get involved, Kingpins Transformers will also host and broadcast its summits for industry professionals and students, and will expand its efforts into producing annual reports, white papers, consumer testing and industry honors. A global awards event is estimated to occur within the next two years, with online honors awarded sooner.
To learn more about the Transformers Foundation, listen to the USFIA X LENZING webinar here: