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Walter Wilhelm Associates and Marci Zaroff Sustainable Brands, LLC have partnered to develop and drive sustainability strategies in the apparel, home, footwear, accessories and textile industries.

06/10/10

Marci Zaroff and Walter Wilhelm Associates to Collaborate on Sustainability Services

Walter Wilhelm Associates and Marci Zaroff Sustainable Brands, LLC have partnered to
develop and drive sustainability strategies in the apparel, home, footwear, accessories and textile
industries. With WWA’s depth and breadth of knowledge in processes and technology, along with Ms.
Zaroff’s long-term sustainable design, marketing and supply chain expertise, this partnership represents
the ideal consulting team to define and build cohesive “green” strategies.
“Many manufacturers, brands and retailers express confusion at a lack of information,
certifications, support and definitions in the sustainability arena. With the emergence and rapid growth
of the “green revolution”, consumers are increasingly opting to buy more authentically sustainable
products and services,” says Marci Zaroff, visionary, keynote speaker, global industry pioneer of
ECOfashion, and founder of sustainable lifestyle brands Under the Canopy and FASE.
“We’re seeing a seismic shift in design, manufacturing, and management today towards smarter
products and working environments and truly looking at the global picture of both,” says Walter T.
Wilhelm of Walter Wilhelm Associates. “Interest in sustainable products and practices is growing
exponentially from both brands and consumers. Good intentions are one thing, but good execution is a
must, and there are real risks involved in perceived ‘greenwashing’ by consumers and their peers.”
WWA and Marci Zaroff Sustainable Brands, LLC will help companies navigate the complexities of both
established and innovative “green” concepts and solutions as well as industry ‘best practices’.
To have a sustainable program that is both effective and affordable, a company must have a
“holistic” approach that becomes ingrained in the culture of an organization. Practices must be examined
for the total supply chain from product development to the consumer and include marketing. Greener
products and strategies must include tangible goals and actions --- with efficiency, transparency,
authenticity, education, innovation, collaboration and inspiration. The goal of this consulting
partnership is to provide companies with experience and imagination as they develop their long-term
sustainability programs and initiatives. There is both a responsibility as well as an extraordinary
opportunity for companies to create successful and more sustainable businesses for today and tomorrow.