Innovation, industry and a more sustainable future

Detroit is combating landfills one garment at a time. As part of the University of Michigan's Climate Week 2026, the U-M Center for Innovation in Detroit brought together leaders from industry and Detroit’s innovation ecosystem for a conversation about sustainability and innovation in the soft goods industry.

The panel, Climate Resilience in the Age of Fast Fashion: How Detroit is Revolutionizing the Fashion and Wearable Goods Industry, explored how companies are rethinking materials, manufacturing and design across industries including apparel, footwear, protective equipment, uniforms, interiors and other textile-based products – and how innovation can help create a more sustainable future.

Panelists included:

• Norihiko (Nori) Taniguchi, CEO, ASICS Institute for Sport Science America and co-director, ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center
• Gretchen Valade, director of sustainability, Carhartt/Wylie Welling
• Josh York, founder, Soft Goods

The virtual panel was facilitated by Jen Guarino, president, CEO, and co-founder of the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center.

“By bringing together industry leaders, innovators and higher education, this conversation highlighted how collaboration can turn sustainability challenges into opportunities for innovation and impact,” said UMCI Director of Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations Lisa Katz.

“Detroit has a unique opportunity to lead the way in rethinking how we design, make and use the products we interact with every day. When we connect bold ideas with the expertise and resources of our region, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for the fashion and wearable goods industry.”