ESG Outlook: Rachel Molina of Another Tomorrow on Farm-Level Data and Digital IDs
Lauren Parker
6 min read
ESG Outlook is Sourcing Journal’s discussion series with industry executives to get their take on their company’s latest environmental, social and governance initiatives and their own personal efforts toward sustainability.
In addition to a focus on sustainable sourcing and supply chain transparency, eco-conscious fashion brand Another Tomorrow, which recently opened a flagship store in New York’s SoHo district, also utilizes digital ID technology to support traceability and promote circularity. Here, Rachel Molina, head of sustainability, discusses prioritizing sustainability.
Name: Rachel Molina Title: Head of Sustainability Company: Another Tomorrow
What do you consider your company’s best ESG-related achievement over the last 5 years?
Our track record in building “farm to closet” supply chains with an emphasis on measurable climate outcomes and strong animal welfare practices has been one of our proudest achievements. It’s one that we are increasingly seeking to open-source to industry partners. Deep partnerships with mill and farm collaborators has been crucial and we credit in particular Botto Giuseppe for being an integral part of this vision from the very beginning.
Likewise, it has been a significant goal for us to increase our positive impact as we scale by continuing to raise the bar on outcomes. We are deeply proud of our partnership with Lake Hawea Station, New Zealand’s first Carbon Positive and B Corp Certified wool farm. Attention to soil nutrition, conservation of biodiversity, commitment to regenerative farming, and use of renewable energy are just a few ways the farm goes beyond zero carbon and captures about twice the amount of carbon emitted. Their animal welfare practices are also paramount; notably recognizing the problematic incentive structures embedded in shearing practices – they don’t reward their shearing teams based on throughput or speed, rather they intentionally reward shearers who create a calm and stress free environment.
What is your company’s latest ESG-related initiative?
Most recently we have been focused on further enhancing the quality of the data behind our own supply chains. Starting with the Spring Summer 2024 season and on, each piece has had Life Cycle Assessments with the most precise primary data possible, which has been a wonderful collaboration with FairlyMade. We are fully aware of the limitations of LCA’s and the confusion that general data can create, however we believe the only way to develop this for both our benefit and the industry’s is to get in the weeds, trialing the best ways to implement Tier 4, farm level data.
Another Tomorrow jacket made with MIRUM® biobased leather.
How are your recent initiatives related to ESG reflected in your products?
We’ve recently introduced MIRUM® leather into our Fall Winter 25 collection. MIRUM is a 100 percent plastic-free, biobased and circular alternative to traditional leather and synthetic leather, which makes it a natural fit for our materials library and aligns perfectly with our mission at Another Tomorrow. This launch highlights our ongoing commitment to driving positive change in the fashion industry and partnering with brands that align with our values. In FW25, we’re featuring a MIRUM Moto Jacket and Pencil Skirt, showcasing how progress in fashion can be both desirable and responsible.
What is the biggest misconception consumers have about sustainability in fashion/accessories?
There continues to be a generalized lack of awareness of the numerous steps and actors involved in the process from fiber sourcing, to creation, to delivering a garment into the hands of a customer.
Fashion supply chains are incredibly complex and global, and for that reason, traceability and transparency is a big deal for us. We see it as an opportunity to build awareness. We recognized the power of language and started to articulate the idea of “farm to table” in food to “farm to closet” in fashion.
Since our launch, we have employed unique digital IDs in the form of a QR code to all of our care labels that demonstrate the journey of each garment. While it seems customers are not yet accustomed to thinking about the journey of their materials, we see evidence that curiosity is continuing to develop, particularly as information regarding health impacts from PFAS and microfiber infiltration have triggered broader attention from the scientific and regulatory communities.
What was your company’s biggest takeaway from the Covid crisis that is still relevant today?
Every company is only as strong as their supply chains; the strength of our partnerships was integral to our resiliency and we will never take this for granted.
As consumers become more aware of worker conditions and how clothing is produced, how can the industry best spread the word on progress?
We need mainstream media as well as transparent brand communication that builds awareness and foundational trust.
On the mainstream end, the SNL focus on fast fashion really put the issue on the radar for some people for the first time, which was a fantastic outcome. Coverage of the wins in broad-based media (both traditional and social) is equally critical to creating real dialogue and combating the cynicism that “nothing can meaningfully change.”
It’s important for brands to share their efforts—transparently—on their own channels as well. Sustainability can be incredibly confusing to customers because there are different interpretations and definitions, so use of clear language on standards, projects or goals is imperative.
What do you consider to be the apparel industry’s biggest missed opportunity related to securing meaningful change?
Regulatory reform.
When I consider what is lacking in the apparel industry, I immediately think of legislation. While a good amount of brands are behind The New York Fashion Act, it has yet to be passed. I firmly believe that the industry needs to be held accountable and responsible for supply chains, emissions impact, chemical usage and garment worker livelihoods. The New York Fashion Act proposes a way to do this and we need everyone’s help to get the bill passed in 2025.
What is your personal philosophy on shopping and caring for your clothes?
Personally, I try to get as creative as possible with the clothes I already have and just embrace repeating outfits and elements on a regular basis. If I wear a certain sweater for the majority of winter, I like to think of it as a piece of clothing that people would know me by. When purchasing new, I give myself a few weeks to sit and think if that garment works well in my closet and if I can see myself wearing it for a long time.
How much do you look into a brand’s social or environmental practices before shopping?
I always look into a brand’s story first. I tend to really enjoy supporting smaller businesses who are transparently active in their social and environmental efforts. For example, the fact that Mate the Label is one of the very few brands creating activewear out of organic cotton immediately caught my attention and brought me to try it out. Personally, I love wearing them on a daily basis to work out. The transition from synthetic activewear to organic cotton activewear is an adjustment but after a few wears, it felt perfect to me.
Anything new you are doing to boost sustainability beyond the fashion industry?
Personally, I am incredibly interested in agriculture and the way it ties into nutrition, personal wellbeing, and environmental impact. During my time at NYU, I had the opportunity to take an Urban Agriculture course and have kept those principals with me. During the pandemic I started a vegetable garden in my backyard and found food to be a great way to stay connected to nature. Practicing staying close to nature reminds me that I do not need more stuff.
