Walmart – Jialu Song – 2024

Summary

Jialu Song conducted a comprehensive analysis of sustainability initiatives within the furniture and apparel industries and proposed practical solutions for Walmart.

Goals

The production of apparel and furniture can have a significant environmental impact due to carbon emissions. Jialu Song joined the Walmart Sourcing team this summer to help gather insights on how the retailer can further collaborate with suppliers to improve sourcing and manufacturing processes and reduce emissions..

Solutions

• Identifying Long-Term Sustainable Goals: Jialu Song researched the long-term sustainability goals of various brands within the apparel and furniture industries. She assessed their current environmental practices and identified areas of opportunity for long-term goals.
• Sustainability Initiatives in Apparel and Furniture Industries: Determine the lifecycle analysis (LCA) of key products in the apparel and furniture industry, conduct research on corresponding sustainable measures, and study the reported impact of more than 10 leading brands.
• Recommendations for Walmart: Providing actionable insights for private brand suppliers, Jialu Song offered strategic suggestions regarding sustainability, including circular design principles, renewable materials, and packaging choices.

Potential Impact

The proposed solutions may help reduce the carbon footprint and waste generated by these two industries. They may also extend the economic benefits from material and waste management and the social benefits obtained through consumer education.