Innovation

Dane Watson, the founder of Goodlids, is trying to address the benefits and long-term effects of using hemp fibers, instead of alternative fibers, within the fashion industry.

Traditional fibers and fashion production processes that are used today have been proven to have consequential effects on the environment. Fashion production processes have environmental impacts that affect overall climate change. The impacts can include but are not limited to, carbon footprint, water usage, waste practices, and resource demands.

If a certain clothing item is made with cheaper, less sustainable fibers, then the lifespan of that clothing item is reduced significantly. Thus, contributing to a dangerous production and consumption cycle within the fashion industry that impacts overall climate change. Understanding the demands of current fashion and trends in fashion, Dane discovered and is utilizing hemp that can address all these issues.

Created in 2020, Goodlids has already seen significant demand for its products, increased interest in the benefits of hemp fibers, and the possibilities outside of the fashion industry that hemp can provide. Having such an early entry in the hemp industry allows for continued growth, impact on climate change and production and consumption habits of consumers across New Zealand.

Inspiration

Dane started Goodlids because of two simple reasons, he loved the outdoors and he loved hats. After reading “Let My People Go Surfing," Yvon Chouinard’s, founder of Patagonia, autobiography Dane was inspired to model his business after Patagonia. By using Yvon Chouinard's views capitalism, specifically looking at different approaches to production and consumption of products. “I wanted to start a business that would solve a global issue, specifically the defining global issue of our generation, climate change. I want to help or contribute to a solution” explained Dane.

Dane knew if he wanted to model his business after Patagonia, he had to focus on three main areas:

1. The first was developing, designing, and making a product that people will like and connect with. For Dane and Goodlids, that did not take long, “For us, we had an early market validation, people were liking the hats and wanting to buy them.”
2. The second was making a durable long-lasting product that would last 10-15 years. “I wanted to make a hat that could be a part of your adventures and outings, a hat you know you could rely on and wear wherever you go,” said Dane.
3. The third was finding a sustainable fiber that could provide him with his durability demands. Curious if other companies were making hats in this manner, Dane went out and did some market research and found the unique opportunity to use hemp fibers.

Overall impact

As Dane began selling hats to the New Zealand market, he quickly realized the potential for hemp and the impact that it can have not only on the fashion industry but other industries as well. Goodlids has partnered with another hemp focused organization in New Zealand called, Plant Based NZ. Plant Based NZ focuses on other resource alternatives that are used in the consumption and production of products within the New Zealand market. Plant Based NZ has put a spotlight on the possibilities and importance of hemp. Dane explained the importance of their partnership with Plant Based NZ and emphasized that even as competitors both organizations understand the importance and impact that hemp can have on the environment. “We want to work together, because if hemp makes it mainstream, then we all win. We both understand the impact that hemp can have. Working together is important” explained Dane.

Through Dane’s research and conversations with Plant Based NZ, Dane discovered that hemp has the possibilities to replace material and resources used in medicine, building material, insulation, agriculture food, paper, and much more. Having been one of the first clothing companies in New Zealand to use hemp fibers, Dane is proud to be at the beginning of the hemp movement and excited to see how hemp is used around the country in the future. “It’s only a matter of time. This is something that can really change the world” Said Dane.

Business benefit

Using hemp fibers to produce the hats for Goodlids has provided Dane with the necessary fibers to create the durable long-lasting product he was looking for. He also feels satisfied that the fiber used is environmentally friendly, contributing to his goal, “of being part of the solution.” Hemp has provided Dane with the opportunity to bring unique, fashionable, durable, and sustainable hats to the New Zealand market. Goodlids has seen fast success in a short amount of time, even through COVID-19 lockdowns and fears. With such early success, Dane sees an increased opportunity for long-term success within the fashion industry, especially with Plant Based NZ by its side.

Dane explained the benefits of working with an organization such as Plant Based NZ, “Although we are just doing hats at the moment, we are also looking into other clothing items such as shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories.” This will create further awareness around hemp and the importance that it can have within fashion production, especially on the overall positive effects on the environment.

Social and environmental benefit

Hemp has the possibility to replace a lot of resources within diverse industries and positively influence the environment. Looking within the fashion industry, hemp fibers can develop a massive shock wave across the industry, relieving current constraints on the environment: by reducing carbon footprints, using fewer pesticides, using less water, and using less land.

The impact on the use of alternative resources and the impact on the environment those alternatives have. Dane explains the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hemp's potential, “Trees take 20 years to grow to harvest. With hemp, in a 12-month period, you can go through two cycles from growing to harvest and get the same yield.”

In addition to the positive impacts that hemp has on the environment, hemp fibers also are a more compostable material and allow waste that is produced from production to be disposed of sustainably.

But all these impacts are reinforced due to the durability and reliability of hemp fibers within the clothing items. Having a sustainable material that can be used to produce long-lasting, comfortable, and reliable clothing allows companies like Goodlids to flourish within this space.

As the hemp community continues to grow in New Zealand, Goodlids is poised to provide guidance, education, and a path forward for other companies alike.

Interview

Dane Watson, Founder - CEO