Material Exchange is a pioneering fashion technology company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, that has revolutionized the material sourcing process for the footwear and apparel industry through its innovative digital marketplace.
What Material Exchange Does
Material Exchange is designed to transform the traditional, fragmented, and often analogue material sourcing processes into a streamlined, efficient, and sustainable digital experience. The platform connects brands, suppliers, and manufacturers, enabling them to manage the entire lifecycle of material design, fabrication, and distribution more effectively.
Key Features and Functionality
Digital Marketplace
The platform serves as a global digital marketplace where buyers can find and source materials from a vast database of tens of thousands of quality digital materials provided by the world’s largest material suppliers. This marketplace replaces piecemeal communications with a holistic, integrated approach, bridging geographical gaps between buyers and suppliers.
Smart Search and Filtering
Material Exchange features powerful smart search functionality that allows brands and buyers to discover materials that meet their specific specifications, including criteria such as weight, weave, lead-time, and geo-location. Additionally, the platform includes a Sustainability Search tool that enables buyers to find materials based on sustainability badges like Forest Stewardship, Sustainable Cotton, and Recycled materials.
Collaboration and Real-Time Data
The platform facilitates real-time collaboration among design, buying, and marketing teams through virtual portfolios. Buyers can create private portfolios, share materials with colleagues or customers, and monitor the entire material lifecycle from design to distribution. Suppliers can upload high-resolution images of their products, include detailed profiles, and run global digital promotions.
Expert-Assisted Services
Material Exchange offers concierge-level services where experts assist brands in finding the right materials, ensuring that the sourcing process is efficient and meets sustainability standards. This blend of technology and human expertise helps in sourcing products that align with special requests and sustainability goals.
Integrated Technology
The platform is built on Microsoft Azure, ensuring robust data management and security. This integration allows for seamless connectivity with other systems used by brands, such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, to track material progress through the design, purchase, production, and distribution phases.
Sustainability and Transparency
Material Exchange is committed to sustainability, aiming to reduce waste and accelerate go-to-market potential. The platform provides transparent data on material attributes, customer history, and supplier information, which helps in making informed decisions and promoting sustainable practices.
Curated Exchanges
The platform includes curated exchanges, such as the Kingpins Exchange for the denim market, which is backed by the largest denim trade show in the world. These exchanges make it easier for brands to find specific material types and connect with industry experts.
In summary, Material Exchange is a next-generation solution for material sourcing, offering a comprehensive, user-friendly, and sustainable platform that streamlines the sourcing process, enhances collaboration, and promotes transparency and sustainability in the footwear and apparel industry.
