Sustainability in fashion is no longer limited to fabric choices or material labels. It has evolved into a broader examination of systems: how products are made, how far they travel, and how responsibly people and environments are treated throughout the process. For Sherilyne Dougherty, founder, designer and CEO of Designs by Sherilyne, these considerations are not abstract ideals but guiding principles that inform every aspect of her creative and business practice. Her brand reflects the belief that art, when translated into fashion, must be produced with care, accountability and respect.
Sustainability as an Operational Imperative
Fashion’s environmental impact is well documented, with the industry responsible for an estimated 8% to 10% of global carbon emissions, largely driven by overproduction and inefficient supply chains (McKinsey & Company, 2023). In response, Designs by Sherilyne operates exclusively through an on-demand manufacturing model, producing only what is ordered and eliminating excess inventory before waste is created.
Material processing is equally critical. The brand partners with production houses that use chemical-free, water-based inks and dyes—an intentional choice that benefits both the environment and the people involved in production. Chemical-free inks help prevent toxic runoff into waterways while protecting the health of workers who handle fabrics daily. Textile dyeing alone accounts for nearly 20% of global industrial water pollution, much of which ultimately impacts oceans and aquatic ecosystems (World Bank, 2019). By avoiding harmful chemicals, Designs by Sherilyne supports healthier oceans, protects marine life and promotes safer working conditions across the supply chain.
Additional measures, such as recycling sublimation paper, further reinforce environmental responsibility at every stage of production. For the brand, sustainability is not a final checkpoint but a foundational element embedded in the journey from artwork to finished product.
Traceability and Creative Ownership
Traceability is central to how Designs by Sherilyne operates. Each design begins as an original work of art, making control over reproduction essential to preserving creative integrity. By maintaining fully local production, the brand ensures that no third party has unauthorized access to artwork at any stage of the process. This closed-loop approach safeguards artistic authorship while reducing operational and reputational risk.
Transparency also plays a critical role in building trust. Research shows that nearly 70% of consumers and retail buyers are more likely to engage with brands that clearly communicate where and how products are made (IBM, 2023). For Designs by Sherilyne, traceability is both an ethical responsibility and a cornerstone of long-term brand credibility.
Logistics, Transportation and Carbon Accountability
How a product travels is as important as how it is made. Logistics and transportation can account for up to 10% of fashion’s total emissions, particularly within globalized supply chains (McKinsey & Company, 2023). To address this impact, Designs by Sherilyne prioritizes local manufacturing, significantly reducing transportation distances and associated emissions.
This commitment extends through delivery. Since 2023, Canada Post has offered carbon-neutral parcel delivery, allowing environmental responsibility to continue through the final mile (Canada Post, 2023). These logistics decisions align with growing business-to-business (B2B) expectations regarding environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and Scope 3 emissions reduction.
Ethical Labor as a Brand Standard
Sustainability cannot exist without ethical labor. Designs by Sherilyne works exclusively with production partners that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, comprehensive benefits and a strict zero-tolerance policy toward sweatshop practices. Ethical labor environments are linked to improved production consistency, reduced errors and stronger long-term supplier relationships (International Labor Organization, 2022).
For the brand’s founder, ethical labor is both a personal and professional responsibility. Creative work, in her view, should never come at the expense of human dignity, and this belief guides every partnership decision.
Conclusion
Designing with responsibility at every step is not a slogan—it is a daily practice. Through traceable production, chemical-free materials, ethical labor standards and thoughtful logistics, Designs by Sherilyne demonstrates how artist-founded brands can lead with integrity. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, this approach offers a clear and actionable blueprint for responsible growth rooted in creativity, accountability and care.
