The global supply chain is currently facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, prompting businesses to find a balance between efficiency and ethical responsibility. As an international fashion eyewear manufacturing and distribution company, Mondottica is committed to establishing long-term supplier partnerships and promoting sustainability. This interview will delve into its strategies in ethical procurement and supply chain management, as well as how it leverages modern technology to enhance the operational efficiency and transparency of its supply chain.
Can you provide a brief overview of your company?
Mondottica designs world-class fashion eyewear for some of the biggest brands in fashion. Working with the smallest boutique opticians to the biggest chain retailers, we distribute branded eyewear to over 80 countries, meaning Mondottica is a true world citizen. From humble beginnings, the eyewear company now has offices and operations in Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, Barcelona, Delhi and Sydney with distribution reach that spans all continents.
What criteria do you consider when selecting suppliers?
Our top three criteria for supplier selection; quality, reliability, and communication. Ensuring product quality and a robust quality management system significantly impact the overall success of our operations. Reliability in delivery helps maintain smooth workflows and meet customer expectation, while effective communication ensures transparency and quick resolution of issues. Leveraging insights from the Sedex platform provides valuable data on ethical performance, which can help in making informed decisions about potential suppliers.
Sedex enables buyers to short list from a distance potential new manufacturing partners based upon various criteria such as geographical location, industry, inherent risk related to sustainability kpi’s and importantly through third party independent audit results. Sedex allows you the ability to benchmark and build a picture ahead of a physical site visit.
How do you maintain strong relationships with your suppliers?
Mondottica places a strong emphasis on building long term collaborative relationships with a tight group of likeminded companies. Clear and honest communication combined with flexibility are the basis of all dealings. This is supported by a dedicated & local Product Development team following up related activities. Being understanding of the complexities faced during production processes and a willingness to find mutual common ground resolutions where issues arise.
How does your company address sustainability within the supply chain? Are there specific initiatives you have implemented?
Mondottica is on a journey regarding Supply Chain Sustainability. We are in the data gathering stage on freight (emissions data, as well as other metrics), setting a baseline for prior years with an aim to implement realistic targets for the future and offsetting programmes are being researched to identify suitable options.
Mondottica’s intention is to ‘Do Good Business’ and the Sedex platform through supplier questionnaires and social audits allows us to identify area’s of concern and collaborate to drive change. We are also excited about a recent introduction on environmental topics also within the Sedex platform that will allow us to further our sustainability goals.
We also use Eastman Acetate Renew materials across a range of our brands in both sun & optical product further supporting our commitment to becoming a more sustainable business.
What do you foresee as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the eyewear supply chain in the coming years? How is your company preparing for these future changes?
The post-COVID landscape has seen persistent high rates and increased volatility, compounded by geopolitical tensions. These factors make it essential to have reliable freight forwarders who can navigate these complexities effectively.
Embracing compliance and regulatory changes can turn challenges into opportunities. Staying updated with the latest regulations and leveraging them to streamline operations can provide a competitive edge.