Product Development: Utility Thread

In Spring 2020, our Product Development course in conjunction with the Target Corporation tasked us with creating a circular design and sustainable business solutions that are in line with Target values, and challenge Target’s current systems. We had to create a product and/or process that will keep the resources in use indefinitely. In addition, our restrictions were that products can be made only in the US with domestic production and sourcing. Working in a team with Andrea Dunrud, Caity Swanger, and Xilin Yang, we developed a new brand: Utility Thread.

Click here to explore the Utility Thread website!

Our vision is to create a sustainable and circular brand called Utility Thread that sits beneath the Universal Thread brand, focusing on a capsule collection of utilitarian workwear. This brand aims to redesign each step in the clothing process by sourcing organic/compostable cotton from the United States, encompassing a broad customer base, and has multiple circular end of life options including repair, re-selling, and upcycling. The products in this line give opportunities for company partnerships, guest involvement, and an extended product assortment through re-purposed accessories. The heart of Utility Thread is at the intersection of inclusivity and sustainability. Our goal is to dress working people from many walks of life, and give them clothing that is comfortable, on trend, and long lasting.