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Tag: sustainability

  • Recycled Carbon Smart Fabrics –Lululemon X Lanzatech: Promise For Denim Industry Also

    Recycled Carbon Smart Fabrics –Lululemon X Lanzatech: Promise For Denim Industry Also

    Lululemon Athletica Inc., the luxury athletic apparel brand, recently announced its collaboration with Biotechnology company LanzaTech, to produce the world’s first fabric with the use of recycled carbon emissions that would otherwise get released into the atmosphere as pollution. The carbon-capture experts and the high-end athleisure curator have fabricated a waste-gas-based polyester with the same appearance, advent, and properties of virgin polyester.

    LanzaTech – a New Zealand startup – uses nature-based solutions to make ethanol out of waste carbon sources and is partnering with different companies around the world including India Glycols Limited (IGL) and Taiwanese Far Eastern New Century(FENC) to transform ethanol into the polyester. Recycling carbon is a foundational element of the circular economy, which keeps fossil carbon in the ground, abating pollution and fossil fuel utilization when used to produce polyester. With a decreased carbon footprint, this innovation could remold Lululemon’s products and the apparel industry.
    The technology innovated by the company is compared to that of a brewery; instead of using yeast for traditional fermentation, industrial carbon waste is converted into fuels and chemicals by bacteria. The technology also holds great promise for the denim industry as polyester is one of the important fibers used in the denim products.

    “We must radically change how we source, utilize and dispose of carbon. Carbon recycling enables companies like Lululemon to continue to move away from virgin fossil resources, bring circularity to their products, and achieve their climate change goals around carbon reduction. We call this being ‘CarbonSmart.’” Says Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, LanzaTech.


    The biotech company claims that the ethanol so produced comes from a steel mill in China, where carbon monoxide is fermented and converted into ethanol. The company has worked with a chemical partner called India Glycols Limited to turn ethanol into mono ethylene glycol (MEG), a chemical normally made from fossil fuels. Another partner, the textile manufacturer Far Eastern New Century, used the MEG to make polyester. When made into Lululemon’s fabric, it’s the same as the one made from fossil fuels.

    HOW IS THE FABRIC MADE?

    According to LanzaTech, carbon is captured from various feedstocks, including synthetic gas, industrial emissions, agricultural waste, household waste, and other sources of carbon that have already been emitted into the atmosphere. These carbon molecules are then transformed into ethanol with the help of micro-organisms developed by them. The ethanol and other base ingredients thus produced are eventually converted into the resultant fabric, that is, polyester.
    This synthetic material provides the comfort, breathable wear, flattering shape, and fit that is necessary for athleisure clothes. This sustainable substitution of using carbon emissions instead of virgin petroleum or fossil fuel to produce polyester helps maintain ecological balance.


    “Since initially connecting LanzaTech’s Taiwanese joint-venture set up with a pilot plant in Taiwan, I believed this waste-gas-based polyester formation would be a sustainable solution for the polyester industry. We are happy to team up with IGL and Lululemon to complete the supply chain for this historical project and continue working with LanzaTech towards our common goal for a better Earth,” says Dr. Fanny Liao, Executive Vice President of RD at FENC.
    Lululemon hasn’t yet announced which products the fabric so produced may be used in. But by partnering with LanzaTech at a prompt stage, Lululemon is helping move the technology forward.
    Polyester fiber is one of the most prevalent synthetic fibers that usually uses petroleum-based feedstock. LanzaTech worked with Taiwanese textile manufacturer FENC to manufacture the ‘TOPGREEN Bio3-PET’ fiber which was made from LanzaTech’s ethanol. This initiative shows FENC’s and Lululemon’s dedication to sustainable innovation. Likewise, LanzaTech has also partnered with Unilever Pvt Limited to manufacture laundry detergent using recycled carbon emissions named OMO that has been rolled out in India.

    WHAT LED TO THIS BIG STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY?


    In October 2020, Lululemon published its first Impact Agenda, silhouetting its strategies to tackle social and environmental issues with 12 goals to drive progress. The partnership with LanzaTech is one of the many ways Lululemon is directed on bringing new technologies into operation.

    Lululemon Impact Agenda

    The Impact Agenda is the company’s stake in the ground towards an equitable and sustainable future. Developed through internal and external engagement, it is rooted in the social and environmental contexts in which it operates and the societal issues that matter most for the business and industry. This agenda outlines the company‘s commitments to improve environmental impact, contribute to a healthier future, and create long-term value.
    “We know sustainable innovation will play a key role in the future of retail and apparel, and we are excited to be at the forefront of innovative technology. Our partnership with LanzaTech will help Lululemon deliver on our Impact Agenda goals to make 100 per cent of our products with sustainable materials and end-of-use solutions, moving us toward a circular ecosystem by 2030,” says Ted Dagnese, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lululemon.

    This environmentally benign innovation will set new parameters for other brands to optimize resources with more replaceable and recyclable methods, thus contributing to a better future of the apparel industry.These are in themselves great steps and could become incomparable if the recyclability of the post consumer products created with such polyester could be somehow ensured – specially for the denim industry which is really focusing hard of post consumer wastes. We are perhaps waiting for that great technology news about easy extraction and recyclability of polyester .

  • Billion Dollar Collection By H&M – Part I

    Billion Dollar Collection By H&M – Part I

    H&M Foundation, a Global Change award winner, has supported early-stage innovation since 2015 while giving opportunities to people whose ideas can bring a change in the fashion industry. Startups struggle immensely to gather the funding and support to be able to change the world as we know it. H&M Foundation makes sure the voices of these startups are heard.

    H&M Foundation came up with The Billion Dollar Collection, essentially a fashion collection you can’t buy (unless you’re Jeff Bezos of course) because the price tag of each product (startup) reflects the funding they require. They present 10 innovative sustainable fashion startups that could revolutionize the fashion world. 

    The Foundation’s main motive is to create a shift in the fashion industry where sustainability and innovation are implemented as default practices by 2030. Accenture brought its 360-degree value approach to the collection with the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals in mind to illuminate the potential of these startups. The model shows each innovation could have a big positive impact on the planet if allowed to scale. The impact potential is indicative of high-level estimations of the innovations’ multi-dimensional value potential in 2030.

    “The Billion Dollar Collection presents a unique opportunity to help the fashion industry reinvent itself through sustainable innovations that can fuel future growth and bring positive change. By adopting our 360-degree value approach for this collection, we are demonstrating how these innovations can deliver value across multiple dimensions including sustainability – and move past narrowly defined views of value,” says Jill Standish Senior Managing Director and Global Retail Industry Group Lead at Accenture.

    Jill Standish

    She believes Sustainability is fueling the future of fashion. Along with moving to digital platforms, sustainable fashion is the other approach that is accelerating at a very fast pace. According to a recent consumer study by Accenture, 81% of shoppers globally now feel strongly that companies should do more to preserve the environment. Further, 62% of people shop following their values, and businesses are listening.

    SEACHANGE

    Seachange Team

    “Through a powerful jet engine that plugs directly into existing production systems, SeaChange wants to eliminate wastewater at its source to improve the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.”

    A lot of dyes and chemicals are used to get the right colors, finishes, and look of the garments. These processes are very harmful because these dyes and chemicals end up in the water and conventional wastewater treatment isn’t able to take care of it, the polluted water turns into a thick, toxic sludge and is often pulled up on land, resulting in chemical discharge through the soil and carbon emissions. Basically, the problem is moved around, not solved.

    Now, this is where SeaChange steps in, their mission is to eliminate pollution at its source by providing innovative and economical wastewater treatment systems. With their novel patented approach to water purification, SeaChange offers a way to make the clothes we want while protecting the environment.

    How does their technology work?

    The SeaChange technology plugs directly into existing factory systems and separates the water from toxins in one single step with the help of a powerful jet turbine. The water is released as clean water vapor into the atmosphere, and the sludge is converted into a concentrated dry powder that can be reused.

    The support required

    SeaChange requires $5,000,000 to convert its ideas into reality.

    Competition

    Primary competitors are traditional large water treatment contractors that employ decades-old technologies that were originally developed for sewage/ municipal water treatment.

    SeaChange’s impact potential according to Accenture

    • Will lead to wastewater elimination
    • Social sustainability; improved living surroundings
    • Reduction of 470,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually in 2030

    Seachange Impact

    VEGEA

    Vegea Team

    “With a vision of transforming the leather goods industry, Vegea contributes to a sustainable fashion future by making beautiful vegan leather out of leftovers from winemaking”

    Every fashion enthusiast has a leather jacket, a pair of leather pants, and a pair of leather boots. A leather jacket is essentially a staple for fashion lovers. The impact of real leather on the environment is destructive due to its toxic substances and carbon dioxide emissions. Vegea hopes to bring in demand for vegan alternatives.

    How is Vegan Leather produced?

    Italian team VEGEA has a sustainable solution to all of the above by using leftovers from wine production to create a fine leather-like material. Traditionally, the skins, stalks, and seeds are considered waste and therefore burnt, leading to carbon dioxide emissions. Instead, VEGEA uses this material and loops it into a circular model where waste is turned into a valuable resource.

    Business Model

    Focusing on B2B, VEGEA produces and sells its product to customers in multiple industries, such as fashion, furniture, automotive, and packaging. The material is adapted depending on the technical requirements of each field of application.

    The support required

    Vegea requires $6,000,000 to convert its ideas into reality.

    Competition

    VEGEA’s main and direct competition is oil-based synthetic leather. But the material also challenges animal-based leather and provides a solution to growing market demand for sustainably produced leather alternatives.

    Vegea’s impact potential according to Accenture

    • Creating sustainable ways to make customer’s favorite fashion statement pieces
    • No animal handling
    • Reduction of 1200 metric tones of fossil fuels raw material annually in 2030

    Vegea Process

    MYCOTEX

    MycoTEX Team

    “By developing a manufacturing method based on biomaterials, MycoTEX creates products that require less water than natural fibers do, and use no farmland or chemicals. its first product is made of mushroom roots and can – once it’s worn out – be buried in the ground and decomposed.”

    Customers have their demands set right; they want clothes to fit them perfectly, are made of natural materials, and are manufactured using methods that are clean, transparent, and produce zero waste. This is a difficult task for brands, especially considering they often need to deal with a complex, old supply chain.

    How does MycoTEX solve this problem?

    MycoTEX provides a sustainable solution to all of this. It has developed a seamless manufacturing method allowing for custom-made clothes made from compostable mushroom roots. Its ground-breaking method solves several major issues in the industry as it reduces the cost, waste, and labor intensity of cut and sew operations, replaces plastics and leathers with compostable materials while also improving the comfort and fit of fashion products.

    Business Model

    B2B with 3 revenue streams:

    • Fee per sold (bulk) item from strategic partners
    • Manufacturing license
    • Mark-up percentage on finished products from brands (royalties)

    The support required

    MycoTEX requires $3,000,000 to convert its ideas into reality.

    Competition

    The competition, like MycoWorks, Ecovative, Bolt Threads, Mogu, and MycoTech, all use a solid-state fermentation process based on the agricultural waste that needs to be developed from scratch. MycoTEX has a biotech approach and uses a liquid fermentation process that has already been proven, using significantly less space and time than the agricultural approach, and making it easier to scale.

    MycoTEX’s impact potential according to Accenture

    • No hazardous chemicals or farmland needed
    • On-demand production (speedy and agile)
    • 910,000 m2 saved leather waste annually with MycoTEX’s production solution in 2030

    MycoTEX Process

    DIMPORA

    Dimpora Team

    “A biodegradable and mineral-based membrane for outdoor wear, which is both waterproof and breathable, enabling outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature without harming it”

    To make outdoor wear waterproof, breathable, and dirt repellent, it is treated with fluorinated chemicals. We may not even know but our simple hike on a mountain most likely leaves a toxic trace. Once these chemicals are released into the environment, it can take several hundred years until they break down. These pollutants have been found anywhere from mountain lakes and polar bears to human bloodstreams.

    How did Dimpora tackle this problem?

    Dimpora has come up with EcoPur and Sane Membrane products which provide not just one of the two- waterproofness and breathability but both. This has never been done before but Dimpora excelled in bringing such a solution. The solution can be added to any type of garment in a micro-thin membrane that shields against the elements in a sustainable way.

    Business model

    Dimpora replaces existing materials with sustainable options. With three product families in its portfolio, it can gain from multiple revenue streams-+ Products (membranes or laminates) produced by collaboration partners and sell directly to brands as well as converters specializing in modifying or combining materials to create new products

    • Licensing to manufacturers that gives access to a larger market.
    • Soon, 3D products will be licensed and developed in collaboration with large partners.

    The support required

    Dimpora requires $8,000,000 to convert its ideas into reality.

    Competition

    Dimpora competes with conventional performance outdoor membranes containing fluorine and the fluorine-free membranes that have entered the market. Currently, the fluorine-free alternatives aren’t as comfortable, stretchy, or water-resistant as the chemically treated garments.

    Dimpora’s impact potential according to Accenture

    • Waterproof, breathable material with less environmental impact for consumers
    • Follows social sustainability, improved working conditions due to no solvents used in production
    • 850 metric tons of textiles enabled to be saved from linear single-use and discarded textiles annually with the Sane Membrane solution in 2030

    Dimpora Impact

    This article will be continued in Part 2 . Keep watching !

  • Alberto Candiani Talks About COREVA Technology @Denimsandjeans Virtual

    Alberto Candiani Talks About COREVA Technology @Denimsandjeans Virtual

    Candiani Denim , Italy have always been pioneers in the industry bringing out various innovative products and solutions over the years. Recently they have launched Coreva stretch technology which seems to address a very key concern of denim industry – circularity of stretch denim.

    At the 2nd edition of Denimsandjeans Virtual Show, Sandeep Agarwal spoke to Alberto Canidani to understand how this technology is going to help in improving biodegradability and other sustainability factors. We share his views on various points discussed during the talk .

    Background Of COREVA 

    It all started back in 2015 when I was just looking for a bio-based solution to elasticize our fabrics and was researching latex but then I landed on natural rubber and obviously, I had to study a little bit about it because it is a whole different animal compared to the synthetic elastomers we normally work with and of course I had to know more about vulcanization and what type of process.

    It is a long story and very technical as well as very interesting. Though we were looking for a solution to make our stretch yarns bio-based and biodegradable and that was the way to go and we found a couple of partners with whom we shared the research in Italy and Southeast Asia and we came up with this rubber – a natural rubber yarn which fits our cotton and our spinning technology, so we core spun with it and the great thing about it as I said is that this natural rubber despite all the other synthetic elastomers, it doesn’t interfere with the capability of our fabrics to biodegrade .

    Technical parameters in terms of stretchability recovery and everything is equal to or better than the spandex?

    I would say it’s comparable, it depends how elastic you want to go with it. At the beginning for instance it was very very complicated to keep it comfortable because this natural rubber has a lot a lot of traction and very good recovery actually but the problem was to keep it at at low elasticities. 

    We found a way to do that too and I would say in terms of physicals and performance it could be compared to pretty good elastomers out there, consider also that in terms of durability and strength it is very very solid product.

    It’s kind of funny when people ask me -hold on it’s going to biodegrade so you’re going to sweat and and your bacterias are going to make the fabric melt and  it’s going to fall apart . No, it’s core spun which is also very good because of the hypoallergenic aspect of it so it’s fully covered by the cotton and the elastomer itself it’s a pretty thick natural rubber yarn and that thickness guarantees very very strong recovery performance and strength. So all physicals look very good and part of the patent is the finishing process as well because it’s not easy to stabilize those fabrics because the elasticity ratio was really high and we had to come up with a pretty interesting solution to make the finishing possible and to stabilize those fabrics. The fabrics with the COREVA technology and the fine-tuning has been finalized. 

    Response of regress, acid ,and stone washes on the fabrics made from this yarn

    I would say fabrics made with COREVA are very flexible when it comes to laundry processing. We recommend not to use bleach, obviously, but that is something I would recommend anyway, but there is no particular technology or ingredient that COREVA can’t take. 

    We have two design centers, two tiny laundries- one here in Milan and one here in LA and those facilities were very helpful for us to study and analyze every single thing which could actually be done on COREVA and we didn’t really find any type of limitation.

    Compared to the normal regular spandex, How much expensive is this going to be  

    As far as the linear meter is concerned, I would say we are about 40 percent more expensive than the regular stretch denim and I would say the average price for Candiani at the moment is Euro 5.50 per meter and here we’re talking Euro 7.50.

    How helpful is this technology toward post-consumer recycling of the garments 

    I’m glad you’re asking this question because it’s something we recently found out. It is actually very easy to remove the natural rubber yarn from the actual cotton yarns so apparently it makes it easy so and also the PCR you obtain after the dismantling of the garments and the shredding of the fibers , it’s easy to get rid of COREVA..

     Scalability of this technology

    Today we could probably produce roughly one million meters with COREVA and I believe we can go up to 2.5 million meters in one year and eventually five in two years.

    It is true that some people have already inquired about licensing for a different type of materials outside of denim so I’ll be exploring maybe those opportunities but not for the next two or three years there’s uh there’s no room for us to go in that direction

    We’re actually sharing very interesting research with some of the elastomer suppliers we have a great collaboration with Roica who’s our strongest partner when it comes to elastomers and if you look what they’ve done with the v550 for instance which is a great elastomer .

    It is truly a better elastomer if you look at the sustainable features that come with it against all the other elastomers and I believe that is still more competitive and scalable than COREVA by itself so I don’t want to compete with those guys, I don’t want to compete with my partners eventually. 

    You can check out the

  • Calik Sustainability Report- Q&A With Tolga Ozkurt

    Calik Sustainability Report- Q&A With Tolga Ozkurt

    Calik Denim, one of the leading premium denim manufacturers in the world and is included among the top 200 exporters in Turkey. It has been focused on sustainability , the company has received a variety of international certificates such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), Oeko-Tex, RCS, Nordic Swan, Eco Label, EU Ecolabel and Global Recycle Standard (GRS). In addition, since 2016, the company has also been included in the Turkish Turquality Support Program, the only program by which companies that have competitive advantages and branding potential are supported by the government. Recently , they released their 2019 sustainability report with targets for 2025 . We spoke to Tolga Ozkurt, Deputy General Manager of Sales and Marketing regarding the same .

    Q.Among your 2025 sustainability goals, which do you think is the most important?

    At Calik Denim, we are aware of the responsibility of corporations to the world. Therefore we, as one of the leading premium denim manufacturers in the world, aim to maximize our accountability and transparency towards our operations. Also, the fact that the industry is being faced with global environmental and social change, shapes our path for future. We consider this change as a challenge that allows risks to turn into opportunities and as a reason for us to manage the impact of denim on life, create positive value for and deliver benefits to its stakeholders. Therefore, our sustainability strategy has been defined as Passion for Denim Passion for Life, focusing on the purpose of making a positive impact for a better life. We are truly encouraged by the passion for denim and passion for life to become the leading denim brand that triggers the sustainability-driven transformation in the industry.

    2025 TARGETS

    Calik1

    As a leading denim company, we set to achieve its purpose of making a positive impact for a better life by leading innovative products, creating positive impact for/ with our stakeholders and by reducing our impact on environment. Under our strategy, we defined 2025 Sustainability Targets under 4 main titles: Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Raw Material Procurement, Innovation and Thought Leadership, Internal and External Stakeholder Rights.

    In accordance with our vision, the most important issue we tackle with is environmental sustainability, about which we put much effort to improve. Living in an era where climate crisis drastically affects deeply the communities and environment urges us to take action to minimize our impact on the climate change.

    Under environmental sustainability title, we identified 4 targets that are related to each other:

    • Reducing carbon emissions per unit production by 20%,
    • 100% increase in the power generated from renewable resources as compared to 2018,
    • Reducing water consumption per unit production by 30%
    • Lastly reducing wastes emerging from production processes by 30%.

    Considering the fact that global textile industry causes the production of emission at 1.2 billion tons emissions of CO2 every year, we prioritize our first target “reducing carbon emissions per unit production by 20% until 2025”. While governments take action to reduce carbon emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement or the European Green Deal, we, as a business world, must also play a key role by increasing R&D investments and focus on innovative technologies that would reduce carbon emissions. We are developing innovative and sustainable products and technologies focusing on energy efficiency and reducing environmental footprint to contribute fighting against climate crisis.

    calik2

    Q. Water saving is such an important goal. But do you think there can be a uniform way to measure its usage?

    Among our other targets, we also find water management crucial for a sustainable future and sustainable industrial growth because textile industry is one of the industries that use natural resources, especially water, extensively. However, we believe that there are innovative solutions to minimize the waste and consumption of water and still pursue our Passion for Denim. By using technology and innovation, we are committed to improve the efficiency of our operations.

    Among our several innovative solutions, Washpro Technology is Calik’s latest sustainability-driven innovation that aims to reduce the environmental impact throughout the denim lifecycle. The new Washpro technology promises long-lasting freshness for garments thanks to Calik’s new fibre innovations. With Washpro technology, end-users are required to wash their jeans less throughout the denim garments life cycle. It’s well known that each home laundry requires a lot of water and energy, so Washpro featured fabrics provide significant saving of resources – a perfect remedy for new generation eco conscious consumers who are looking for products with greater intention and longevity.

    Other concept that we are proud of to develop is Oxygene. With the Oxygene concept, we are able to create awareness in the sector by ensuring that its customers make sustainable production with the concept developed. On the other hand, customer satisfaction increases with superior ozone washing effects, stone washing effects in a shorter time, bright look and clear tones, fabrics with a light touch. Thanks to the Oxygene concept, 95% less water, 50% less chemicals and 79% less energy is used during the washing stage.

    At Calik Denim, the water intensity per product has been reduced by 11% in 2019 compared to 2017. With new investments to be made, it is aimed to reduce the water intensity by 30% by 2025.

    calik4

     

    Q. Can you explain your Denethic and D Clear concepts.

    calik6

    We care about water resources and develop innovative and sustainable technologies for denim manufacturing. Denethic is a product concept we have developed with a sustainable approach for the whole supply chain of a denim garment – manufacture with its important contribution to sustain our environment and our planet consciously and with responsibility. With the Denethic concept, the need to wash jeans after sewing is eliminated and this technology provides fabrics with a washed look. Denethic allows us and our customers to reduce water consumption. While we save water by 44% for rinse look, 15% for rinse enzyme look and 32% for bleached look at mill, our customers use Denethic fabrics ready to cut and sew without washing.

    D-Clear technology of Calik Denim offers considerable saving values for both indigo / sulphur dyeing and finishing steps of production. The technology allows us to use 40% less water during the initial indigo dyeing and 83% less water during the finishing of denim and decrease the chemical use by 94%. We used D-Clear technology in 10% of our 2020-21 Fall- Winter collection and we aim raise it to 50% by 2020 and 100% by 2025.

    Q. Do you think Covid has given a stronger push towards sustainability?

    Covid-19 crisis has changed many aspects in our lives. Businesses and economies got damaged, as the crisis had its reflections on many systems other than health systems. Businesses were forced to slow down and most of the world has faced a drastic recession. According to the survey of Sustainable Apparel Coalition, 1/3 of the member brands were unprepared to such a crisis, which shows the importance of sustainability and risk management for corporations. Besides, it is estimated that revenues for the apparel and footwear sectors will contact by 27 to 30 percent in 2020.

    We believe that prioritizing sustainability is what allows a company to survive from such a period. Companies that were already prioritizing are able to recovery easier now. Despite its importance, most of the companies prioritized to solve short- term problems that Covid-19 has brought with survival instincts. However, the companies with long term goals may integrate sustainability into their practices, because it will make them more resilient and allow them to adopt quickly to new challenges.

    Besides the awakening of business, the awareness towards sustainability from the demand-consumer side has also risen. People facing with such a drastic crisis recognized the negative impact of unsustainable practices, including the unjust relation between the nature and human beings. The consumers are expected to prefer companies with sustainability practices more. With suppliers moving into “survival mode”, workers in some of the poorest countries face unemployment and risk of poverty and hunger. Applying human-centered practices in this time of crisis while also sustaining the businesses will influence many and shape the consumer behavior, which will determine the future of the companies.

    At Calik Denim, in terms of quick solutions during this time, focusing on virtual operations and keeping the communication sustained with customers is crucial and it was one of our first responses to the crisis. We directly reach our customers and suppliers or reach through our representatives in respective countries. We have shaped our strategy in accordance with country-specific conditions and restrictions. We localized our decisions and connections in this sense. In addition, we were able to turn our mobile application into a more useful tool during this period. It was our chance to have such a mobile technology, which we activated even more. Our mobile application was used for sample requests and we have created another module in which we uploaded our video for the exhibition and started a blog with a group of 4 prominent bloggers and editors who will write weekly on our industry. In new era, adopting strategies that embrace digital solutions and sustainability is key in building more resilience for the industry. 

    The company has , apart from the above, come out with various initiatives related to chemical management, waste management, climate change and energy .

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  • A Talk With Gloria From Ribbontex SRL

    A Talk With Gloria From Ribbontex SRL

    Ribbontex SRL, based in Italy, is one of the well known manufactures of accessories from Europe. The company produces ribbons, tapes, and patches in various categories.

    We’ve had a brief Q&A with Ms. Gloria Crivellaro from Ribbontex, where we tried to get perspective of the accessories industry in Italy and how they are trying to cater to sustainability requirements in this segment by buyers around the world.

    Europe witnessed a complete lockdown due to COVID 19, how’s your experience and what did Ribbontex do during the lockdown time?

    Gloria Crivellaro
    (Ribbontex)

    I am proud to say that we took advantage of this time of “greater” calm to grow and improve. It is during the difficult times that you can show your value. So we started to produce even protective masks, we started to work on the new collection and at the same time, we moved to a new and bigger building, able to meet the needs of our customers.

    All this, enhancing the concept of digitization and implementing the research for eco-sustainable materials. I always quote Darwin’s sentence.. so fitting for these hard times.

    “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”.

    And as I think that life is a dance between free will and destiny, we have to accept destiny when it is impossible to do otherwise, but without ever stopping to do and choose what we like.

    I believe that this experience has had and still will have many repercussions: for sure economically, but also humanly, socially, and emotionally. To be honest, especially in the beginning, it was a very difficult time. For a person like me, used to travel a lot, the sudden and total stop was a real shock.

    But, belonging to a Latin people, also the fact of not being able to shake the hands of friends, customers, acquaintances, of not being able to greet each other with a hug, the fact of looking at and talking to each other wearing a mask , was a shock.

    Personally I think that those weeks of closure at home and also the change in the habits of each of us forced us to see things differently. It forced us to deal with ourselves, our personality, our deepest, and most hidden fears.
    It made us discover unexplored “sides” of ourselves, forcing us to search, to “dig” inside instead of outside, to find new stimuli.

    Yes, each of us is a complex set of several and different facets. But I am convinced that this experience has highlighted some that we did not even know we had. And this can be seen as a positive aspect.

    Just as it is really positive that we all felt empathy for the rest of the world. We really felt closer despite the distance.

    What do you think makes Ribbontex SRL a different company from other accessory companies?

    Surely one of the strengths of our company is the top quality of our products, thanks to the raw materials used and the knowledge and the experience of our operators.

    Another one is the reactivity to customers’ requests. I think we are extremely flexible, proactive, and always willing to find a meeting point to satisfy our clients. This is because human relationships and mutual trust are and will always be extremely important values for us.

    How important is sustainability for the accessories companies and how has been Ribbontex contributing its bit towards this? Any specific products would you like to mention?

    I can’t think of a split between clothing and accessories. In fact, if the first is designed to be eco-friendly, the second must be the same.

    Sustainability is not a nice word to use to get more support. Sustainability is a lifestyle, a broader concept that Ribbontex already embraced many years ago. We have such a huge range of sustainable items, that it is practically impossible not to find something interesting and inspiring in it.

    Due to this ongoing pandemic, there have changes in consumer behavior and also in the overall buying attitude, What changes do you see in the requirements of buyers in recent times, and how you have adjusted to them?

    Certainly there have been many changes in the overall buying attitude and in my opinion many more will be in the coming months.

    The demands are more and more targeted and specific. I would sum up by saying that the request was simplified in terms of the number of items but undoubtedly it was articulated in terms of refinement and prestige of the same ones.

    What has an extra plus survives, the superfluous has been practically canceled by the new normal. How have we adjusted to these changes? We continued to produce high-quality products and at the same time we enhanced the concept of digitization and we implemented the research for eco-friendly materials.

    We want to be ready and prepared, whatever may be required in the near future. And as I think life is a dance between free will and destiny, we have accept things and adapt to them BUT never stopping to do and choose what we like.

    Please tell us about your latest sustainable collection?

    Ribbontex has always had an eye on ethical and sustainability aspects.

    This result , just to name a few examples, in the use of energy from renewable sources, in the use of raw materials with less environmental impact, in the banning of solvent inks for printing and the replacing with water-based ones.

    And obviously, in this perspective, our product and style manager, Mr. Raouik, my close friend for almost 15 years, created a truly fantastic sustainable collection. Inside there are amazing accessories produced by using biodegradable materials, hemp, organic cotton, materials recycled from plastic bottles, materials coming from vegetable oils, eco leathers, solvent-free etc…

    A really “green” collection.

    Need more info. on their products ?

    Get in touch with them at gloria@ribbontex.it
    Website â€“ https://www.ribbontex.it/
    LinkedIn â€“ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ribbontex/
    DE-Brands – https://www.de-brands.com/profile-exhibitor/624/

  • Ace Gold Green – A Blossom Of Covid-19

    Ace Gold Green – A Blossom Of Covid-19

    




    When the going gets tough – the tough get going ! 
    Adriano Goldschmied and Ace Rivington founder, Beau Lawrence, have come together during the lockdown to discuss the business model of the future. Inspired from the need for simplicity and durable products they decided to launch a brand built around an iconic item, with earth friendly materials and with the mission to inspire future designers and brands on how to build something with little money.  
    




    




    Ace Gold GreenTM is introducing their first product, TYPE ONE TEE, on Kickstarter in early June 2020. Both coming from strong backgrounds in the jean world, they couldn’t steer away from their heritage of indigo by adding a signature true indigo binding at the neckline that will fade down with every wash and wear. The t-shirt is also built with a blend of natural fibers and finished with RECYCROM™ dyestuffs created from 100% recycled textile materials supplied by Officina +39.  For updates, follow the brand launch by signing up at their website: AceGoldGreen.com 
    




    




    What makes Ace Gold GreenTM TYPE ONE TEE unique:
    




    • THE PROJECT THAT IS COMPLETELY DESIGNED REMOTELY DURING THE LOCKDOWN
    • ACE GOLD GREENTM REDEFINES THE NEW MARKET TO NOT OVERDESIGN
    • WE’RE BRINGING TO THE MARKET A RELEVANT SIMPLE T-SHIRT
    • THE T-SHIRT IS MADE WITH THE MOST SUSTAINABLE FIBERS; A BLEND OF HEMP AND TENCEL™
    • THIS ONE IS THE FIRST T-SHIRT THAT IS 100% COTTON FREE
    • HEMP IS ONE OF THE MOST ANTIBACTERIAL FIBER FOUND IN NATURE
    • TENCEL™ IS THE LEADING SUSTAINABLE FIBER
    • TOTALLY RECYCLABLE AND BIODEGRADABLE
    • PERFECT BASIC FIT THAT IS GENDERLESS
    • MADE IN LA RESPECTING PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT
    • WE DYE IN LA USING ONLY RECYCROM™ COLORS OF OFFICINA+ 39 MADE OUT OF RECYCLED COLORS
    • LOWEST CO2 IMPACT
    • CATERING TO THE NEW ERA OF DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
    




    


    




    ABOUT ADRIANO GOLDSCHMIED: 
    




    Recognized as “The Godfather of Denim” Goldschmied is known well throughout the apparel industry for innovation and creativity of the many brands and businesses he has helped to launch throughout his career.  In the early 1980s his business incubator, Genius Group, founded Diesel, Replay, A Gold E and many others.  Settling in the States in 2000, Goldschmied lead the industry creating many of the most recognizable brands we know today, including AG Adriano Goldschmied and Goldsign. In addition to his current design and branding work at Genious Group LLC, he and his partner, Vincenzo Marrocco, also oversees denim and knit supply business through “House of Gold”.  HouseOfGold.la
    




    ABOUT BEAU LAWRENCE:
    




    Beau Lawrence, Founder and President of Ace Rivington, has over 20 years of experience working in design and development of men’s jeanswear. The former Director of Men’s Denim at Guess Jeans, and VP of Design and Merchandising at Neff Headwear, Lawrence ventured out on his own to launch Ace Rivington in November of 2013. Ace Rivington is a men’s and women’s premium denim brand based in Santa Barbara, California.  Launched on Kickstarter in 2013 with an iconic sweatshirt, the company has expanded to include a full collection of denim lifestyle products and operates its own retail store and wholesale business.AceRivington.com
    




    ACE GOLD GREENTM PRESS CONTACT: tephy@acegoldgreen.com
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    G- Star Updates Its Sustainable Collection
    
			
    G- Star Updates Its Sustainable Collection
    
			
    Collage_Fotor_thumb2
    

    G-Star Raw is pushing the sustainability movement forward with a collection of stretch denim items for spring 2020 which is particularly designed for reuse. G-Star seeks to contribute to positive change in the denim industry , by using each sustainable innovation as a building block for a future . The brand has been working to recycle its jeans into new since 2012 when it released the first-ever Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Gold level-certified denim in late 2017 . The material properties and production process were carefully developed and rigorously tested to meet the highest-level requirements for all five Cradle to Cradle Certified™ categories:
    

      

    • Material health
      • 

    • Material reutilization
      • 

    • Renewable energy and carbon management
      • 

    • Water stewardship 
      • 

    • Social fairness.
      • 

    

    Now, its Spring 2020 line of men’s and women’s jackets and jeans is 100 percent recyclable — each piece made from organic cotton, blended with a sustainable stretch fiber. The brand says the items are created using only renewable energy and without any use of harmful chemicals throughout the entire production process, inclusive of indigo dyeing , making and washing of the garments — and, not a single drop of water is wasted during the wash process and last but not the least , it is made from organic cotton and a sustainable stretch fiber.
    

    SUSTAINABLE TECHNIQUES INCORPORATED
    

      

    • Buttons without toxic chemicals.
      • 

    • New indigo with 70% less chemicals and salts.
      • 

    • Air drying saves 85% energy.
      • 

    • 98% of water is recycled and 2% evaporates.
      • 

    • Each garment is 98% recycled.
      • 

    • Made with 100% organic products.
      • 

    

    denimsandjeans
    

    FURTHER TARGETED ENHANCEMENT IN 2020-
    

      

    • By 2020, they are trying to eliminate the use of wood- derived fabrics sourced from ancient and endangered forests
      • 

    

    Many other brands also have launched their biodegradable collections with sustainbility being the biggest current trend (and near foreseeable one)  for the denim industry . Brands and retailers like Lee, Guess, C&A , Stella , Denham and numerous others are trying to outdo each other in terms of their sustainability percentages while trying to retain their brand ethos.  Lee had just released their new collection of 100% bio degradable jeans (except the buttons) and many others are following suit.
    

    denimsandjeans
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Denimsandjeans Speaks To Guess And Lenzing Fibers On Their Recent Collab
    
			
    Denimsandjeans Speaks To Guess And Lenzing Fibers On Their Recent Collab
    
			
    This fall 2019, GUESS launched GUESS Eco: a collection for men and women made with environmentally conscious materials and manufacturing processes. The collection supports the brand’s sustainability goal to develop 25% of its denim and source 20% of its materials* according to its GUESS Eco guidelines by 2021. The GUESS Eco collection started in Europe in 2016 and is now offered globally every season.
    

    Utilizing water-saving techniques and environmentally friendly practices, all GUESS Eco denim this season, as well as select non-denim styles, features Lenzing’s TENCEL™ Lyocell. TENCEL™ branded fibers are derived from responsibly managed forests protected from illegal forest management practices.
    

    GUESS’s Eco Luxe denim, available in six different styles and washes, features TENCEL™ lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology – an innovative process that helps to reduce industry waste by upcycling cotton scraps from manufacturing. The brand’s classic 1981 Skinny and Sexy Curve fits have been developed with Eco Luxe denim fabrication, and can be outfitted with logo and graphic t-shirts and tanks made with 100% Organic cottons well knit tops and dresses made with Lenzing’s TENCEL™ Modal. For men, Eco Luxe slim tapered denim jeans in light to medium washes are seen alongside Super Skinny and Skinny style fits.
    

      
    

    

    “Guess Eco started as a grassroots initiative from our sustainability and product design teams, and has quickly grown into an important Company initiative. At GUESS we are responding with our resources and our strong commitment to change. The world is watching iconic brands like GUESS and asking ever more demanding questions about the impact we create with everything we do. Our promise is to make a conscious effort to offer high quality products designed with the environment and our communities in mind. I am very proud to see how our associates are using this incredible business as a force to make this world a better place.” – Carlos Alberini, CEO of GUESS?, Inc.
    

    

    

    “The evolution of the GUESS Eco denim to include TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ brings circularity to denim by utilizing cotton scraps without compromising quality or aesthetics. With the technology in fiber developments, GUESS is on a path to reduce its environmental footprint. We are pleased to partner with GUESS as they raise consumer awareness with educational messages across digital and retail platforms.” – Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development, Lenzing.
    

    

    Denimsandjeans Spoke to Guess and Tencel to understand more on this special collection :
    

    Q&A with Guess – Ms Cecilia Hands
    

      

    • You have a sustainability goal of reaching 25% denim and 20% of materials as per Guess Eco guidelines. Can you tell us more about it?
      Sustainability is a growing movement in our company and we wanted to set short term goals we could reach to benchmark our progress. So far, we are on track to meet or even exceed these goals. The 25% denim goal pertains only to GUESS Brand. The 20% materials portfolio goal pertains to all GUESS brands.
      • 

    • Please tell us the background of your collaboration with Tencel and how does this collaboration help you to achieve your sustainability goals recently unveiled?
      TENCEL is a branded, certified sustainable material from Lenzing. Lenzing is a preferred fiber provider because they are industry leaders in sustainable fiber production. Their processes are certified at every stage of the fiber production process as sustainably sourced, energy efficient and waste efficient.
      • 

    • How is Eco-Luxe Denim Collection different from your previous collections?
      The Eco Luxe Denim is a fresh iteration on our classic denim styles, with sustainable components that never compromise quality.
      • 

    • Do you have long term plans to reach higher goals of sustainability as some other brands are targeting?
      Our 2021 GUESS Eco goals are ambitious yet achievable. We intend to meet our goals so that we can set the bar higher for ourselves and our products in the long term. However, our sustainability reporting is third-party verified to assure the trust and integrity of reporting, which can sometimes require us to be more conservative than our peers, who do not have 3rd third party validation of their sustainability metrics.
      • 

    • Do you think the final consumer is ready to pay extra to buy sustainable denim even though a the cheaper but not sustainable option is readily available?
      Our goal is to recreate our classic styles in sustainable fabrics without compromising our price points. Although sustainable apparel can sometimes be more costly, we strive to offer our customers a luxury experience at accessible pricing.
      • 

    

    Q&A with Lenzing Fibers (Tencel) – Ms Tricia Carey
    

      

    • Lenzing has been working hard towards increasing the sustainability of the global fashion industry. How important is a collaboration with Guess in this direction?
      It was important to collaborate with Guess to support their strategic goals lowering the environmental impact, without compromising style and quality.  Guess established a viable fiber strategy, as well as an educational platform for their team.  Throughout the development process the Guess team was inquisitive and eager to learn.
      • 

    • Your most products have different elements of sustainability. Refibra is one of them. Can you enumerate how you would rank your own products from a sustainable angle?
      The Lenzing portfolio of fibers includes LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose, TENCEL™ Modal and Lyocell; all produced under our global pulp policy.  We offer manmade cellulosic options to support the sustainability strategies of brands and retailers across various product categories and price levels.  One of our latest developments is TENCEL™ Lyocell with  REFIBRA™  technology bringing circularity to textiles using cotton scraps to make new TENCEL™ lyocell fibers.  There is no compromise to strength or comfort with TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Denim.
      • 

    • How good, do you think, is the march of the global denim industry towards sustainability?
      Each season the denim industry is attempting to tackle the global sustainability challenges from fiber to finished products to consumer use. It is complex to address the water, chemical, energy, social issues and more impacting the denim industry.  At the same time we are faced with the factors of increased consumption, investment costs, greenwashing and price demands.  There certainly is a realization that we have to change our ways during this era of global sustainability revolution.
      • 

    

    Here are some images from the launch of Guess Eco Luxe Denim Collection :
    

        
    

    

    

    



    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    H&M Sustainability Report 2018
    
			
    H&M Sustainability Report 2018
    
			
    Hennes & Mauritz AB, a Swedish multinational and also one of the biggest clothing-retail company, has recently released its SUSTAINABILITY REPORT for 2018. In 109 pages of the report, the company has reported its efforts towards sustainability and also the future plans to enlarge the ambit of sustainability in its entire supply chain. Before we move towards the key highlights of this report, let’s look at some key figures of H&M below. Currently, the company operates in 71 markets with 4968 physical stores and have online shopping facility in 47 markets which collectively bring 22,696 million USD of net sales. The company is currently working with 2383 factories globally and has claimed to 800 million customers on an annual basis.
    

    H&M Sustainability Report–2018
    

    As stated in the report, the company has categorized its vision and strategy under the following three key ambitions:
    

    100% LEADING THE CHANGE
    

      

    1. Promote and scale innovation
      2. 

    2. Drive transparency
      3. 

    3. Reward sustainable actions
      4. 

    

    100% CIRCULAR & RENEWABLE
    

      

    1. A circular approach to how products are made and used
      2. 

    2. Use only recycled or other sustainably sourced materials
      3. 

    3. A climate positive value chain
      4. 

    

    100% FAIR & EQUAL
    

      

    1. Fair jobs for all
      2. 

    2. Inclusion and diversity
      3. 

    

    

    “From the beginning, our role has been to democratize fashion. Today, that means making it sustainable: it’s the only way we’ll keep making great fashion and design available today, tomorrow and for generations to come. We will continue our work to lead the change towards a sustainable fashion industry”, says Anna Gedda, Head of Sustainability H&M Group.
    

    

    H&M Sustainability Report–2018
    

    

    FACTORS OF SUSTAINABILITY
    

    RECYCLING 
    

    As per the released report, the company claimed to recycle 57% of all materials used during the course of production/manufacturing in 2018 which is 23% more than what they had last year. So far as the recycling of cotton is concerned, it reached 95% and the company is targeting for 100% for next year. The report further stated that, approx. 20,649 tonnes of textiles were collected for reuse and recycling through their collecting initiative which is 16% more than last year and represents the equivalent of 103 million T-shirts. The company also managed to reduce the carbon emission by 11% from the year 2017 and as per the report, the group set new goals of reducing absolute GHG-emissions in the company’s own operations by another 40% by 2030.
    

    Not only production but H&M has also reportedly set a new goal of using either 100% recycled or sustainably sourced materials for all kind of packaging by 2030. The group has also created a roadmap to save the consumption as well as to re-use wastewater, which will be supported by WWF, and the target would be to reduce the water usage by 25% in production and to recycle 15% of wastewater back into production processes by 2022.
    

    “Recycled materials are truly a win-win: they stop waste material from going to landfill and reduce the use of virgin raw materials. However, for many types of textiles, viable recycling solutions either do not exist or are not commercially available on a large scale. We are therefore collaborating with scientists and innovators to tackle this change, but at the same time working to increase other sustainably sourced materials as quickly as possible”, says Cecilia Brännsten, Environmental Sustainability Manager H&M Group.
    

    H&M Sustainability Report–2018
    

    

    TRANSPARENCY
    

    Taking the entire narrative of Transparency to a different level, according to the report , later in April, H&M and H&M Home will add more information to its products on hm.com, enabling customers to find out in which factory their favorites products were produced, as well as further information on material composition and solutions for re-using and recycling products that are worn-out.
    

    The group has also launched The Take Care Concept in further four markets, offering customers guidance, repair services, and products to care for their garments so they can live a longer life. The company has invested a lot of resources in the Artificial Intelligence to ensure the effectiveness in the entire supply chain and also to make it easier to ensure a good match between production and demand, thus saving energy, transport, and resources.
    

    “Big change requires bold actions and the courage to aim high. At the same time, we have to be humble to the challenges our planet is facing. So if we want to make a real change, we have to be brave, push the boundaries and not be afraid to fail.” ANNA GEDDA, HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY, H&M GROUP
    

    EQUAL AND FAIR PAY
    

    For a fair pay, the group has launched Fair Living Wage Strategy, under which the company set some targets last year and the result of which has been published in this report. Here is what their’ target and result :
    

    Goal: Ensure that supplier factories producing 50% of H&M Group’s product volume are implementing improved Wage Management Systems by 2018.
    

    Result: Exceeded the goal. 67% of their product volume is made in factories that are implementing improved Wage Management Systems. This covers 500 factories and about 635,000 workers.
    

    Goal: Ensure that supplier factories producing 50% of H&M Group’s product volume have democratically-elected worker representation in place by 2018.
    

    Result:  Exceeded the goal. 73% of their production volume is made in factories that have democratically-elected worker representatives in place. This covers 594 factories and about 840,000 workers.
    

    Goal: Ensure that 100% of supplier factories In Bangladesh have democratically-elected worker representation in place by 2018.
    

    Result: Reached this goal ahead of schedule. 100% of their tier 1 supplier factories in Bangladesh had democratically-elected worker representation by December 2017.
    

    Goal: 90% of business partners should regard H&M Group as a fair business partner by 2018.
    

    Result: Reached this goal, 93% of their business partners see H&M Group as a fair business partner by 2018.
    

    With such encouraging results, now the company is also focusing on building industry collaborations. Therefore, a conglomerate of 22 brands, several Industries, a global trade union representing the textile workers, have been formed which will come together within the collaboration platform. The objective is to create a ground-breaking system change and to transform the textile industry by promoting collective bargaining agreements, that are supported by brands’ responsible purchasing practices. The brands within this arrangement have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which commits them to ensure that their purchasing practices facilitate the payment of a living wage.
    

    “The fact that 22 global brands have come together to tackle the issue of wages in the textile industry makes ACT a really ground-breaking coalition. It’s a true game-changer for the industry, paving the way for collective bargaining agreements and making it possible to find solutions at industry level which will stand the test of time. By ensuring that brands’ purchasing practices are included in the equation, a crucial step in creating a solid foundation for fair living wages has been taken”, says Jenny Fagerlin, Global Social Sustainability Manager H&M Group.H&M Sustainability Report–2018
    

    Keeping the sustainability in the center, Denimsandjeans Vietnam is also coming up with its 4th edition of Denim Show under the theme- MY EARTH MY DENIM which is scheduled for June 12-13 at Ho Chi Minh City. To get the invites, log on to www.vmshow..denimsandjeans.com.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    KG Fabriks – Sustainability Efforts By Denimsandjeans Exhibitors – V
    
			
    KG Fabriks – Sustainability Efforts By Denimsandjeans Exhibitors – V
    
			
    KG Fabriks Limited , is a denim fabric manufacturers from India who have spent a lot of time and effort in making their production processes sustainable and the company has recently been certified by TUV NORD. The company excitedly mentions :
    

    

    “Right from its inception in 2005, we have boldly taken the sustainability route for denim production. As the first organisation to use biomass to fuel our processes, KGFL also adopts energy efficient measures, water recycling and controls greenhouse emissions in its endeavor to pioneer planet-friendly denim fabrics. KGFL is far ahead of other denim mills in terms of True Sustainability.  An Audit has been conducted by TUV NORD to classify our products as Green Products combined with trademarked “Green Dnm” swing tag.”
    

    

    The “Green Dnm” swing tag with QR code on each garment conveys a precise message to the customer according to KG Fabriks :
    

    

    “Earth Friendly Fashion. Conscious Denim. Denim fabric made with so little water that it helps save precious drinking water. Green Dnm swing tag on your garment shows your support for the future of our children”
    

    

    KG Fabriks Gets “ Green Dnm” Swing Tag
    

    The company further claims
    

    

    “100% Raw Material Utilisation, Optimum Dye Penetration, 96% ETP Water Recovery and Green Energy concepts combined with Social Sustainability in terms of employment to backward and underprivileged communities led to KG Fabriks’ products certified as Green Products by TUV.   Sustainable measures at KG Fabriks result in potential savings in terms of water  (equal to supplying drinking water to 800, 000 people everyday),  massive usage of recycled polyester fibers  (close to 5,500,000 pet bottle recycled polyester used every month) and maximizing green energy (solar & wind). “
    

    

    We spoke to Mr Srihari Balakrishnan – Managing Director – at  KG Fabriks  to understand why he feels their efforts on sustainability are really special :
    

    When did KG Fabriks start working on sustainability?
    

    We started our journey on sustainability 5 years back. We became a Zero Liquid and Zero Solid Discharge company first and this helped us to reduce our Chemical footprint by over 30% compared to a conventional denim company.We took extensive trials on reducing water, chemical and carbon footprints and stabilised on all these fronts an year ago.
    

    We approached sustainability in a holistic manner, starting from complete utlisation of cotton fiber and yarns, lowest usage of water per meter with highest recovery in the industry, optimum usage of dyes and chemicals combined with reuse / recycle technologies and moving more towards renewable energy sources. Today, close to 50% of the energy we use is from renewable sources and in next 3 years, close to 80% will be from renewable sources.
    

    You recd. the TUV certificate . Has any other denim mill received the same. What is the importance of this certificate and how much time and efforts it took you to get it . 
    

    This certificate is first of its kind in the denim world. TUV NORD conducted the audit for 90 man-days in all our manufacturing locations which includes our spinning mills, value addition facilities and denim plant.
    

    The audit comprised of evaluating our approach towards conscious usage of raw materials, reducing water consumption and maximising recovery, adaption of renewable energy, reusage of dyes and chemicals along with Zero Liquid and Zero Solid Discharge techniques. They also verified three years’ data on each and every claim we made. Our “Green Denim” fabrics is a “Product and Process certified” wholesome development in the denim industry. In fact, after we have has this holistic approach, we are being approached by a number of certifying agencies to certify our denim either in the closed loop or in the cradle to cradle programs and we are evaluating our option on which program will be more useful for our company, in our onward journey towards super sustainability.
    

    Congratulations on getting Green Dnm tag. Can the apparel retailers use this tag ? Will you be doing co branding with some retailers on this.
    

    Yes, retailers can use this swing tag on their garments. We have already started shipping the tags to few of our customers against their orders. The QR code on the reverse side of the tag takes you to our website that talks about our earth friendly sustainable approach. We are also talking to some retailers on co-branding. In fact, our Green Denim could be tagged along with other certified products like Organic, BCI, tencel, etc. to make the fabric more eco-friendly. And if they use dry process in garment making, the final jeans becomes really sustainable.
    

    What is the future efforts in direction of sustainability that you see.
    

    We are working on certain in-house developed proprietary technologies to make our products and processes Super Sustainable. We are hopeful of further reducing the carbon footprints to considerable levels with our proprietary technologies viz., i-Wash, i-TopUp and p-Acid, which are in alpha stage at the moment and will move to beta stage in another three months’ time. In another 12 months, we will set the future of Denim, leaving other denim mills 20 years behind in sustainability. Today there are two options for denim mills, to buy certificates or be truly sustainable. We have taken option 2, decided to become truly sustainable. This will not only help conserve water, but also reduce chemicals etc.
    

    Our conservation efforts have helped save drinking water needs for 800,000 people every day. Recycled polyester usage amounts to 5,500,000 PET bottles being converted into fabrics every month. Successful implementation of proprietary technologies will lead to reduction in water discharge by our dyeing machine by 90% and ETP operations by 50%
    

    “Let us leave the earth liveable for future generations”. 
    

    KG Fabriks Gets “ Green Dnm” Swing TagKG Fabriks Gets “ Green Dnm” Swing TagKG Fabriks Gets “ Green Dnm” Swing TagKG Fabriks Gets “ Green Dnm” Swing Tag
    

    

    

    Denimsandjeans Vietnam | 4th Edition 
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Prosperity Textiles –  Sustainability Efforts By The Exhibitors Of Denimsandjeans | Part IV
    
			
    Prosperity Textiles –  Sustainability Efforts By The Exhibitors Of Denimsandjeans | Part IV
    
			
    Continuing our series of articles on sustainability efforts by our exhibitors, we are bringing the third in the series with the first two reports being already published and can be found here , here , and here. In the 4th report , we are covering Prosperity Textile from China showcasing their efforts towards the same .
    

    P R O S P E R I T Y 
    

    As a large-scale denim fabric manufacturer with 80 million yards capacity, Prosperity Textile is dedicated to push for sustainable development in denim since founded in 1999, focusing on eco material, green energy and clean production. According to them , In 2017, 20% of  their product sales were from sustainable collections, and they have developed a wide range of eco-friendly products, from sustainable cotton to TENCEL™ Lyocell and from recycled polyester to water/chemical-less dyeing, RE+INVENT denim collection.
    

    One of the latest highlights, they are adding recycled cotton to promote the circular economic idea, which is also certified with Recycled Content Standard. They mention that they  manage to keep the original blue color of the recycled stuffs, weaving this yarn in the weft, which exhibits super-nice blue faded cast too. Truly vintage and easy-to-identify the recycled concept. And for the dyes they use CARMINE BLUE, which is their signature free-of-hydrosulfite dyeing technology with pre-reduce liquid indigo.
    

    Prosperity Textile – Sustainability Efforts By The Exhibitors Of Denimsandjeans 
    

    Prosperity further mentions that in Jul 2016, they have successfully connected a 218 KW solar system on the rooftop of our warehouse to the grid, in 25 years, the average annual electricity generation is 190,000 kWh, reducing CO2 emissions by 198 tons a year. They are also expecting to install another 2 MW solar projects in coming years, to cover more energy use with clean energy.
    

    Prosperity Textile – Sustainability Efforts By The Exhibitors Of Denimsandjeans 
    

    According to Prosperity Textile, they are also acting as a pioneer and choosing the first sustainable innovation in the weaving industry: the brand-new iSAVER™ equipped on R95002denim by Itema, for its newly-opened denim mill in Vietnam. This new technology is able to completely eliminate the left-hand weft waste, allowing to insert the weft yarns in the fabric without the need of additional yarns. iSAVER™ significantly reduces raw material waste, leading to tangible benefits in terms of machine’s efficiency, cost reduction and energy saving. The company mentions that this is for the first time a sustainable solution in weaving equipments has been implemented saving 1000 Kg of cotton per machine per year – about 3% of the total raw materials .
    

    Prosperity Textile – Sustainability Efforts By The Exhibitors Of Denimsandjeans 
    

    As a result, while the total denim production output at Prosperity Textile in 2017 was increased by 20% to 2016, they claim that they have successfully managed to reduce the GHG emission per meter by 5.4%, water and electricity consumption was also down by 11.5% and 7.9% respectively, per meter.
    

    Prosperity Textile – Sustainability Efforts By The Exhibitors Of Denimsandjeans 
    

    The company is emphatic in its commitment to sustainability and concludes :
    

    

    “Prosperity Textile is committed to sustainability development, and closely works with many third-party certification institutions to make sure the claims of our production and products are true and accurate. We have been awarded the certifications of ISO 9001, 14001, Oeko-Tex® 100, OCS, RCS, Textile Security Label, etc., and are also the members of LYCRA EXCHANGE, BCI, COTTON LEADS and SAC. In Apr 2015, Prosperity received the awards of Top 5 in energy reduction of CLEAN by Design 2014 from Natural Resources Defense Council and World Bank. And in 2016, Prosperity Textile became the first Chinese denim mill joining bluesign® system”
    

    

     
    

    The next article in sustainability series would be published soon !
    

    IND & VM Show Dates Lin'-
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    H&M Speaks To Denimsandjeans On Their Sustainability Efforts
    
			
    H&M Speaks To Denimsandjeans On Their Sustainability Efforts
    
			
    H&M is the retailer most often in news for its sustainable activities. As a group policy, the retailer is moving towards higher levels of sustainability for its apparel products setting up tight goals and targets. For a company as big as H&M, it’s not really an easy task to make their huge supply chain to move in the same direction as their goals. We wanted to understand how the company is planning to do this and how they see sustainability becoming an integral part of their objectives in the coming times. We spoke to Ms. Cecilia Brännstens, Environmental Sustainability Manager, H&M Group to find more about their efforts in this direction and she apprised us about the same.
    

    

    1.H&M is now the biggest user of sustainable cotton and man-made cellulosic materials globally. It must have been an uphill task. What did it take to reach here?
    

    This has been a journey that has evolved during the years and we have become more ambitious along the way. We believe that a company of our size and scale has a responsibility as well as an opportunity to lead the change towards a more sustainable fashion and design industry. We started in the 90s to use organic cotton and back in 2010 we went one step further setting our goal to only use sustainably sourced cotton by 2020. A few years back we set the high ambition to become fully circular and renewable which includes, among many other things, our aim to only use recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030. Since our circular approach takes the whole value chain into consideration, from design, materials, production, process, use, reuse and recycle, we have also worked with setting concrete actions in each area. From how to design for circularity to how to improve our water and chemical management.
    

    2. Congratulations on creating the ambitious goal of using only sustainably sourced materials by 2030. How feasible will this be considering the huge number of suppliers you have globally? 
    

    In 2017 already 35% of our total material was sustainable sourced materials, so we are fully committed that we will achieve it. The reality we face today is that shifting from a linear to a circular business model is challenging, mainly due to lack of technology to make recycling fully scalable. That´s way we are actively investing in innovation to overcome this challenge, as it will play a key role to reach our 2030 goal. Of course, we need to have our committed suppliers onboard on this journey to succeed. All our commercial business partners have signed our sustainability commitment and share our vision. Since we are present in our sourcing markets, that gives us a unique position to have daily contact with our suppliers, which helps us to build long-term relationships with them.
    

    3.Cotton is your largest input material. We understand in 2017 about 59% of it was from sustainable sources like BCI, Organic etc. What % currently cotton forms in your total usage of materials. Do you see that there will be a further growth in this share as you move the path of sustainability?
    

    Yes, we see a growth within these materials (organic cotton, recycle cotton and BCI cotton) since it is the material we use the most. Our goal is as mentioned for all our cotton to come from sustainable sources by 2020. H&M group is , according to Textile exchange , the biggest user of sustainable cotton which includes, organic, recycled, and cotton from BCI.
    

    H&M Speaks To Denimsandjeans On Their Sustainability Efforts
    

    4. Renewable energy is another front where many global players are focusing on. Is this aspect under your radar too. Can you enlighten us on the same?
    

    We have set an ambitious goal to become climate positive by 2040, and we have identified 3 main areas to achieve it, where renewable energy and energy efficiency are two of them (third being climate resilience). To become climate positive means that we will remove more emissions from the atmosphere than we are responsible for creating. Ways of reaching our goal is for example:
    

      

    1. 

      Sourcing only 100 % renewable electricity in our own operations. In 2017, 96% of all the electricity used in our stores, offices and warehouses came from renewable sources.
      

      2. 

    2. 

      We are expanding production of renewable electricity through windmills and solar panels on warehouses as well as IT data centers.
      

      3. 

    3. 

      We have invested in GO2 – an innova­tive project that bundles the cost of our renewable energy usage with a contribution to new renewable energy supply.
      

      4. 

    

    H&M Speaks To Denimsandjeans On Their Sustainability EffortsH&M Speaks To Denimsandjeans On Their Sustainability Efforts
    

    5. There are varied versions and interpretations of sustainability. How do you define sustainability?
    

    By definition, sustainability means to lead your business in a way so you meet the needs of present and future generations, using the resources responsibly. It is all about using materials that decrease the dependence on virgin resources, require less chemicals, energy and water and minimize the amount of materials that ends up as waste. It is also about being a fair and equal company.
    

    6. Supply chain side has seen great improvements over the last few years in terms of sustainability especially with the efforts of retailers like H&M. But there is the consumption side which again has a large environmental footprint. Do you think anything can be done on this front? 
    

    Yes we do, and one thing we can do as a company is to ensure that we create products that can be used for as long as possible and that our customers can care for them in a sustainable way. As an example, in spring 2018 H&M launched the “Take Care” project in Germany ( this will be rolled out in several markets ) It is an initiative that aims at helping customers prolong the life of their products, providing guidance, inspiration as well as services and products to refresh, repair and remake their clothes. H&M also has a global garment collecting initiative which means that our customers can bring unwanted textiles to our store, so we can give them new life by reusing or recycling them.
    

    H&M Speaks To Denimsandjeans On Their Sustainability Efforts
    

    7.Sustainability still does not have a uniform and standardized way of measurement. Do you think in near future we can have a measurement tool or a score which can enable the consumer to gauge the sustainability of apparel products easily? 
    

    We support full customer transparency, we were among the first global fashion companies making its supplier list public and we are taking steps to provide more information on product level. On that note H&M fully supports the initiative to develop a consumer labelling system allowing the customers to compare products from a sustainability perspective, even from different brands, the Higg Index. With the Higg Index we hope that in the future there is a label available for customers that provide all sorts of information about a certain garment covering environmental as well as social aspects.
    

    8.What changes you see in the denim supply chain over the next decade as there is increased consumer awareness about the environmental impacts of their jeans.
    

    Denim production comes with some challenges, mainly due to the amount of water, energy and chemicals used. Since 2015, we have scored all our denim products using Jeanologia’s Environmental Impact Measurement tool. This third-party tool helps us and our suppliers measure, set targets and reduce water, energy and chemical use in our denim production. In 2017, 55 % of our denim products achieved “green “ level, which means they used a maximum of 35 liters of water per garment during the treatment processes.
    

    H&M Speaks To Denimsandjeans On Their Sustainability EffortsH&M Speaks To Denimsandjeans On Their Sustainability Efforts
    

    9.Any other efforts on sustainability side which you might like to share with our readers. 
    

    We see that sustainability is a question for the whole fashion industry. H&M group are working on bringing partners together to identify challenges and share innovative ideas and solutions. We want to lead the change across our own operations and those of the industry and break new ground to improve the way our products are designed and made. We believe the best way to change the perception on the fashion industry is to lead by example and build awareness. Having a clear sustainability strategy, with concrete goals, road maps and actions, while being open and transparent on progress and challenges on the way.
    

    

    H&M Speaks To Denimsandjeans On Their Sustainability Efforts