Aquafil’s ECONYL brand has partnered with Levi’s to develop a new men’s collection made from regenerated nylon that has come from waste materials such as fishing nets and spent carpets. ECONYL fiber helps divert global waste streams from landfills and oceans. It is used to produce a wide range of textile products, including socks, sportswear, underwear, swimwear, and carpets. This is the first time the regenerated yarn will be used in jeans.

This new collection is a sustainable move that aims to make a small dent in the ocean’s pollution and also sever a dependence on cotton production. By partnering with ECONYL for the first time, Levi’s aims to show its commitment to a sustainable supply chain.

There is no guarantee that there will be enough land available to meet the global demand for cotton, which is the main input for denim apparel in the future. In order to be a successful company in a world where resources are constrained, Levi’s believes it needs to continue towards achieving closed-loop apparel, while also seeking to incorporate other alternatives to virgin raw materials.

According to Giulio Bonazzi, the Chairman and CEO of Aquafil, his company foresees a world where everyday items don’t have to come at the expense of the environment. This new partnership is further proof that sustainable materials can be used to reinvigorate products that have been traditionally made. Levi’s is redefining the denim industry, he concluded.