C&A’s denim plant in Germany has technologies specialized for sustainable production.

The facility is powered by 100 percent renewable electricity from on-site solar and a wind farm and about 50 percent of the water used is recycled. Finishing machines are equipped with modern systems to reduce the consumption of water and chemicals by up to 80 percent compared to conventional finishing. The aim is to create a more digital and sustainable textile production and supply chain.

Completed in September 2021, the facility initially hired and trained about 100 employees for the sewing and laundry departments and has produced six styles for C&A’s Forever Denim Collection. Production is ramping up starting with 4,00,000 jeans per year and could expand to 8,00,000.C&A is working to clean up its denim business and help others in their own sustainable evolution.

The company open-sourced its Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified jeans guidance to support others in the industry. In 2020, the company introduced the first-ever Platinum level C2C certified denim apparel made in partnership with long-term supplier Rajby Textiles. Called Beluga Denim, the organic cotton fabric is made with 100 percent renewable resources and is fully traceable. The fabric manufacturing process is 100 percent carbon neutral and the water used to make it kept in a closed loop system.