The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a nonprofit focused on the circular economy and sustainable practices, recently released a set of guidelines called the "Jeans Redesign," which strives to address waste within the denim industry by setting minimum requirements around materials, durability and more. The guidelines are based on the principles of the circular economy and will work to ensure jeans last longer, can easily be recycled, and are made in a way that is better for the environment and the health of garment workers.
Big brands are already taking note of this, as evidenced by the fact that Wrangler, Made well and Gap have already signed on to participate in the foundation's call for more sustainable denim. However, besides these well-known brands, a handful of independent brands are also opting for eco-friendly denim like the brand Boyish, who has formulated a top-to-bottom sustainability model that uses one-third the typical amount of water required for production. The brand’s dyeing process leverages reduced indigo with 80 per cent less sulphates and caustic soda than standard dye. Around 20 per cent of the brand’s products are made from deadstock or vintage fabrics that are then turned into new items.
Another denim brand Warp + Weft recently saved over 572 million gallons of water thanks to the implementation of eco-friendly production methods.
