Currently available at Walmart, a new jean range by Wrangler demonstrates the growing mainstream appeal of circular supply chain practices.

Launched by Kontoor Brands, the Wrangler x Accelerating Circularity jean range is available in black and indigo shades.  This men's straight-fit jean is made using mechanically recycled post-consumer and post-industrial cotton. Priced at $39.99, the jean incorporates 26 per cent recycled cotton, along with virgin cotton and elastane for added stretch.

A nonprofit dedicated to scaling textile-to-textile recycling systems, Accelerating Circularity emphasizes, collaborating with Wrangler allows the firm to set a new standard for post-consumer recycled content in commercially available denim.

The Wrangler x Accelerating Circularity collection was developed through collaboration across the textile supply chain, involving companies committed to sustainability. Bank & Vogue handled the collection of post-consumer waste, while Martex collected post-industrial waste. Giotex and Estopas performed the mechanical recycling. Parkdale Mills produced the yarns, and Cone Denim manufactured the fabrics.

As part of Accelerating Circularity's US-based trials, 23 tons each of post-consumer and post-industrial cotton were successfully recycled. In future, the organization aims to recycle 325 tons of post-consumer cotton, polyester, and man-made cellulosic materials.