The increasing popularity of eco-friendly denim production in the fashion industry is a direct result of growing consumer awareness, environmental concerns, and evolving legislation. Brands and manufacturers are incorporating sustainable practices throughout the supply chain to produce denim with a reduced environmental impact.
Sustainable practices in denim production
Two important factors to consider in eco-friendly denim production are the location and method of fabric production.
The geographical origin of denim fabric significantly impacts social and environmental factors. Different countries have varying labor rights and conditions, which can affect denim production’s social and environmental impact. For example, in some cases, workers may not receive fair wages, safety standards may not be met, or child labor may be exploited to keep production costs low and speed up the manufacturing process.
Additionally, producing denim and jeans closer to where they will be sold and used can reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation. A shorter supply chain from cotton seed to finished jeans, along with the use of efficient materials, technologies, and equipment, can also help minimize environmental impact.
As for the methods, eco-friendly denim production commences with the sourcing of cotton. Geography is again a critical factor here. Growing cotton in regions with the right weather and soil conditions can help reduce the use of water, pesticides, and other agricultural resources, thereby lessening its ecological impact. The type of cotton used is also of utmost importance. Opting for preferred fibers such as organic, regenerative, or Better Cotton is a fundamental aspect of eco-friendly denim production.
Utilizing water-, energy-, and chemical-saving technologies and machinery is a key strategy in reducing resource consumption and the environmental footprint of the production process. Equally important is the optimization of waste management. Implementing recycling and reuse programs for all possible materials is a crucial step in minimizing textile waste and promoting sustainability. Incorporating recycled fibers in denim production can then also decrease the use of virgin raw materials.
Similar practices can be implemented to finish jeans. Denim is different from most other fabrics, as it needs to be washed and finished after a garment is cut and sewn (unless manufacturers choose to leave it raw). Responsible technologies, equipment, and materials are just as important in industrial laundries as in denim production plants.
Laser technology can replace water-intensive sandblasting and dangerous manual scratching to create vintage effects and unique finishes. Ozone can be used for bleaching to remove indigo and achieve the desired wash while saving water. Additionally, bio-based alternatives to synthetic chemicals can be used to avoid hazardous substances that could harm the environment or human health.
Adopting these practices shows that the denim industry is taking significant steps toward a more sustainable future. However, there’s still room for improvement, and ongoing research and development are crucial to reduce the environmental impact of denim production further.
Benefits of eco-friendly production
Eco-friendly denim production offers numerous benefits, such as reduced environmental impact, increased social responsibility, and higher consumer appeal.
Eco-friendly production minimizes the use of water, energy, and harmful chemicals, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint in the industry. The reduced use of hazardous chemicals also prevents water pollution, as these substances are often released into rivers, lakes, or even oceans. Additionally, sustainable practices such as organic and regenerative farming techniques protect natural resources, enhance soil health, and improve biodiversity. There is a growing interest in preferred fibers, as well as increased awareness of the importance of using recycled materials, which avoid the use of virgin raw materials and the consequent exploitation of soil and other resources.
Furthermore, eco-friendly production prioritizes responsible labor practices and ethical sourcing, ensuring that workers are treated fairly and that the supply chain is transparent. Finally, consumer awareness about the benefits of eco-friendly production is increasing. Eco-conscious consumers increasingly seek sustainable fashion options, making eco-friendly denim a popular choice. By choosing eco-friendly denim, consumers can support sustainable fashion practices across multiple sectors and contribute to a healthier planet and a wealthier society.
A study by Ipsos and Humana People to People Italia, published in June 2024, revealed that 74% of Italians are interested in sustainable fashion practices, with no noticeable difference between different generations. Additionally, 31% of respondents are familiar with the concept of circular fashion, mainly in terms of practical and creative aspects related to reusing, adapting, and recycling.
Nearly half of the consumers believe that fashion companies should take more social responsibility to ensure the safety and health of their workers. However, the environmental impact of the industry is still underestimated, with only 11% of respondents considering it as one of the most polluting industries globally.
Candiani’s eco-friendly initiatives
For the last 50 years, we have been at the forefront of eco-friendly denim production. In 1974, the location of our mill was designated as the first ecological preserve in Italy, called Parco del Ticino. This preserve is subject to strict regulations to protect the environment and its diverse wildlife. As a result, all companies in the area, including ours, have made significant and ongoing investments to comply with these new restrictions.
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Candiani. We have consistently recycled and reused materials, saved resources, and reduced consumption, reflecting our commitment to industrial efficiency. In recent years, we have redoubled our efforts to minimize the global impact of our manufacturing processes and products.
Some of our latest and most significant innovations include Kitotex®, our patented sizing technology that replaces petroleum-based PVA with a biodegradable and non-toxic material obtained from renewable sources, known as chitosan. We have also developed COREVA™, our patented technology for creating the world’s first plastic-free and compostable stretch denim fabric.
Our sustainable innovations primarily target the B2B sector. However, a few years back, we introduced a B2C initiative to share our expertise in the denim industry with end consumers. Candiani Custom, located in Milan, is the first urban micro-factory to produce custom jeans. It aims to address some of the most critical issues in the fashion sector.
The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined emissions from marine shipping and international flights, and it also contributes to 20% of water pollution worldwide. Candiani Custom, in its commitment to sustainability, aims to minimize its carbon footprint by sourcing all materials and machinery locally within a 238 km radius in Italy.
Each year, around 25 billion unused garments are incinerated or sent to landfills as the supply of new apparel exceeds the demand. The fashion industry produces over 92 million tons of waste annually. To address this issue, Candiani Custom avoids overproduction by creating custom-made jeans only upon demand.
The clothing we no longer use is usually burned, thrown into landfills, or abandoned, which is harmful to the environment. Seventy-one percent of these clothes are made from synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels, which contribute to pollution. Candiani Custom is taking steps to address the problem of what happens to jeans at the end of their life by using fabrics, accessories, and materials that can be reused or recycled or that are biodegradable or compostable.
Many fashion companies produce their goods in countries with low production costs and lax regulations, often at the expense of human and labor rights, and they subject workers to unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Candiani Custom produces its jeans where they are sold, and Italy and the European Union as a whole have some of the strictest labor rights in the world.
Traceability and transparency are lacking in the fashion industry, as many companies have numerous suppliers, making it nearly impossible to track the entire supply chain. Candiani Custom was established with ten trusted Italian suppliers, creating a short and fully traceable supply chain. Furthermore, we are transparent about our production process, as our micro-factory is visible through glass, allowing everyone to see what happens.
