Denim, a timeless fashion staple, is experiencing a transformation in 2024. There is a strong focus on innovation centered around sustainability, circularity, and reducing environmental impact. With the fashion industry under growing pressure to be more eco-friendly, denim manufacturers are introducing groundbreaking technologies and sustainable practices that align with a greener future.
Latest denim technologies
The denim industry, long under scrutiny for its environmental impact, has made significant advancements in 2024. These advancements, from the initial fibers to the finished jeans, have addressed the issues of water, energy, and chemical use in traditional production methods. However, it’s crucial to recognize that there are still ongoing challenges that require urgent attention and further improvements.
One prominent trend is the adoption of next-generation fibers meant to minimize the environmental impact of denim production. Companies are exploring alternatives to conventional cotton, such as organic and regenerative cotton, which require less water and pesticides to be grown, as well as recycled fibers to reduce the need for virgin raw materials. According to the Textile Exchange’s 2023 report, the market share of preferred cotton, i.e., cotton qualities with improved environmental and social impact, slightly increased to 27% in 2022 compared to 25% in 2021.
Another area of innovation is eco-friendly dyeing technologies, offering a world of vibrant, long-lasting colors. The denim industry, historically a major water consumer, is now adopting new dyeing methods that use significantly less water and non-toxic dyes. These methods not only minimize environmental harm but also produce colors that are as vibrant and long-lasting as those from traditional methods, or even more. For instance, some manufacturers use plant-based dyes and digital printing technologies to create sustainable and stylish denim, opening up a new world of possibilities for denim design.
Water-saving technologies are also making a significant impact on finishing jeans and denim garments. Unlike other fabrics, denim needs to be washed and finished in industrial laundry after a garment is cut and sewn. However, new technologies are drastically reducing water usage in finishing processes, similar to what happens in the dyeing department. Some manufacturers use ozone technology and waterless dyeing techniques that eliminate the need for water, inspiring a more sustainable approach to denim production.
Technological innovation also plays a crucial role in the denim industry’s sustainability efforts. AI and data-driven technologies optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. For example, laser finishing technologies can replace traditional methods that require large amounts of water and chemicals to achieve the desired look and feel of denim, which can be harmful as they involve manual scratching. Laser technology can create patterns and fades with precision, using less energy and resources and eliminating the risk of people coming into contact with toxic substances.
Innovative denim fabrics
Circularity, which involves designing products with their end-of-life in mind, is becoming a central focus in denim innovation. Brands are employing strategies such as upcycling and closed-loop manufacturing processes to minimize waste and extend the life of denim products.
Upcycling entails repurposing old or discarded denim into new garments. This practice not only reduces the need for new raw materials but also prevents textile waste from ending up in landfills or being incinerated. The Guardian reports that around 87% of global discarded textiles end up being destroyed. Brands increasingly collaborate with artists and designers to create unique, upcycled denim pieces that appeal to eco-conscious consumers. These pieces often carry a premium due to their limited-edition nature and sustainable credentials.
Closed-loop manufacturing takes circularity further by creating systems where old denim can be recycled into new fabric, continuously looping through production. This approach reduces the need for virgin materials and lowers the overall carbon footprint of denim production. Thanks to advanced recycling technologies, fibers can be extracted from old denim to create high-quality new fabric. Some brands are even offering take-back programs, encouraging customers to return their old jeans for recycling.
Recycling can occur at various stages, not just after consumer use. Post-industrial recycling involves materials lost during manufacturing, while pre-consumer recycling involves unsold finished products. The strength of the fibers decreases from post-industrial to post-consumer, so denim fabrics can be 100% post-industrial, but post-consumer fibers need to be blended with stronger raw materials.
At Candiani, we are dedicated to addressing denim end-of-life issues by promoting circular business models in the industry. Two recent and noteworthy examples of our efforts are the COREVA™ stretch technology and the Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) program.
Our patented COREVA™ technology enables the production of the world’s first plastic-free and compostable stretch denim. This material not only provides exceptional natural comfort but also ensures that the denim easily breaks down at the end of its life cycle, reducing waste. Tests have demonstrated that under proper conditions, our COREVA™ denim fabrics can transform into compost in less than six months without harmful effects and can even promote plant growth and germination. We are pleased to see the increasing interest in compostable stretch denim, as the widespread use of fossil fuel-based synthetic fibers that pollute the environment is a major concern in the fashion industry.
Our PCR program, launched in partnership with Humana People to People Italia and Filatura Astro, aims to address the significant issue of textile waste in the fashion sector. Humana People to People Italia processes used, damaged jeans by removing buttons, zippers, patches, etc., while Filatura Astro shreds and spins these garments into new yarns. We utilize these yarns to create denim fabrics with up to 30% recycled content.
Future trends in denim production
We believe that true innovation can only happen alongside sustainability as fashion is one of the most polluting sectors globally and has a significant social impact. However, as long as cost remains the primary consideration in the industry, widespread use of innovative and sustainable materials and the resulting significant positive effects will not be possible.
The innovations in denim production in 2024 can, however, establish a new standard for the fashion industry. The advancements in technology, materials, and processes not only make denim more eco-friendly but also ensure that it remains a versatile and durable staple in consumers’ wardrobes. If brands prioritize sustainability and circularity, denim can lead the way in reducing the environmental impact of fashion.
Evolving legislation and regulatory pressures also play a significant role in shaping the future of the denim and fashion industries and driving innovation. Governments are introducing stricter environmental regulations, pushing manufacturers to adopt cleaner and more sustainable practices. The EU, in particular, is making a considerable effort to hold producers more responsible for their products and to make consumers more aware of the impact of their purchases. This has led to increased investment in research and development as companies strive to meet these new standards and stay competitive in the market.
As a result, as consumers become more informed about the environmental and social impact of their purchases, they are demanding greater transparency and responsibility from brands. This has led to increased collaboration within the industry to set new standards for sustainability. Industry coalitions are being formed to share best practices and develop new technologies that can be adopted across the board.
We firmly believe that enacting specific legislation is crucial for promoting sustainable production and consumption. While we are encouraged by the progress in Europe, more concerted efforts are essential to minimize the impact of industries like fashion. Consumers often lack the knowledge to make responsible choices. Therefore, we envision two paths: a widespread educational campaign or legislation to enhance production processes, sales, and product distribution in the EU. Ideally, both initiatives will work hand in hand to bring about positive change.
Companies like ours that are committed to being more responsible are focusing on educating consumers about the importance of sustainability in fashion. From eco-labels to detailed information about the production process, transparency is not just a buzzword but a key element in gaining and maintaining consumer trust. Some companies are even offering repair services and lifetime guarantees on their denim products, encouraging consumers to keep and care for their garments longer rather than discarding them after a few wears. This emphasis on consumer trust is crucial to emphasize their value and involve them as an integral part of the sustainability movement.
Looking ahead, the denim industry is poised for further evolution, with the potential for even more groundbreaking innovations aimed at making production and consumption more sustainable. The combination of consumer demand, industry collaboration, and regulatory pressures will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in denim innovation. By embracing these changes, the denim industry is not only preserving the planet but also securing its future in an increasingly eco-conscious world, offering a hopeful and optimistic outlook for the future.
In conclusion, 2024 marks a pivotal year for denim. Sustainability, circularity, and technological advancements come together to redefine how this iconic fabric is made and consumed. Our hope is that the future of denim will be more environmentally and socially friendly, and the innovations we are witnessing today are just the start of a more sustainable, circular, and responsible fashion industry.