A staple of clothing, jeans have come a long way from their beginnings as workwear for miners and cowboys to a piece of clothing you’ll find in everybody’s wardrobe. Today, they have established themselves as fashion icons, across generations and cultural boundaries. Jeans have been synonymous with fashionable and basic wear due to its comfort, adaptability, and timeless elegance.
Denim is everything but a little bit more – gender neutral, seasonal and timeless. From sweatpants to vintage flared jeans, within no time they become the wardrobe essential for each and everyone.
Denim is not limited to daily wear, but has also found its place in professional events as well. Whether it’s a traditional look or a formal look, denim can pull off every look.
This mature fabric has been incorporated into our daily lives, from office jeans with dark sleeves paired with a sharp shirt to denim jackets and shirts that add style to business attire. But behind the appeal of denim lies a hidden message of environmental impact that demands our attention.
Consequences of Denim Production:
Conventional processes of denim making take their toll on the environment, especially on water by either depleting it or polluting it. An estimation of water used in making one pair of jeans goes up to 7,600 litres approximately which is even more than growing the cotton in addition to dyeing up the cloth. World Water Day is celebrated to raise awareness around managing and preserving water resources sustainably.
Indigo and other dyes used in this industry often end up polluting the lakes, rivers and seas which often destroy water bodies as well as affecting the water quality for the surrounding population. That’s not it, the denim industry is also wasteful, producing large amounts of surplus cloth and weight of jeans that are never sold in a year to depress further any national economy.
These techniques make use of artificial resources and toxic materials and chemicals which should make the industry call for better means of provision. In the area of water saving, material that can be recycled, and toxic compounds that can reduce the impact of these developments the industry has started doing well. Such sustainable developments minimise the effects on the environment and clean and save water from inappropriately used up for denim and promote the use of cleaner denim with less environmental degradation.
Hence the denim industry will be able to lessen the damage done to the environment and offer consumers healthier choices of clothes. This transformation is not only good for the environment but is also perfectly in line with the changing market trends.
Sustainable Denim: What to Look for
There are several important aspects to the transition to sustainable denim. Choose jeans made from organic cotton, which significantly reduces pesticide use and water consumption compared to regular cotton. Look for brands that use water-saving technologies such as ozone treatment or foam dyes to reduce water waste during production.
It is also important to consider the ethics of denim brands and support those who ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers. Look for jeans made with natural or low-impact dyes that are less harmful to the environment.
Consider product expiration dates and choose brands with recycling or return programs to help reduce landfill waste. By taking these issues into account, customers can make informed decisions that help to create a sustainable and ethical fashion business.
Jeans brands are strengthening their products in a number of ways, including:
- Using organic cotton
Organic cotton reduces the need for synthetic pesticides and water compared to conventional cotton.
- Using natural colours
Brands use organic and natural dyes instead of artificial indigo.
- Water saving technologies are used
Brands use technologies such as ozone treatment and foam dyes to reduce water wastage.
- Using advanced compression techniques
Brands use environmentally friendly cleaning methods and non-toxic lasers to reduce chemical waste and water consumption.
- Use of duplicate resources
Brands use chitosan, a biopolymer made from materials such as algae, insects, crustaceans and fungi that decompose after use.
- Use of proprietary technologies
Brands use proprietary technologies to reduce water and energy consumption. Etica Denim’s InCloud technology, for example, cuts water use per pair of jeans from 200 to 300 litres to 1 to 3 litres.
- Uses a circular business model
Brands use circular business models to give new life to old clothes. For example, Madewell’s Madewell Forever program allows customers to sell old jeans and other clothing to a new owner.
- Using recycled sewing threads
Brands are using recycled polyester thread, polyester corespun thread or other appropriate recycled thread to manufacture jeans more sustainably.
Solving the Problem:
Governments, corporations, and consumers must work together to address the environmental impact of the production of jeans:
Consumers:
- Educate them about environmentally friendly items and the fast fashion industry.
- Make an informed selection by purchasing long-lasting, high-quality jeans from manufacturers that prioritise sustainability.
- Embrace slow fashion ideals by buying fewer items and investing in limitless pieces.
- Support thrift stores and clothes rentals to help your denim last longer.
- Jeans should be cared for and repaired to increase wear life and save waste.
Companies:
- Implement sustainable practices throughout the supply chain, including responsible sourcing and efficient manufacturing.
- Water-saving technology such as laser treatment and ozone cleaning can help to reduce water consumption.
- To reduce chemical contamination, consider using natural or low-impact dyes.
- Embrace circular economy ideas by establishing recycling and recycling initiatives.
- Increase openness in the supply chain and assure proper operation.
Government:
- Set up policies and incentives to encourage sustainable practices in the textile sector.
- Encourage research and development of eco-friendly materials and technology.
- Promote programs that encourage sustainability, such as branding and branding initiatives.
- Investing in water treatment and waste management infrastructure.
- Collaboration with international organisations and other authorities to address the concerns of global sustainability.
Conclusion
As a result, managing the environmental impact of jeans production requires collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders. By promoting collaboration, partnership and knowledge sharing across the industry, we can drive innovation and implement sustainability across the denim supply chain.
Authorities, manufacturers and consumers play a vital role in building a sustainable and responsible denim industry. Governments can set laws and provide incentives to promote sustainable practices. Manufacturers have the right to adopt responsible manufacturing practices, embrace circular economy principles and ensure a transparent supply chain.
Consumers play an important role and can make a big impact through smart consumption. By making informed purchasing decisions, supporting responsible brands and embracing the principles of sustainable fashion, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
We need to rethink how we create and consume together. By handcrafting, we can transform the fashion industry, bring fashion to life, and create a legacy for future generations.
