S u s ta i n + A b i l i t y – i n to t h e b l u e
WHAT’S THE STORY
HOW GREEN IS BLUE?
The denim business is dirty from top to bottom, from cotton to long delivery routes. Washing, dyeing, and finishing also contribute to the utterly grim life cycle assessment of jeans. This needs to change. Leading manufacturers share their views with style in progress. Text: Stefanie Buchacher, Martina Müllner-Seybold, Kay Alexander Plonka. Illustrations: Claudia Meitert@Caroline Seidler
GREENWASHING IS A PROBLEM
Rosey Cortazzi, Global Marketing Director of Isko “To make 100 percent green denim, we would have to stop producing. We do everything we can to decrease the environmental impact of denim whilst having a positive effect on people. One of the biggest challenges is greenwashing, which makes it difficult for fashion professionals to make informed choices. All Isko’s CSR achievements are verified by third parties and we provide concrete proof to underline our endeavours to help build a more responsible industry.”
ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT
Sara Maier, Denim Designer at Armedangels “Our Detox Denims are GOTS-certified. This means that no harmful pesticides are used during cotton production and no toxic chlorine during washing. These jeans are also free of heavy metals and 100 percent vegan. We are always on the lookout for ways to become even greener: in the sourcing of raw materials, the reduction of chemicals, or the saving of water. Our new goal is to manufacture denims with recycled materials and to eliminate dirty wastewater. At the end of the day, it’s the right fit that counts for the customer.”
style in progress
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