Talking strategy: rising to the challenge of making denim jeans more environmentally sustainable

8 pages, published in Issue 44, January 2020   Report price: Euro 305.00; US$ 400.00

A large proportion of consumers believe that cotton apparel is more "environmentally friendly" than apparel made from synthetic fibres. But the reality is that cotton apparel can cause immense damage to the environment—from the cultivation of cotton fibre to the dyeing and finishing of cotton garments and the laundering of the garments by consumers. The cultivation of cotton fibre involves huge amounts of pesticides, artificial fertilisers and water. In particular, it has been estimated that 2,565 litres of water are consumed in the growing of the cotton used in the manufacture of one pair of jeans. Even more water is consumed during fabric production, garment laundering and rinsing and washing operations in fabric dyeing or finishing processes. Also, a vast amount of water is consumed in consumer care during the lifetime of the jeans. In order to address the damage which is being caused to the environment by the textile industry, a great deal of work is being done to improve product and process sustainability. Some of the efforts are voluntary. But others are being forced by regulatory changes, and the expectation is that regulations will become more intense and widespread in the years to come. In this report, Robin Anson examines some of the latest developments which are aimed at making denim and jeans production more environmentally sustainable.

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (44) now	Subscribe

Global Apparel Markets provides intelligence, analysis and insight on the global apparel and fashion industries.

What's in it? Each issue contains data and expert analysis on key industry topics, including: artificial intelligence (AI); augmented reality (AR); consumer expenditure; corporate social responsibility (CSR); cotton; denim; environmental sustainability; fibres; imports and exports; key geographical markets; labour law; product innovations; regulation; retail; sourcing; strategy; supply chains; and trade and trade policy. A single issue of Global Apparel Markets includes: practical and strategic advice from an industry expert a report on a key geographical market a round-up of the latest product innovations a feature on trade and trade policy comprehensive coverage of the latest business news An annual subscription to Global Apparel Markets is a cost-effective way to keep informed about trends and developments in the global apparel and fashion industries. Subscriptions are available in printed and/or digital formats. Printed and digital subscribers receive each issue in printed format in addition to a digital PDF file, which is available immediately on publication. Subscribers also receive a complementary digital subscription to Global Apparel Update, delivered directly by email once a month. This free supplement contains essential information on business news and the latest product developments. Like all Textiles Intelligence publications, Global Apparel Markets is a reliable source of independently sourced business information, and it does not carry advertising. This is what our customers say: "The quality of your reports is very high" (The British Textile Technology Group (BTTG))