The fashion industry is the world’s second-largest consumer of water and produces around 10% of its carbon emissions, so it’s no surprise that pro-environmental groups have held it under a spotlight and challenged the entire industry to do better.
Thankfully, there are progressive and environmentally focused fashion companies and designers that have been taking this challenge seriously and we no longer feel we have to sacrifice style to protect our precious planet.
We often assume these sustainable styles come from start-up brands, but in fact one of the trailblazers in the sustainable fashion movement is a brand that has been a wardrobe staple for well over a century and is loved by some of the fashion world’s most covetable influencers: Levi’s.
In fact, since selling their first pair of jeans 170-years ago, this iconic brand has been determined to use sustainable and humanitarian practices at the core of everything they do. This is awesome news if you’re a Levi’s fan, because you can proudly wear your fave vintage Levi’s knowing that your choice is a good one!
We’ve compiled a list of the sustainability highlights that Levi’s have achieved over the years and wow – it’s impressive! Check it out…
Establishing the Terms of Engagement (T.O.E) Code of Conduct
Back in the days before environmental issues were as publicised and critical as they are now, Levi’s were making their voice heard about how important it is to prevent environmental damage, conserve our beautiful planet and take care of the people who work for them. They established their Terms of Engagement (T.O.E) in 1991 which outlines the ethical and environmental standards, as well as employee wellbeing standards that Levi’s adheres to. Not only that, but Levi’s business partners must also follow these standards and the T.O.E has since become an industry-wide standard for other apparel companies! This was truly a ground-breaking move.
Bolstering the Better Cotton Initiative
Levi’s is a founding member of the world’s largest cotton sustainability program, called the Better Cotton Initiative. This program strives to ensure the cotton industry is as sustainable as possible.
Water<Less™ is best!
Levi’s developed their innovative Water<Less™ program. This amazing initiative applies more than 20 water-saving techniques to Levi’s production to reduce the amount of water used as well as reuse water to reduce wastage. With this program, Levi’s have managed to produce 68% of their denim products using a minimum amount of water in 2020. In fact, since 2011, the Water<Less™ program has saved more than 3 billion litres of water and recycled nearly 5 billion litres!
Screening out chemicals with the Screened Chemistry Program
Since 2013, the Levi’s Screened Chemistry Program has been running in order to reduce the chemical impact on the environment by identifying safer chemical alternatives to use in their own production, as well as industry-wide.
Project F.L.X. (Future Led Execution) for the win!
Another stunningly innovative process is Levi’s Project F.L.X. A transformative laser-based technology that allows Levi’s to achieve the same denim finishes, and eliminate thousands of chemicals from the supply chain in the process.
Levi’s looking forward…
Levi’s recently announced that it only takes a few small steps to start making a positive momentum change, but they also realise it takes the whole industry working together to make the change effective and lasting – and that is why Levi’s outsource their sustainability learnings and practices to other companies and brands within the industry.
Levi’s have vowed to use 50% less water by 2025 in ‘water stressed’ areas, and as part of their Water<Less™ program, they’ve committed to broadening their horizons to reducing water usage in cotton cultivation and during at-home care. Levi’s products already sport label’s that suggest to consumers to wash their denim products less often, in cold water and hanging them to dry instead of using a hot dryer.
Levi’s is striving to get the message out that all environmentally-friendly companies should loudly state their intentions, so that those lagging behind will be held accountable. As for your favourite pair of Levi’s, you can wear them proudly knowing that you’re supporting a more sustainable fashion future.
