Words by Smiley Team
Putting sustainability at the forefront of fashion, Levi Strauss & Co has joined the Fashion for Good initiative in a drive to embed green solutions in the garment industry.
Through the partnership, Levi’s intends to shape its future through working with innovators of new technologies and business models to transform the industry in favour of the planet and people.
The company’s chief sustainability officer, Jeffrey Hogue, said: “We are proud to be part of Fashion for Good, because it is the only circular innovation platform in the industry founded on the principles of collaboration and scale.”
Made from cotton and synthetic dyes, denim usually takes a heavy toll on the environment. The production of just one pair of jeans, using contemporary techniques, requires 1500 gallons of water. Meanwhile, metal accessories often make denim wear difficult to recycle.
To tackle this issue, Levi’s plans to use Fashion for Good’s expertise and network to address the most pressing sustainability issues the company faces. Top on their list is confronting plastic waste, introducing new recycling technologies, and producing garments from more sustainable materials.
In addition, the company has adopted water-saving technologies, a climate strategy, Worker Well-being initiatives, new fiber and fabric programs, and more.
Led by its members and brands, Fashion for Good is a programme to incorporate sustainable practices and circular innovation into the clothing industry, advancing sustainable fashion. As they put it, “Our mission at Fashion for Good is to bring together the entire fashion ecosystem through our Innovation Platform and as a convener for change.”
Managing director of Fashion for Good Katrin Ley said: “Levi Strauss & Co. has a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation, demonstrated by the pioneering of a range of sustainable solutions in raw materials, dyeing, finishing and circularity amongst others, along their supply chain.”
Levi’s collaboration with Fashion for Good contrasts with their financial ties to investment bank JPMorgan Chase, the world’s biggest banking funder of fossil fuels and underwriter for Levi Strauss & Co.
However, since 2012 when it faced criticism from Greenpeace, the company has made strong commitments to sustainability and as a result was rated ‘Good’ for the environment by ethical fashion assessment organisation Good On You.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome them as a corporate partner and excited to collaborate together, further helping them in executing and achieving their ambitions towards affecting positive change in the fashion industry,” said Ley.
Fashion for Good’s corporate partners also include industry giants Zalando, Adidas, Chanel and more.
Find more information about Levi’s climate commitments here.
To learn more about initiatives reshaping the fashion industry for good visit Fashion for Good’s website.
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