Words by Smiley Team
Astoundingly, new clothes bought in the UK produce more emissions per minute than driving a car around the world six times. In a move to tackle this by improving its environmental impact, H&M is launching a sustainable denim children’s collection as part of its collaboration with American brand Lee.
While designing the collection, the brands considered environmental impacts at every part of the production process. From the raw materials to the final stages of making the garments, everything is as sustainable as possible.
Using fabrics made from a mixture of recycled and organic cotton, the manufacturers save water during the dyeing processes and wash the denim using a method that reduces water, chemical and energy use.
For the first time, H&M will also share information on their website about the water consumption, CO2 emissions and energy impact of each denim garment.
Committed to reducing its energy use significantly by 2040, H&M is making important efforts to tackle fast fashion’s contribution to the climate crisis, reducing its energy impact and using mainly recycled materials. If others follow their example, we could reduce the impact of an industry that is otherwise speeding us on our way to devastating climate collapse.
In charge of designing the new collection, Sofia Löfstedt, said: “We’ve loved collaborating with Lee on this next generation denim collection for kids. It’s so exciting that every single material is more sustainable, from the fabric to the prints, washes and trims. It’s been so much fun to take Lee’s iconic designs and create this kids collection full of springtime positivity and optimism.”
Chris Waldeck, Lee’s global brand president commented: “Lee is proud to be collaborating with H&M to continue our efforts to make better denim. Our brand was founded more than 130 years ago with innovation in mind, and today we are happy to be joining with H&M to advance denim into a more sustainable future.”
Offering 80s and 90s styles, the collection features relaxed cut jeans, as well as workwear-inspired dungarees, dungaree dresses and jeans with cargo pockets.
The clothing range includes a kid’s version of Lee’s classic Rider jacket as well as knitted beanies and other accessories.
If you’re interested to purchase any of these garments, you can find them on hm.com from 28th January. But remember, the most sustainable clothes are the ones already in your wardrobe.
