Green jeans: Hong Kong maker says global brands improving sustainability, but circular denim lifecycle far from sewn up
- There is ‘no global consensus’ yet on how to achieve circularity in the fashion industry, says sustainability officer at Crystal International
- Global brands are making progress on reducing carbon footprints and water usage, but are only studying the feasibility of repurposing waste
Efforts by global fashion brands to make denim clothing more sustainable have borne fruit, but the ultimate goal of full circularity – where nothing is wasted – remains distant, according to Hong Kong apparel maker Crystal International Group.
Many fashion brands in the US and Europe are studying the feasibility of collecting, reusing and repurposing fabric and garment waste to reduce carbon emissions and water usage, said Tom Wong, assistant manager of sustainability at business unit Crystal Denim.
The industry is exploring options for local recycling and export of waste for processing, but factory capabilities and variations in government policies are limiting progress thus far, he said.
The fashion industry is responsible for up to 8 per cent of global carbon-dioxide emissions, the main contributor to global warming, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
“Circularity is a hot topic in the fashion industry, and many brands have launched initiatives,” Wong said. “But there is no global consensus on how best to achieve it as different countries have different limitations and policies.