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Oct 22, 2024

Denim Mills Address Sustainability from All Angles

Denim mills are expanding their approaches to sustainability for Spring/Summer 2026, going beyond organic cotton and recycled fibers to include bio-based ingredients and proprietary water recycling

Denim mills are expanding their approaches to sustainability for Spring/Summer 2026, going beyond organic cotton and recycled fibers to include bio-based ingredients and proprietary water recycling systems.

Naveena Denim Mills continues to explore the possibilities of food-derived fibers. For S/S ’26, the mill introduces EcoPine, a denim fabric crafted from Anam PALF, a traceable textile-grade fiber derived from waste pineapple leaves. The traceable fiber is made from 100 percent bio-based waste, ensuring zero food competition.

“After the pineapple harvest, the leaves are typically discarded and often burned, contributing to CO2 emissions. With EcoPine, we take a step forward by transforming this agricultural waste into a valuable resource. Our unique proprietary process enables us to create premium textile-grade fibers with zero pulping, zero bleaching, and zero harmful chemicals,” said Berke Aydemir, the mill’s senior general manager of R&D and technical sales.

By repurposing these waste leaves, Naveena prevents approximately 13.33 kg of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere for every kilogram of Anam PALF produced. Additionally, as a staple fiber, EcoPine helps mitigate microfiber pollution. The fiber promotes diversified income streams for pineapple farmers and generates job opportunities in rural communities.

From a technical standpoint, Aydemir said EcoPine boasts antibacterial properties, high absorption rates, short drying times, high tensile strength, and excellent dyeability. “These qualities make it an ideal choice for consumers seeking sustainable fashion without compromising performance or style. We are proud to lead the way in sustainable denim, and EcoPine is a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship and community support,” he said.

Plant-extracted indigo is a focal point of Planet Indigo by Chinese mill Tat-Fung. “The concept is refreshingly straightforward,” said Tim Huesemann, Tat-Fung’s sales director. “Each plant is handpicked, and no chemicals are added throughout the dyeing process.”

The collection is made possible by Tat-Fung’s collaboration with Shuise, a group dedicated to preserving the art of heritage natural indigo dyeing. “We are working closely with minority ethnic communities to enhance indigo cultivation and production preserving their cultural heritage,” Huesemann added. “Indigo has long been a key economic crop in these areas, and by supporting its sustainable use, we’re helping local farmers generate more income while promoting the continued practice of traditional indigo dyeing. By improving their skills, they can connect their tradition with modern industry and escape poverty.”

Water is a key focus for the Brazilian mill Vicunha. A new collection of fabrics is produced with water from VSA Project, the mill’s proprietary process that purifies domestic sewage from towns neighboring its factory in Northeastern Brazil, thus producing 100 percent of recycled water for industrial use. The project, which cost approximately $12 million, was developed in partnership with Cagece, the state water and sewage company of Ceará.

“With zero consumption of water from natural sources, the collection contributes to environmental conservation and the well-being of local communities,” said Kürşad Çakılcıoğlu, product development and sales manager for Vicunha Europe.

All fabrics in Isko’s S/S ’26 collection are made with circular, textile-to-textile materials from RE&UP, the textile recycling arm of Sanko Group. The recycled cotton and polyester are made from end-of-life textiles and perform the same as virgin ones. “Isko’s unique woven technology transforms these high-quality fibers into high-performing fabrics that are durable and last,” said Mirela Slowik, Isko’s category leader.

SM Denim is incorporating organic cotton, recycled polyester and plant-based dyes into its S/S ’26 collection. The Karachi, Pakistan-based mill is also working on a zero-waste concept, utilizing post-consumer textile waste to create fresh fabrics, aligning with the circular economy principles.

Demand for recycled fibers continues to be high. Bossa is meeting this need with Saxcell lyocell, a fiber made from recycled materials. “Bossa is proud to be the first and only mill to bring Saxcell to the market, and we’ve developed several innovative qualities using this fiber,” said Jordan Nodarse, Bossa design consultant. “Not only does Saxcell offer a luxuriously soft hand feel, but it also washes down beautifully, making it a game-changer for sustainable fashion.”

The Turkish mill is also partnering with Italian finishing technology firm Tonello and Renoon, an end-to-end solution for transparency management, to demonstrate that a truly sustainable supply chain goes beyond just the fibers. “It’s about transparency, ethical sourcing, and using technology to track and share this information. With Renoon’s cutting-edge platform, we’re setting a new standard for sustainability in fashion,” Nodarse said.

Siddiqson’s primary focus for the season is zero polyester and virgin cotton in fabrics. For that, the Pakistani mill is utilizing post-industrial waste (PIW) and viscose. “The more we explore this concept, the closer we get to creating more circularity in our processes and fabrics,” said Ampelio Dal Lago, Siddiqson’s head of research and development.

Blends of naturally colored cotton and recycled fibers align with Sapphire Finishing Mills’ sustainability goals. “By reducing reliance on synthetic dyes, we minimize environmental impact, promoting an eco-friendlier production process,” said Jaffar Ali, Sapphire Finishing Mills’ manager of digital marketing and communications. “Sustainability is at the heart of this collection, and each piece reflects our commitment to a greener future.”

Evlox focused on denim fabrics made with certified regenerative cotton and other naturally sourced fibers like linen, bamboo, and Ecovero sustainable viscose, which comes from FSC-PEFC certified forests. Additionally, most of the fabrics are made with Spanish cotton, which further enhances sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of transportation, as Evlox’s factory is located less than 700 km from the cotton producer.

US Group’s new capsule collection, Roots, is crafted from local hemp and regenerative cotton, woven on traditional selvedge looms. The fabrics are dyed with natural indigo and use an eco-friendly zero-water dyeing technology to minimize their environmental impact. “Each piece is a perfect blend of heritage and modern innovation, offering a sustainable approach that honors both the traditions of the past and the possibilities of the future in fashion,” said Intizar Ali, US Group general manager research and business development.

Soorty merges innovation and tradition with smart, functional design. “We aim to support our brand partners in meeting their future sustainability goals by offering options that deliver on function, performance, and style—backed by transparency and data,” said Eda Dikmen, Soorty senior marketing and communications manager.

New for S/S ’26 is Roam, a collection designed for outdoor living, inspired by nature and developed using biomimicry principles. The mill partnered with chemical producer Rudolf to incorporate finishes with anti-microbial properties, water repellency, and enhanced breathability. “We’ve even come close to a self-cleaning denim—a breakthrough we’ll continue working on,” Dikmen added.

Roam fabrics are made with Umorfil Bionic Fiber, which offers superior moisture management and is ideal for sensitive skin; Coolmax EcoMade, made from recycled resources for all-year comfort; and Repreve powered by Textile Takeback, a certifiable polyester made from recycled textile waste.

The Pakistani mill is engineering innovative methods to boost the effect of lasers as well. Fast Fade showcases laser-ready denim in colors that capture California’s sun-kissed vibe.

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