Denim Special Edition
Visit Carved in Blue, a blog produced and curated by the denim team at Lenzing.
© Lenzing AG
Combatting Climate Change Starts with Net Zero Carbon
In the effort to fight global warming, cutting carbon should be at the top of the fashion industry’s to-do list. Going beyond reducing their carbon footprints, many companies have long-term goals of reaching net zero carbon operations. At Lenzing, we are working toward carbon neutrality by 2050. But ahead of that target, we are doing our part with the introduction of carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded fibers. For this new product within the portfolio of TENCEL™ branded fibers, Lenzing first lowered the carbon footprint by 65 to 80 percent compared to conventional lyocell and modal fibers. What cannot be eliminated is offset to reach net zero. Rather than being a replacement for sustainable development, offsets make up the difference. “Insetting or reduction is the ultimate solution, and offsetting should just be the icing on the cake that’s necessary,” said Florian Heubrandner from Lenzing. To kick off the launch, Lenzing hosted a webinar on Sept. 22 during Climate Week NYC. Even in a year when a lot of activity came to a halt, the planet reached record greenhouse gas figures, pointing out the continued need for action.
© Matthew Oliver Wilson
Matthew Oliver Wilson on Selvedge, Storytelling and Sustainability
Consumers today crave more information about the products they buy and the brands behind them. As an influencer in the denim space, Matthew Oliver Wilson is working with companies to feed the appetite for more stories, connection and transparency. Matt’s love affair with raw denim began by chance in a clothing store, and has since blossomed into a career that includes blogging and consulting work. Matt runs the men’s style journal Rope Dye, which covers all things denim and indigo. He also co-founded creative service agency CeeAreDee, which focuses on areas including strategy, branding, storytelling, product development and sales. Carved in Blue caught up with Matt to discuss why heritage denim needs to evolve, how consumer education can impact sustainability and why he enjoys working with Soorty.
© Tricia Carey
All in the Family with Mozartex
For the family behind Mozartex, fabric quality comes first. Mozartex founder Mozart Tseng was an early developer of dyeing and finishing techniques for TENCEL™ branded fibers dating back to 1992 in Taiwan. Making a commitment to the fiber, Mozart decided to create a family business dedicated to TENCEL™ Lyocell production, leading to the opening of Mozartex in China in 1999. Mozart’s son Mai took a few detours before entering the family business, but since starting at Mozartex in 2013, he has made his mark. Mai worked with Lenzing to develop TENCEL™ Luxe, a filament lyocell, which has silk-like properties. As sales manager, Mai works with his father to work with customers and drive sustainability in the apparel market. “Having Mai in the business has been a highlight for me,” Mozart told Carved in Blue. “He has grown over the past years to learn more and more about all parts of the business.
© Sadia Rafique
Transformers Foundation Board Members on Denim’s Ethical Evolution
Recognizing the need for change and enacting transformation are two different things. Earlier this year, the denim industry thought leader turned into action as it turned its Kingpins Transformers content programming into an NGO centered on taking the industry in a more sustainable, responsible direction. This newly formed organization has attracted industry insiders with a likeminded desire to move the needle in denim. Among the foundation’s board members are Robin Cornelius, who founded traceability service Product DNA, Gaviland founder Miguel Sanchez, as well as Alberto de Conti, who heads up the fashion division at Rudolf Group, and previously worked at Levi Strauss & Co. Carved in Blue caught up with Robin, Miguel and Alberto to get their thoughts on the transformation they want to see in the denim industry and how the coronavirus crisis may impact awareness for the organization’s mission.
© Aliver J. Meah
Mill Memo: Latest Circularity News and REFIBRA™ Denim from Bangladesh and India
Since in-person trade shows are still put on hold this fall, Carved in Blue is taking an opportunity to digitally connect with its community. COVID-19 has created challenges, but it has also ushered in a “Great Reset,” allowing companies to pause and accelerate their sustainable efforts. We touched base with denim mills in Bangladesh and India to catch up on their latest initiatives to address circularity and SDG 12: responsible consumption and production. We also got the inside scoop on the newest ways they are using TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ Lyocell in their creations.