Twin Dragon Kicks Denim Sustainability Up a Notch
Whether its dyes or finishes or processes for keeping black jeans black, Los Angeles-based denim mill Twin Dragon does it all—and all with an eye to sustainability.
The company recently debuted its SORBTEK® REPREVE® denim designed to wick-moisture better than before, which is something the company feels will serve to ramp up the comfort consumers today seek. Focusing still on sustainability, the SORBTEK® technology helps keep yarn cool and protects against soiling, which means wearers can wash the garment less, meaning less water use.
Twin Dragon’s new concentrated Liquid Indigo and Eco-Finishing, a mercerization alternative, have also been a focus of late, and the technologies are counted among the most advanced for sustainable denim production in the marketplace. These technologies are even combined with denim using TENCEL™ branded lyocell fibers taking sustainability all the back to raw materials.
Carved in Blue caught up with Dominic Poon, founder and CEO of Twin Dragon, to find out more about the company’s eco ethos and what’s next for the mill when it comes to sustainability.
Carved in Blue: So tell us, what are the latest sustainable innovations coming out of Twin Dragon right now?
Dominic: Liquid Indigo and Eco-Finish is fully operating now in all Twin Dragon Mills. All our polyester fibers will be switched out to REPREVE® from Unifi.
Carved in Blue: Have you been seeing an increase in demand for sustainability?
Dominic: Even though the Trump Administration has backed off of the Paris Climate Agreement, majority of top USA corporations are still remaining dedicated to the Agreement. China has also made big steps in sustainability with its new government environmental standard crackdowns, wanting to reduce emissions and lessen smog in the air. Since China is the “factory” of the world, it is about time they should be the strictest.
Carved in Blue: Speaking of China cracking down on standards, how important is it that your Asia mills passed the recent standard investigations?
Dominic: Twin Dragon’s Asian mills are ahead of the Chinese government’s standards, already having superseded and as far advanced, meeting their 2020 timeline standards. Our Mexican and Asian plants have advanced specifications and have never had environmental standard problems, always maintaining mills up to environmental codes and regulations.
Carved in Blue: Can you tell us a little more about your Forever Black® process and why you think it’s important for the industry?
Dominic: The most important aspect of our Forever Black®, using Lenzing(TM) Modal black fibers, compared to the previous skinny black jean denim is a significant reduction in the use of water and reduction of dumping toxic chemicals. The color never fades and is long lasting, which is of great value to the end consumer. It has become a lot more popular as of recent years and has received a lot of recognition with many of our key clients. With men’s skinny jeans rising in popularity, Forever Black will be important for them too.
In addition, we have new Forever Black® styles with our new ‘Vegan Leather Coating’, outperforming any previous synthetic coating recovery to date and has great coverage, any color can be done in the coating and it lasts 15-20 washes. We currently have black, burgundy, green and dark brown sample yardage available.
Carved in Blue: Can you tell us more about the leading elements of denim fabric for menswear this year?
Dominic: The best-selling men’s styles are straight and skinny, calling for higher stretch fabrics and with better hand feel. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers in menswear denim has so far received a good reaction.
Carved in Blue: What’s next for Twin Dragon when it comes to sustainability?
Dominic: We are always looking for ways to save water and chemicals in production. Also, we will continue to utilize and try new sustainable fibers. We are highly invested in TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers, as well as REPREVE® and SORBTEK®. We are also looking at recycled cotton too.
Carved in Blue: A little about you now—what’s your favorite city for denim inspiration?
Dominic: Los Angeles.
Carved in Blue: What’s your favorite pair of jeans right now?
Dominic: A pair of Replay jeans from 8 – 10 years ago with some grinding /tattering. They are comfortable and easy to take care of.
Carved in Blue: When did you know you were a blueblood?
Dominic: Since I was a teenager.
Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?
Dominic: Good stories which connect sustainable trees with new fibers in denim. A way to bridge a marketing gap from manufacturer to consumer.