TENCEL™ Denim Trends: The Latest from Mills in Europe
Since in-person trade shows are still put on hold, Carved in Blue is taking an opportunity to digitally connect with its community.
Conventional denim has a significant environmental footprint, but mills are innovating to create materials with less impact. This includes switching to cotton alternatives or blends that include more eco-friendly fibers.
We caught up with denim mills in Italy and Spain to hear their thoughts on low-impact denim and how they are incorporating wood-based TENCEL™ branded fibers into their collections.
CANDIANI
Italy
Alberto Candiani, owner
Carved in Blue: What new groups are you promoting with TENCEL™?
Alberto: TENCEL™ Lyocell became an essential element for our stretch denim. We have been very successful with a specific weft made with TENCEL™ Lyocell, which makes every fabric we weave with it in very special, with a natural, premium hand-feel.
Carved in Blue: How do you define the value of lower impact denim?
Alberto: Lower impact denim as a concept is once again related to the industrial efficiency factor. At Candiani, reduce, recycle and reuse are essential principles.
Ingredients are also becoming a more relevant aspect. I am referring to smart materials, fibers, dyestuff, finishing products which can improve your final product impact dramatically.
How to define a value is very complicated because we need the end consumer to define it for us. Communication is key, but shouldn’t create fake values or activate sorts of greenwashing.
Especially when it comes to “impact,” we believe transparency is the way to go. We aim to share and educate consumers through engaging activities and our honest storytelling.
ROYO
Spain
Jose Royo, sales director
Carved in Blue: What new groups are you promoting with TENCEL™?
Santiago: Winter Suave: Botanical cellulosic fiber TENCEL™ Lyocell defines a new standard of sustainability and natural comfort. Easy silhouettes, cotton free. Simplicity and multifunctional appeal.
Carved in Blue: How do you define the value of lower impact denim?
Santiago: The environmental impact of jeans is high. In every stage of the production, there us quite a heavy environmental burden. Lower impact denim must be a high-level sustainable denim: fibers, dyeing and finishing.
SANTANDERINA
Spain
Ramon Rios, general manager
Carved in Blue: What new groups are you promoting with TENCEL™?
Ramon: TENCEL™ Modal is very present in our menswear collection, in blends with cotton and elastane. The result is a range of soft structures like cavalry twills, herringbones, Bedford cords with an elevated look and handfeel.
On the ladies’ side, the TENCEL™ Lyocell and blends are offering countless possibilities for soft bottoms and textured fabrics.
Carved in Blue: How do you define the value of lower impact denim?
Ramon: Necessary and urgent. The denim industry has been pointed out as the second main polluting industry in the world. Awareness is the starting point; now we all need to work in the same direction to lead the change to a clean industry.
It is rewarding to see our customers are supporting us in this challenge, and this is creating stronger links between suppliers and customers.