Collaboration & Creativity at Kaltex
Kaltex launched 92 years ago as a small textile distributor, steadily growing over the decades into a global fabric powerhouse. The company uses only American cotton, and prizes its blends using TENCEL® and Lenzing Modal® branded fibers. The company attributes its success to its focus on innovation, collaboration and efficiency, and in recent years has emphasized sustainability on the whole supply chain.
Clients can source fabrics or full packages, thanks to the company’s garment facilities, fully equipped with the latest technology. Through the years, Kaltex has established itself as a portfolio solutions company with a consumer oriented approach.
Carved in Blue talked to Hebe Schecter the President and CEO of Kaltex America about the company, its processes and plans, and her personal thoughts on denim, which reflect her creativity and her open mind. 
Carved in Blue: Can you tell us about Kaltex’s capabilities?
Hebe: Our facilities are state of the art. Our company has a continuous technology improvement mindset which is necessary today to service the market. Besides of our core authentic denim finishing and piece dyes we provide a wide range of stretch products, various performance finishes and soft hand finishes. we have implemented the use of safe chemicals, reduction in water usage and preparation of fabric that allows waterless garment applications.
Carved in Blue: Do you also provide full package programs?
Hebe: Yes, we do. With a large selection of fabrics and the sewing and laundry facilities right next door, we are very well positioned to offer a great flexibility on full package. The wash development has been trained by Jeanologia and at the best fashion laundries in LA. Our Elevated Design Studio in New York and Mexico provide full design support, from capturing new trends to creating garment collections and offering the new concepts in finishing and styling. 
Carved in Blue: What sustainability programs do you have in place?
Hebe: We have a unique infrastructure that allows the sustainable process from the yarn all the way to the finished garment. Kaltex only uses American cotton, and we are a supporter of the BCI organization. We also use sustainable recycled fibers. Aquaminus dyeing technology allows huge water and chemical savings in both denim and piece-dyes. At the laundry, we have waterless garment finishing with ozone and laser technologies.
We are very proud to say that Kaltex has been running a water treatment facility since 1996. That is 20 years and counting! All wastewater is treated, tested and monitored.
Carved in Blue: In what innovative ways do you use TENCEL® and Lenzing Modal® fibers?
Hebe: The customers love our fabrics with TENCEL® blends. Kaltex has been using TENCEL® fibers since 2000. We appreciate the improved appearance, softer hand, the sustainable manufacturing—all aspects that make us confident in the future of TENCEL® product. Interesting fact – we started with TENCEL® fibers in men’s denim.
Carved in Blue: Where do you ship your fabrics for garment making?
Hebe: Right now our product goes to Mexico, U.S., Canada, Central and South American countries as well as Europe.
Carved in Blue: What trade shows do you exhibit?
Hebe: Since 2012 we have been exhibiting at Kingpins New York and at Colombiatex show since 2000.
Carved in Blue: When does a jean stop being a jean?
Hebe: When the jean has no fly zipper, no pockets—the authenticity is lost and it’s a sad attempt to be athletic wear.
Carved in Blue: What is the worst trend you’ve seen in denim?
Hebe: I have a hard time answering this… denim is so inclusive. There is no right or wrong! But I can tell you that as I consumer the trend that I didn’t personally adopt is the “detachable” jean shorts…not for me!
Carved in Blue: What is your favorite denim city?
Hebe: Let me tell you that I love denim and I love to shop so on every place I visit I always find something I like: it can be a new weave, a new look, a different product or just a detail. I also enjoy to see how denim and trends are interpreted differently depending on the cultures of the cities or the countries. But I can tell you that my favorite cities are Amsterdam, London and Brooklyn.
Carved in Blue: Which item of denim have you had the longest?
Hebe : I have this perfect Levi 501 when I was 15. I adored them, they not only fit great but as a teenager they were my lucky charm. Over the years, they got super timeworn. And then I spent days in my bedroom giving them the truly distressed look with scissors, sandpaper, sewing needle, I used it all. I was very proud of my new 501 look. My grandma didn’t agree with my piece of art and decided to fix it: she cut off all the loose exposed treads! The only thing I could do was to put patches on the holes. They came with me to the US when I was 23
Carved in Blue: What does “Carved in Blue” mean to you?
Hebe: It’s a great platform for the latest news on innovation, trade shows, influencers. The team behind it is definitely doing a great job!