Mill Memo: Latest Circularity News and REFIBRA™ Denim from Europe
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 Italy and Spain 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.
CANDIANI
Italy
Alberto Candiani, owner
Carved in Blue: How are you addressing SDG 12?
Alberto: Responsible consumption and production is part of our DNA. At Candiani, we only produce our fabrics on confirmed orders, minimizing any sort of leftover and recycling intermediate products. This philosophy comes in first place from a basic industrial concept called “efficiency,” which was born ages before what we now define as “sustainable purpose.”
In fact, there is no purpose at all in producing more to sell cheaper, or likely under cost.
Carved in Blue: What new fabrics have you developed with REFIBRA™ Technology?
Alberto: We are amplifying our Regen Denim range, and we also created modern basics with 30 percent REFIBRA™ Technology in the composition, with beautiful touch and strong performance.
ROYO
Spain
Santiago Rodriguez, sales manager
Carved in Blue: How are you addressing SDG 12?
Santiago: All Royo’s efforts are focused on the reduction of our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce fabrics and the way we consume goods and resources.
As
part of the textile industry, it is our duty to design, develop and manufacture
in a way that reduces our environmental impact.
We have found the way to create a 100% SUSTAINABLE INDIGO DYEING PROCESS called
Dry Indigo®.
A certified sustainable technology allowing a 100% Water reduction/ 89% less Chemicals/ 65% Energy savings with Zero Consumption and Discharge of water.
Dry Indigo TENCEL ™ – the first TENCEL ™ in the world with zero consumption of water in dyeing.
SANTANDERINA
Spain
Ramon Rios, general manager
Carved in Blue: How are you addressing SDG 12?
Ramon: We are addressing this goal with a transversal approach at every level of our production process. The result is our “R/Turn” label, which is all about responsible production: reuse, reduce, recycle.
We reuse more than 90 percent of our caustic soda.
We have reduced the water consumption thanks to eco-friendly dyes: Iris for reactive colors and Eco-Landye from Archroma for washable colors. We are reducing our electrical consumption thanks to a fully integrated planning system.
We recycle fibers and fabrics, focusing always on traceability.
Carved in Blue: What new fabrics have you developed with REFIBRA™ Technology?
Ramon: REFIBRA™ Technology has become a big player in our collection. You can find it in our Summer range used with TENCEL™ Lyocell and linen or hemp for fresh and breathable qualities, or in very interesting blends with other recycled fibers like Seaqual (polyester yarn from plastics removed from the ocean) and elastane for bottoms. There are limitless options.