SDG Decoded: SDG #9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
According to the United Nations Development Programme, more than half of the world population currently lives in cities, making renewable energy and technological innovation extremely crucial to advancing sustainability.
In our next edition of SDG Decoded, we’re digging into how the denim world is progressing with Sustainable Development Goal #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, in order to help green production of the world’s most beloved fabric.
Iskur
Carved in Blue: How are you tackling SDG #9?
Özlem Ozkan, head of product development: ln order to evaluate production waste in line with its “zero waste” slogan, Iskur Group opened a recycled yarn production in 2018. The facility’s monthly production capacity has reached 450 tons.
The waste from Iskur Group’s yarn factories, Iskur Denim’s indigo yarn and woven fabrics, and the weaving factory are collected and turned into reusable yarns for our Earthsquad collection of rigid and stretch fabrics.
Dynamo
Carved in Blue: How are you tackling SDG #9?
Demet Yegen, sales manager: In 2013, Dynamo started to implement eco-friendly products. We also adopted recycling and recovery systems that reduce the amount of raw material waste.
The following recycling and water-purification systems are being used in Dynamo’s production facilities since 2014:
- Caustic recovery system
- Hot water recovery system
- Heat recovery system for stenters
- Wastewater purification system
- Cooling water recovery system
We have also some certain corporate standards as part of our Sustainability@Source series of initiatives that we have adopted in our working environment. These look at various practices that contribute both to the wellbeing of our staff and reduce our impact on the environment.
Within the grounds of our factory, we have a designated area for the growing of vegetables and flowers. Produce is used in our own restaurant or divided among our employees. Along with creating a sense of community and shared goals, the garden also encourages bees and wildlife. The water supply is recycled from our manufacturing facility.
Our Istanbul offices have a no single-use plastic rule that is followed at every level. Drinks and food are served in hardware that is washed and reused. The staff is issued refillable drinks bottles.
We also have adopted an Energy Break initiative to reduce our consumption of energy. This includes the use of energy-saving light bulbs and the goal to use less paper, thus reducing the energy required to run printers and photocopiers. The sample garments that we produce will be donated to charity beginning in 2020. We are also developing a similar initiative to utilize leftover sample fabric to be recycled.
Carved in Blue: What does this goal mean for your company?
Demet: We consider these initiatives to be the first step in an ongoing project that is constantly under review. We have a monthly meeting where we discuss new ideas and take on new suggestions. We are proud that staff in all departments have contributed. Sustainability@Source is a way of life.
Saitex
Carved in Blue: How are you tackling SDG #9?
Sanjeev Bahl, Saitex founder and CEO: Saitex was established in 2002 while Vietnam was still extremely rural and underdeveloped. By bringing innovation, providing inclusive and diverse employment, Saitex has brought its support for the country to improve its GDP, bringing foreign investment and technologies that had not been seen before in Vietnam, particularly in terms of automation.
Industrialization at Saitex’s scale brings resource efficiency, and also brings down the CO2 emission per product. Saitex also works with local universities to share the knowledge learned through its journey.
Artistic Milliners
Carved in Blue: How are you tackling SDG #9?
Ebru Ozaydin, senior vice president of sales and marketing: Artistic Milliners is Pakistan’s first LEED-certified garment factory. This LEED building, which is Platinum Certified, consumes 31 percent less energy, 50 percent less water, and diverts 95 percent of waste away from landfills compared to conventional buildings. Artistic Milliners also invests in highly automated Eco-Tech Units built with eco-friendly construction principles.
Also, Artistic Lab Dubai is a Design and R&D Center equipped with innovative technology and uses eco-friendly processes. It serves as an incubation center for designers and developers to experiment with new washing techniques using the latest technological advancements in sustainable garment washing.
Carved in Blue: What does this goal mean for your company?
Ebru: We are fully aware of our responsibilities as the denim company of the future.
We have a clear vision, a bold policy, and a truly robust strategy to find the way out to make the world a better place for future generations.
As Aristotle says: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
We are proud to share our journey, and the journey still continues.