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Interview with Noemi Sanchez

Noemi Sanchez
Noemi Sanchez
Marketing Director
Evlox
Evlox

Implementing photovoltaic energy production
Established since 1846, Evlox is a specialised denim manufacturer with its headquarters in Spain and main factory based out of Settat, Morocco. Fibre2Fashion spoke to Noemi Sanchez, Marketing Director of Evlox, to discuss the new fabric technologies the brand is working on and the top 5 goals it would be working towards in the next 5 years.

Which trade fairs are you going to participate this year or next?

We have always attended Kingpins Amsterdam, Première vision - Paris, Denim Première Vision Munich Fabric Star and Milano Unica. Since last 1 year, we are participating in the digital editions of these fairs.
 

The textiles industry is considered to be a huge pollutant, and denim perhaps among the most. How do you try and keep the carbon footprint as low as possible?

Evlox is committed to reducing its environmental impact, promoting, and defending sustainable development. This philosophy is reflected in all the activities of our supply and marketing chain. Evlox applies policies on quality, prevention, health and safety, product safety, and environmental protection.

The CSR approach of Evlox is based on:
  • The development of sustainable fabrics
  • Using ecological and recycled materials
  • Reducing energy, chemicals, and water consumption
All these form the basis of Evlox to promote the circular economy across the textile industry and to encourage clothing durability.

Circular fashion in Evlox - Actions to reduce C02
  • Smart Design
  • Sustainable/Preferred fibres: organic cotton, recycled materials, MMCF (man-made cellulosic fibres), BCI, hemp, linum, bamboo and Refibra.
  • Better processes: Aquasave by Evlox, Easy laser by Evlox, Eco4 by Evlox
  • Produce Responsibly - Photovoltaic Solar Energy   
  • Logistic - Supply chain carbon footprint
                       Spanish cotton (700 km away from the factory)
                       Supply chain and vendors proximity  
  • Educate consumers
                       Home laundry conditions
                       Promoting recycling

What is the number of swatches that your library boasts of?

We are currently working with more than 240 references per year.

Which are your main markets?

For Evlox Morocco and Spain are two of our main markets as our headquarters are based in Spain and our main factory is based in Settat, Morocco which is close to the European market and is a strategic partner for Spanish and European brands.

Are you catering to the domestic market?or are you entirely into exports?

We work in both domestic and export.

How does the government support the textile industry at large? What are the top 3-5 unique policies that are helping this sector?

Both the governments of Morocco and Spain offer direct aid to the textile sector - in our case it is Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE) and Texfor. Firstly, they organise and coordinate collective promotion actions such as trade missions, group participation in trade fairs, advertising and image campaigns, market studies, regulatory warehouses, export groups, etc. Secondly, they advise us in the field of Innovation and R&D at the state, European Union, and international level. Finally, the most important is the direct investment with which these entities facilitate our interaction with governance and public administration.

What are your goals for the next 5 years?

We are focusing on minimising the environmental impact. Currently 75 per cent of our collection is made with sustainable materials and processes. We are also implementing photovoltaic energy production. (PC)

If catering to the domestic market also, how is the competition like for you from within?

Competition is fierce mainly from imported fabrics.

Which are the major companies/countries from where the cotton is sourced from?

80 per cent of our cotton comes from Spain.

What are the top priorities of brands and consumers when they look for doing business with manufacturers like you?

Premium denim fabrics & Sustainability: high quality fabrics, committed to the environment
Proximity provider: Geographical strategic positioning 
Experience: 175 years in the denim market
Service: Number of Minimum Order Quantity (MOQs) / Stock availability / Extensive sales Network
Fast: 70 per cent orders delivered in less than 15 days
Logistic: Support in all European countries 
Nearby Sourcing: European suppliers / 80 per cent Spanish cotton 

How big is your team of research and innovation? What new fabric technologies and product designs are they working on?

We have a large, specialised team who are focused on continuous innovation.

In the upcoming AW22-23 collection, our new innovations will be denim fabric made of natural fibre blends.

1. Linum by Evlox - Linen-blend denim fabrics whose properties improve the durability, fast drying, moisture management, and antibacterial and UV protection.

2. Hemp denim By Evlox - This eco-friendly fabric combines the sturdiness and strength of hemp (26 per cent). OCS Blended Certification with the natural softness and purity of cotton (74 per cent). A sophisticated and eco-friendly blend with a contemporary and relaxed look.

3. Bamboo by Evlox - Denim made with high quality bamboo and organic cotton blend yarn; termo-control, antibacterial, odour protection and hypoallergenic (OCS Blended Certification).

4. Fibres by Evlox - Sustainable denim fabrics made with a minimum of 60 per cent organic cotton, recycled cotton and Refibra (OCS Blended Certification).

5. Smoothic technology by Evlox - Fabrics with maximum softness that combines the most innovative finishing processes. Enhancing the soft hand feel and all-day comfort (OCS certification). 
 
We are making a return to minimalism and prioritising on relaxed silhouettes. With the increase of people establishing home offices, comfortable fabrics and clothing are likely to stay. This effortless style is here to stay, so it's time to invest. Our busy and hectic lives demand comfortable and practical clothes more than ever. And, of course, giving up on style is simply not an option. So, Smoothic combines both fashion and function together to create a cozy and soft fabric.

This collection has challenged us to set new goals in safety and security, also investing in keeping you and your employees protected.

Our E-Safe campaign provides denim fabrics with barrier protection against anti-bacterial and anti-microbial contamination. Such denim fabrics meet the strictest standards to ensure protection.
Published on: 04/06/2021

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.