Isko recently hosted the ‘Responsible Denim’ event to share knowledge and experiences on the development of an integrated field-to-fabric approach all along the value chain. It helped to think about what choices can be made to give shape to a greener and better future. Isko is the only denim mill to have bagged the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel.
The event consisted of a special panel to talk about how the denim industry can become more responsible, a responsible denim presentation by Lambert + Associates; a presentation of Isko Earth Fit, Isko’s lowest-impact denim collection; an educational exhibition with a strong focus on what everyone – brands, designers as well as manufacturers – should be aware of regarding responsibility in the industry; and the launch of the third Eyether collection, created by Creative Room and François Girbaud with innovative Isko fabrics, the company said in a press release.Isko recently hosted the 'Responsible Denim' event to share knowledge and experiences on the development of an integrated field-to-fabric approach all along the value chain. It helped to think about what choices can be made to give shape to a greener and better future. Isko is the only denim mill to have bagged the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel.#
Isko brought together five industry experts to provide insight that could help brands make informed decisions concerning responsible products. Moderated by Maria Cristina Pavarini, Sportswear International senior features editor, the discussion involved the denim guru and designer François Girbaud, along with Miles Johnson, former creative director of Patagonia and Levi Strauss, Rachel Pierce, DenimHand director, and Ebru Ozkucuk Guler, Isko senior CSR executive.
During the event a Responsible Denim exhibition was featured, intended to shed light on Isko’s efforts and on the tools deemed essential for the fulfilment of a truly responsible denim vision. When it comes to Responsible Innovation, it’s important to acknowledge and understand all environmental footprints to see where even better choices can be made. As part of this vision, an Environmental Management System is in place at the Isko factory. Certified to an international standard, it ensures that the environmental impacts regarding energy, water, waste, chemicals, and emissions are well managed.
Isko worked to obtain Life-Cycle Assessments (LCAs) for all of its 25,000+ denim products, evaluating their total life cycle from raw material to waste/recycling. To ensure the validity and replicability of these LCAs, Isko was also the first denim manufacturer to get pre-certified EPDs, providing the water usage and carbon footprint of 1 square metre of fabric.
These results were used to create the independently devised Product Category Rules (PCR) related to the assessment of the environmental performance of woven, knitted and crocheted fabrics of naturals fibres (except silk) for apparel sector. These are now available for any company to voluntarily develop and publish information on the life cycle environmental impact of their services.
The pinnacle of the Isko Responsible Innovation strategy was reached with the creation of Isko Earth Fit. It is the only denim collection worldwide to have been awarded both the Nordic Swan and EU Ecolabel certifications, addressing the entire life cycle of the product. Isko Earth Fit fabrics were the material of choice for a set of artistic designs and applications showcased during the event, such as a selection of Isko I-Skool garments and an exclusive presentation.
Made entirely of Isko Earth Fit are also the three nature-inspired denim sculptures – a coral, a wood, and a feathery wing – created by the artist and fashion designer Lucy James and displayed at the event. These have become the focus of the Isko’s Denim with a Conscience campaign.
Eyether is a brand-new interpretation of style bringing together Isko innovation and the disruptive creativity of François Girbaud. Further shaped by the design and research support of Isko’s Creative Room, this collection responds to the needs of today’s denim wearers, looking for functional, smart-looking silhouettes. This result was made possible by Isko’s innovative textile research. Combining stretch warp threads – ideal for an enhanced flexibility and freedom of movement – with rigid weft threads – that sculpt and enhance the body –, this denim allows for the creation of shapes perfectly in line with the demands of modern life. For the third edition of the Eyether collection, Isko fabrics have been developed in multi-weave combinations. (GK)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India
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