Crystal International Group Limited (Hong Kong) has stepped up their efforts on recycling of textile waste to fuel the circular economy. The eco denim factory of Crystal in China, Zhongshan Yida Apparel Ltd., initiates a development project of closed loop denim to turn pre-consumer cut waste back into the loop to regenerate denim product. The new concept – Second Life will be launched in Q2 2020.
Through partnerships with its industry peers and recyclers, sorted scraps from the cutting table are infused with a new life by recycling to high quality cotton fibre and to new fabric. Recycled denim fabric can offset the environmental footprint of virgin denim fabric production, particularly water consumption. According to a life cycle study, growing cotton accounts for over 80% of water consumption among the production cycle of denim jeans. This closed loop denim made by recycled fabric will be certified with Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), and can be categorized by material stream which provides full traceability for brands.
“With the development of the closed loop denim, Crystal aims to drive the circular fashion in a traceable and transparent way, and maximize the value and practicality of waste recycling,” says Miles Lam, Assistant General Manager of Product Development at Crystal Denim. “Complementing with other eco-friendly measures throughout the production cycle such as sustainable washing and clean energy, we do not only work towards Crystal’s vision of sustainability, but also create the highest degree of sustainable denim products to our customers.”
Yida factory is one of the largest jeans production bases in China, with more than 5,000 employees and around 20M pieces garment production annually. The factory has adopted innovative and sustainable production processes, and is committed to producing ethical and sustainable denim jeans product since 2005. The factory collaborated with brands for various sustainable washing and energy saving projects in the past. Yida is awarded WWF-HK’s LCMP (Low Carbon Manufacturing Programme) Platinum label, National Green Factory and certified with ISO14001. In addition, it attained a notable Higg FEM performance this year, with a verified score of 93%.
Earlier this year, Yida engaged with Cone Denim on a new range of sustainable denim fabric as part of their Eco Blu Collection.