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Crystal steps up efforts on recycling textile waste

09
Dec '19

Pic: Crystal Group

Crystal International has stepped up its efforts on recycling of textile waste to fuel circular economy. The eco denim factory of Crystal in China, Zhongshan Yida Apparel, has started a development project of closed loop denim to turn pre-consumer cut waste back into loop to regenerate denim product. The new concept – Second Life will be launched in Q2 2020.

Through partnership 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 per cent 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 categorised 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 maximise the value and practicality of waste recycling,” said 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 20 million 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 was 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 per cent.

Earlier this year, Yida engaged with Cone Denim on a new range of sustainable denim fabric as part of their Eco Blu Collection.

Crystal International, one of the giant apparel makers in the world, manufactures more than 470 million pieces of clothing annually, with annual turnover of $2.5 billion.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (PC)

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