The subject of upcycling is once again being given a forum by the Ethical Fashion Show Berlin in January. Upcycling is a waste avoidance strategy that diverts used consumer goods back into circulation while improving them with clever design processes. Doing so not only protects our planet's resources, it also gives rise to innovative new products. Labels including Bag to Life, Aluc, Daniel Kroh Reclothings, Milch, Nico Ney + Tibe Tan and Renata Campos use old textiles such as used shirts, trousers and discarded life vests from the textile industry and make a clear statement with their collections against a throw-away society and for good design.

Jean giant: Organic denim

Jeans are basics that can be found in virtually any wardrobe. But it so happens that uniting fashion and environmental protection is particularly difficult when it comes to denim, and that has to do with more than just organic cotton. The blue all-rounder has to undergo dyeing processes, washes and finishing before it hits store shelves.

In an elaborate process, they are first dyed in dark indigo before lye and chlorine bleach is used to lighten them to the desired hue. Up to 40,000 litres of freshwater go into manufacturing just one pair of jeans. And all the caustic chemicals end up back in the groundwater of the manufacturing countries. The sandblasting necessary to achieve the stonewashed effect also generates a toxic dust that is harmful to workers.

Labels such as Sey or Nurmi take a different approach. By using organic denim made of high-quality and fair-trade cotton for their jeans and forgoing toxic materials, they can offer jeans enthusiasts sustainable and stylish alternatives.

Ethical Fashion Show