Denim giant Levi’s has launched a new collection of garments made with 55 per cent hemp and using plant-based dyes applied with ‘ultrasonic wave technology’ to reduce the need for chemicals. Levi’s new Wellthread collection also includes what Levi’s describes at its most sustainable jeans ever – the 502 for men which is made with organic cotton and Circulose, a ‘breakthrough’ material made from worn out jeans.
The company says it has increased its use of hemp as it requires less water and fewer pesticides than conventionally-grown cotton resulting in cleaner, healthier soils. The hemp comes from rain-fed crops, minimising water use.
“Our Wellthread design methodology prioritises environmental sustainability in the materials we use. This spring we continue to refine and develop hemp, seeking ways to optimise it for our collections,” said Una Murphy, Senior Innovation Designer at Levi’s. “Our hemp denim products not only meet our customers’ expectations of authenticity and comfort but also reduce our garments’ water footprint.”
Levi’s new Wellthread collection also utilises plant-based natural dyes for both denim and t-shirts applied via ultrasonic waves, a technique which reduces the need for harsh chemicals. A unique plant-based indigo, grown in the USA as a replacement crop for tobacco farmers, was used to dye one pair of jeans in the collection, the 551Z for men, which is made from 100 per cent organic cotton from India.
All Levi’s Wellthread garments have been designed with circularity in mind, using all-natural fibres — including the back patch, Red Tab, thread and pocketing — to make them easier to recycle.
“We’re proud to bring forward this latest Wellthread collection,” says Paul Dillinger, VP of Global Product Innovation at Levi’s.
“It builds on all the work we’ve done in the past and continues to expand the future possibilities of design that makes sustainability the top priority at every step of the process, while still delivering product that consumers will love.”
