J.Crew and Madewell just took a major step toward sustainable manufacturing

The fashion industry has historically had a pretty brutal reputation when it comes to ensuring that products are made in sustainable, eco-conscious, and ethical ways. And unfortunately, it still largely does. According to Forbes, “the fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global CO2 emissions, 20% of the world’s industrial wastewater, 24% of insecticides, and 11% of pesticides use.” And while the industry as a whole employs over 60 million people globally, often the working conditions of its employees are dangerous and unethical.

Which is why we’re happy to see certain brands evolving to accommodate the changing needs of the industry—and of the planet. J.Crew and Madewell just took a huge step in the right direction by partnering with Fair Trade to certify many of the denim offerings from both brands.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtQn9L5lZYv

Going forward, those products will have the Fair Trade logo sewn on them, which represents that the item you’ve purchased has been created in conditions which “promote sustainable livelihoods and safe working conditions, protection of the environment, and strong, transparent supply chains.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtOwz7vBfMM

According to the brands, the new Fair Trade-certified denim will be made through “a process that uses 65% less chemicals and 75% less water than conventional fabric.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtRC7SfnK1E

As detailed on a post on Madewell‘s Instagram page, the brand is promising “happier, more empowered workers, safe, more planet-friendly factories and higher quality products.” Congrats to both brands on this major change.