At UNIQLO, we are creating jeans that respect the future of our planet.
Jeans born from cutting-edge technology, developed in our Los
Angeles-based Jeans Innovation Center. The art of making jeans has
typically been a process that exerts a considerable burden on the
environment and workers. BlueCycle is an industry game changer,
eliminating the need for large amounts of water and manual labour used
to get that faded, worn-in look. BlueCycle significantly reduces the
amount of water used in the jeans finishing process, by up to 99%. Laser
distressing replaces sandpapering, reducing the burden of work done by
human hands and generally improving the work environment. Our
next-generation jeans are kind to both people and the environment.
BlueCycle is a huge step forward in sustainability - and it's just the
beginning.
REDUCES WATER USE BY UP TO 99%* IN FINISHING PROCESS
BlueCycle reduces water use in the finishing process by up to 99%*.
Jeans are finished to the same standard of quality with just about a
teacup’s worth of water.
Natural pumice is typically used in the denim industry to achieve that
classic stone-washed look. However, pumice disintegrates over time,
requiring large amounts of water to wash away powdery residue. We’ve also introduced the use of
ozone-mist washing machines that require very little water and instead
use nanobubbles. These two advanced technologies have significantly
reduced the amount of water used in the jeans finishing process, by up
to 99%*.
＊Data is based on a study of Regular Fit Jeans (68 Blue) between 2017
and 2018. Water savings will vary slightly between products.
A BETTER WORK ENVIRONMENT
We use lasers to create that classic, lived-in look and feel. Laser
distressing replaces sandpapering and improves the work environment.
Sandpaper has long been used to create that vintage denim look. Skilled
workers would rub the jeans by hand to achieve the perfect fade. The
manual labour involved in this intensive process required a heavy
effort. UNIQLO has developed a way to complete this process using lasers
to distress denim in all the right places. The use of lasers greatly
reduces heavy manual labour and makes the work environment a better
place for all.
laser distressing
Other initiatives
UNIQLO is working with our denim partners to purify and reuse wastewater
generated by the jeans-making process, as well as reducing wastewater
volumes overall. We are also proactively evaluating our fabrics and
manufacturing processes to promote a more sustainable way to make jeans.
