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. At UNIQLO,
we’re now using long-lasting, hard-wearing, powderless eco stones, which give you that same look you love
while dramatically reducing the required number of washes. 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.
ECO STONES
Ozone gas & nanobubble wash
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.
