Is Sustainable Denim Possible? Understanding the world Real Environmental Impact of Jeans

Explore the real environmental impact of denim and discover innovative ways—from recycled cotton to advanced washing technologies—to create sustainable jeans.

Why do we talk about denim?

There is a lot of noise around the fact that to make denim, we need to destroy the environment.

It’s true — denim is one of the most impactful products in the fashion industry. To produce one single pair of denim, it can take  anywhere from around 4,000 litres to up to 7,000 litres of water.

However, not all denim is created equal: there are various types of denim and distinct production methods. So, how can we understand what constitutes more sustainable denim? 

To understand what makes denim more or less sustainable, it’s helpful to examine how its production has evolved, starting with the origins of washing denim.

The Origins of Denim

...
Published: 03/06/2025

Author:

Nicolò Giusti
Nicolò Giusti
BIO: Nicolò is an innovative and sustainable material specialist working in the fashion industry for more than 15 years. His passion for traditional materials but also for innovative solutions brought him to create the Sustainable Academy, a community that supports students, entrepreneurs and fashion companies to be more sustainable and avoid greenwashing.
"I really believe in the power of collaboration. Sharing and learning is the only way we can get to the next level. Why waste time protecting ourselves when we can use it to improve?"