Neuw Denim overhauled its production process for Zero, a new sustainable collection that addresses denim’s water and chemical consumption. For the collection, the Australian brand took a three-prong approach to eliminate water waste, chemical distressing and washing waste.
For Zero, Neuw eliminated classic stonewashing by replacing pumice stones with synthetic stones. This step, the brand reports, leaves no sludge behind and allows for water to be recycled in an energy efficient manner with a lower carbon footprint. The water used in its manufacturing process is renewed, reused and recycled with zero waste discharged as contaminated sewage into the water supply.
Zero also replaces traditional denim distressing with sustainable alternatives. No bleach, acid washing or potassium permanganate is used in the collection. Instead of spraying the garment with chemicals, Neuw creates wear patterns and wash effects through hand-stitching, hand-brushing and hand-grinding.
The men’s Zero collection includes jean shirts, a button-up jacket and black and indigo versions of its popular fits, the Iggy Skinny, Lou Slim and Ray Tapered. Along with straight and skinny fits, the women’s Zero collection taps into fashion items like crop kick jeans, denim overalls and midi skirts. The collection retails for $74.95-$229.95.
The Zero collection is one step that Neuw is taking toward a sustainable future. The brand, which sources fabrics Candiani, Orta, Neela Blue and Advance Denim, uses a Supplier Code of Conduct to set standards for environmental compliance across its supply chain. It also has its own set of standards that spans circular design and raw materials, to using reusable cups and packaging at its own facilities.
