The only denim mill in the world to have been awarded both the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel, is sharing its knowledge.
Isko, a Turkish textile manufacturer and the world’s largest producer of denim, said it is joining forces with Textile Exchange, the global non-profit organization that focuses on minimizing the environmental impacts of the textile industry.
From farm to retail, Textile Exchange addresses gaps in current industry standards for sustainability. In a statement, Isko said joining the coalition is “another chance to further expand its vision of a responsible and sustainable landscape in the industry.”
Isko’s parent company, Sanko Group, is already a Textile Exchange member.
Becoming a member of Textile Exchange is evidence of how Isko “maintains an open dialogue with all the different stakeholders, shaping and developing more sustainable business models and more efficient practices,” the company noted.
“We are thrilled for this latest accomplishment, which shows how Isko paves the way for a sustainable business model that relies on tangible proof and actual results,” said Ebru Ozkucuk Guler, Isko senior corporate social responsibility executive. “Textile Exchange will be a great support as Isko pledges responsibility, transparency and accountability.”
Other Textile Exchange members include C&A, Lenzing, Levi Strauss & Co. and Patagonia.
This membership underscores Isko’s “Responsible Innovation” approach to textile production. In May 2018, Isko was the first Turkish manufacturer to become a signatory member of ZDHC foundation, highlighting the company’s target of not using any harmful substances in its products and facilities.
The move comes in addition to Isko’s work with the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), as its sole member in the region. The mill uses SAC’s Higg Index tools to measure, verify and benchmark its environmental performance.
Isko has also obtained Life-Cycle Assessments for its denim collection, totaling upward of 25,000 products. The assessments evaluate the fabrics’ total life cycle from raw materials to waste and recycling.
