For Michael Preysman, founder and CEO of Everlane, there was no desire to sell denim just for denim’s sake. With the ethical-focused clothing retailer known for “radical transparency,” Preysman wanted to “do the right thing” when it came to making jeans.

“Denim is a really dirty business that sends toxic chemicals into our ecosystem with little to no regulation,” Preysman said.

It took two years and a lot of globe-trotting before the brand found a kindred spirit in Saitex, a B Corp facility in Vietnam that recycles 98 percent of the water it uses back into its production, runs on alternative energy and turns its denim byproduct into bricks for building affordable housing.

“The factory owner, Sanjeev, and the rest of his team are committed to clean manufacturing and holding themselves to the highest standard possible,” Preysman said. “This is just the beginning of our work with them and we’re excited for the future.”

Everlane’s jeans, which come in three styles for women and two for men, are now among the company’s best sellers. The line has since expanded to include shorts, skirts and jackets, all of which couple premium materials with Everlane’s signature minimalist aesthetic, affordable pricing and yen for “radical transparency.”

“Our hope is that the industry is paying attention to the havoc it can wreak on our environment and find more sustainable ways to produce,” Preysman added.