According to statistics regularly cited by the United Nations Environment Programme, it takes 3,781 litres of water to make one pair of jeans. This is calculated through lifecycle assessments and takes into account cotton production, manufacture, transport and washing.
That’s a big environmental impact, and one of the reasons why denim products brand and retailer Levi’s is putting in place a new 2030 water strategy.
Last week, the US-based fashion business detailed five ways it is looking to reduce its impact on the environment and support society with a dedicated water strategy.
Firstly, it is setting “science-based targets that matter”, and has committed to a 15% absolute reduction in water use across its manufacturing supply chain by 2030, compared to a 2022 base year. Levi’s noted that this move builds on the progress it has already made towards its 2025 goal to cut water use by 50% in high-stress areas.
Targets have been aligned with global frameworks such as the Science Based Targets Network and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.
Secondly, Levi’s said it has prioritised water quality, recycling and reuse.
“Water stewardship isn’t just about using less – it’s about using better,” the company announced.
“By 2030, we aim for 40% of water used in manufacturing to be recycled or reused, and we’re pushing for 100% of direct discharge suppliers to meet Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Foundation’s wastewater standards.”
Other parts of the water strategy include focusing efforts on high-impact river basins, like the Sutlej and Indus in Pakistan and the Meghna in Bangladesh, where water stress is most severe. Local partnerships being forged aim to restore watersheds and build resilience within the communities who depend on them.
Elsewhere, Levis said it is investing in water access, sanitation and hygiene (known as WASH) projects in key sourcing locations to address the human impact of the water crisis, and all of the above will be publicly reported.
Levi’s said it will share what works and what doesn’t, and it will continue to educate consumers through its care label on products that inform users how to be more unsustainable when washing and caring for the items they purchase.
“By working together with peers, suppliers and communities, we’re helping shape a future where we recognise water as the vital resource that it is for the health and resilience of our communities,” Levi’s added.
Jeffrey Hogue, chief sustainability officer for Levi’s, also spoke on the water strategy via a dedicated LinkedIn article.
“Water, or lack thereof, might be the most tangible proof of climate change,” he commented.
“It’s where rising temperatures cause dry riverbeds and devastating flooding. Where manufacturing intersects with basic water access, sanitation, and hygiene. And, where the apparel industry has both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead.”
Read about Levi’s renewable energy strategy on Green Retail World
[image credit: Green Retail World]
