It has become the consensus of the whole industry to speed up the construction of textile modern industrial system and develop green and low-carbon circular economy. Denim clothing is becoming a "pathfinder" for the green transformation because of its simple fiber content and wide application range. On June 27th, the Green Talk denim garment recycling design and development forum was held in Shanghai. This forum is one of the activities jointly organized by the China National Textile and Apparel Council (hereinafter refered to as CNTAC) and Ellen MacArthur Foundation (UK). The two sides jointly released the Research Report on Circular Economy of China Denim Clothing Industry, which is the first research report focusing on this specific industry.

Circular economy of denim clothing helps the green transformation
 "While realizing the freedom of consumption, the growth of consumption has also spawned many environmental protection and energy problems. This activity is a new beginning to improve the recycling rate of waste textiles and reduce resource consumption. " Hua Shan, director of the Industry Department of CNTAC, said. "As a fashion item, denim clothing is not only suitable for all ages, but also has strong versatility and universality, which is deeply loved by consumers at home and abroad. It is very meaningful to choose denim clothing as a model and conduct research under the background of' double carbon'. "
"Since last year, we have been discussing with the CNTAC about how to develop circular economy in denim garment industry. We hope to promote communication and cooperation in the whole value chain and work together to contribute to the green and low-carbon development in China. " Guan Yisong, chief representative of Ellen MacArthur Foundation (UK) Beijing Representative Office, said.

The whole industrial chain cooperates to explore a new future
The organizer invited the relevant enterprises in the upstream and downstream of the denim industry chain, and these enterprises shared their understandings and practice on the sustainability of denim clothing cycle in detail.
Cheng Fang, deputy director of the Industry Department of CNTAC, pointed out that China, as a pioneer in the practice of circular economy, has been actively promoting the development of circular economy from the policy level, and has made corresponding strategic arrangements, putting forward clear requirements and aims at the production end, recycling end and comprehensive utilization end. Cao Zijing of Ellen MacArthur Foundation (UK) introduced that the Jeans Redesign Guidelines has helped more than 100 enterprises to participate in the project practice. By 2021, more than 500,000 pieces of denim clothing that meet the requirements of the Guide have been put into the market.
Feng Shanghong, manager of Uniqlo's production department, said that the key for brands to create sustainable designs and products is to let consumers recognize them. Before 2030, Uniqlo Group will replace 50% clothing fabrics with environmentally-friendly recycled fabrics. Rico Lee, founder of its same-name brand, said that sustainability is the core of outdoor sports. Brands should pay attention to the balance between functionality and sustainability while focus on the durability and environmental protection.
Shen Junchao, deputy general manager of Taihua High-tech Dyeing and Finishing (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd. introduced that in order to reduce the damage to the earth's ecology, the company recycled fishing nets, realizing the recycling of nylon products after consumption and providing raw material support for the sustainable development of the industry. Wang Zongwen, managing director of Guangdong Advance Denim said that denim is expected to become one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics. She said that standards is the most important thing. Finally, Yang Aimin, Secretary-General of Foshan Cleaner Production and Low-carbon Economy Association, shared the technologies of waterless softening treatment and separation of waste denim garments.
Under the collaborative innovation of the whole industry, the denim garment industry will certainly find a new path of sustainable fashion and open a new future of high-quality development.