Denim manufacturing is traditionally associated with high water usage and environmental concerns. To address these issues, Redress organized an educational trip to Guangdong, Mainland China, themed “Denim Innovation from Fabric to Finished Product.” Participants, including students from the MA in Sustainable Fashion and Innovation programme at the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), visited two companies, Advance Denim and ZhongShan Yida Apparel Co. Ltd., on 17 February 2025. During the visits, participants explored sustainable innovations in denim production and observed specific technologies and practices aimed at reducing water consumption and minimizing environmental impact. This trip highlighted the critical role of innovation in transforming denim production into a more sustainable process, from fabric development to the creation of finished garments.
Advance Denim, established in 1987, has long been a pioneer in the denim industry, known for its commitment to sustainability. During the visit, participants were introduced to the company’s groundbreaking water recycling system, Blue-Loop, which has significantly reduced water usage in the dyeing process. This system not only conserves water but also ensures that the water discharged contains minimal harmful chemicals, aligning with the company’s mission to minimize environmental impact. Advance Denim has also invested in cutting-edge technology, Bigbox dying, to control greenhouse gas emissions, chemical and electricity consumption, showcasing their dedication on environmental sustainability. Their mission is to lead the way in sustainable denim production, ensuring that fashion can be both stylish and environmentally responsible.
ZhongShan Yida Apparel Co. Ltd., founded in 1995, has grown to become a leader in garment manufacturing with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices. During the visit, participants learned about Yida’s innovative use of laser technology for denim finishing, which drastically reduces water and chemical usage compared to traditional methods. This aligns with their mission to create high-quality garments with minimal environmental impact. Yida is also committed to social sustainability, ensuring that their workforce is treated with respect and provided with opportunities for growth and development. The company has established comprehensive programmes to support workers’ welfare, including health and safety initiatives and educational opportunities. Yida’s dedication to sustainability is evident in their continuous efforts to improve and innovate, setting a benchmark for others in the industry to follow.
The educational trip provided the participants with invaluable insights into the practical applications of sustainable innovations in the denim industry. Both Advance Denim and ZhongShan Yida Apparel Co. Ltd. demonstrated that it is possible to produce high-quality denim products while significantly reducing environmental impact. The participants were inspired by the companies’ commitment to sustainability and innovation, realizing the importance of integrating these principles into their future careers in fashion. This visit not only highlighted the technological advancements in sustainable denim production but also emphasized the critical role of corporate responsibility in driving industry-wide change. The experience underscored the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders in fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious fashion professionals.
