Eliminating Harm: Levi's Approach to Sustainable Denim Production

Introduction
Levi Strauss & Co., an international denim giant, has been making every effort to reform itself to achieve sustainability goals. The company is trying to reduce its carbon footprint and promote ethical conduct in the production of denim, a sector criticized for high water consumption and contamination.

This report discusses Levi's sustainability initiatives, notably its innovative Water<Less® technology, recycling programs, and commitment to worker health.

Water-Saving Technologies
The denim manufacturing process is well known for its water usage, with one pair of jeans taking thousands of liters of water to produce. Levi's tackled this issue when it launched its Water<Less® technology in 2011. It greatly cuts down on water usage through the finishing process.

According to the company, up to date, the technology has managed to save more than 3 billion liters of water and recycled close to 5 billion liters. The Company aims to have 80% of its jeans using Water<Less® technology by 2025.

Recycling and Sustainable Materials
Levi's is also pushing the limits of the circular economy. The company has started programs to extend the life cycle of denim items through its SecondHand initiative. This initiative encourages customers to return worn Levi's items, which are repaired, sold again, or recycled into new denim items.

Apart from its portfolio, its inclusion of sustainable fiber composition that is either TENCEL ™ Lyocell or recycled cotton is another. Sustainable material is one of the means by which the brand opens its heart to accepting the principle of avoiding reliance on virgin sources and the creation of waste for one to come close to the circularity model.

Chemical Management
As such, the company is dedicated to reducing the quantity of harmful chemicals that are harmful to use in the process of manufacturing denim. This is achieved through the program of Screened Chemistry whereby they test and reject any harmful chemical inputs into their process. All this is according to the requirements for presenting safe working conditions to the workers of the factory in reducing pollution from the environment.

Focus on Employees
Aside from environmental concerns, Levi's prioritizes the well-being of workers in its supply chain. Its Worker Well-being program addresses workers' health, economic security, and gender equality in its partner factories.

Levi's has collaborated with local organizations in an effort to provide education and skill training to employees with a focus on improving the standard of living. This is in addition to the company's efforts towards ethically practicing labor and being socially responsible.

Climate Action Targets
Levi's is actively striving to reduce its carbon footprint throughout its entire value chain. The company has made a commitment to cut greenhouse gases 50% through its owned and operated assets and 40% through its value chain by the year 2025.

It also is investing in renewable energy sources and energy-saving methods of production towards its climate aims.

Challenges Ahead
Although Levi's has made a good start on sustainability, much work remains. Scaling up circular fashion, securing mass adoption of sustainable materials, and addressing emissions within its supply chain need ongoing efforts and engagement with stakeholders.

Conclusion
Levi Strauss & Co.'s initiative to make denim production more sustainable proves the power of innovation combined with conscience. Limiting water usage, using green materials, and prioritizing workers' well-being, Levi's is setting the fashion industry on the right path.

As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, companies such as Levi's are showing that it is possible to be both environmentally friendly and successful.

Source: Levi Strauss & Co. official website and sustainability reports.