Crystal Denim targets the “third life” in its new circular collection – Sourcing Journal

Hong Kong-based Crystal International Group Limited is taking a circular step forward with a denim collection that uses recycled denim fabrics and other sustainable components.
The company announced that it has developed a range of 10 denim fabrics for men and women called Second Life Denim that offers greater “depth of color shade” and “higher weft yarn intensity” compared to traditional recycled fabrics. The collection is made from recycled fabrics certified as Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), as well as sustainable materials including Lycra T400 fiber with EcoMade technology and Repreve recycled polyester.
With more color choices and different washing effects, fabrics can create dark and light colors, allowing for more styles and expanding the product line. In addition, each fabric has different recycled content, elasticity and stretchability, providing brands with solutions to suit their varying needs.
“The collection goes beyond ‘second life’ and extends circularity to ‘third life’ by further regenerating waste from circular fabrics to other denim items,” said Miles Lam, deputy general manager of Crystal Denim product development. “Cut waste from Second Life denim is collected and recycled as new kimono jackets, patches and accessories to work towards zero waste. “
The collection is part of the denim factory’s wider efforts to come full circle – a concept it pioneered last year when it teamed up with The R Collective to launch a line of stitched jeans from of Levi’s recycled inventory and remaining samples.
Crystal’s commitment to cleaner production is reflected in the collection’s dyeing and washing processes. The recycled cotton is dyed with liquid indigo for further water and chemical reduction, and sustainable washing methods are adopted in the finish, the company said.
In 2019, the company launched 4ZERO, a plan to reduce manual labor in the finishing process and replace potassium permanganate with environmentally friendly chemicals as oxidizing agents in wet processing. and replacing stone washing with enzyme washing and advanced washing machines.
All Second Life fabrics are available as physical samples and in digital formats to meet the growing market demand for 3D virtual sampling.
Customers can learn more about the fabric footprint by scanning the QR code on the product, which provides access to a video about collecting and manufacturing information, including fabric information, measurement score of the fabric. environmental impact (EIM), sampling room and washing information and certificate logo.