In July 2019, the Foundation’s Make Fashion Circular initiative launched The Jeans Redesign, a project which saw 80 industry experts input on a set of guidelines to create denim jeans aligned with the principles of the circular economy.
Today, two years on from launch, the Foundation publishes ‘The Jeans Redesign: Insights from the first two years.’ The report reveals not only the successes, but also the barriers, solutions and innovation gaps faced by participants in creating jeans that are used more, made to be made again, and made from safe and recycled or renewable inputs. The insights gained will go a long way in informing bold action towards creating more products in this way.
To date, participants of The Jeans Redesign have put more than half a million pairs of circular jeans on the market, meeting minimum requirements for durabilitydurabilityThe ability of a product, component or material to remain functional and relevant when used as intended., traceability, and recyclabilityrecyclabilityThe ease with which a material can be recycled in practice and at scale., while using safe materials and processes. 80% of participants brought redesigned fabric or jeans to market despite the impacts of Covid-19. Although the number of circular jeans only makes up just a small fraction of the total market, the project has demonstrated that it is possible to create circular jeans today.
The Jeans Redesign supports organisations to build the confidence to explore and learn about how to use circular economy principles to put products on the market. The collective challenges and solutions identified made it clear where investment and innovation are needed. The Jeans Redesign demonstrates it is possible to create garments fit for a circular economy and now the concept has been proven, there’s no reason to delay progress. We call on industry and government to build on this growing momentum to rapidly transition to a circular economy for fashion at scale."
- Laura Balmond, Make Fashion Circular Lead - Ellen MacArthur Foundation
The Jeans Redesign guidelines, are designed to be a ‘minimum bar’ and are regularly reviewed by the Foundation alongside 80 denim experts. Last updated in 2021 to be brought in line with the Foundation’s vision of a circular economy for fashion, all participants are now working towards these new guidelines, including 28 new participants who we’re excited to have on-board and join the project today. This brings the total number of participants creating redesigned jeans to 94 which includes brands such as Chloé, Levi's, and Marks & Spencer.
