Copenhagen Fashion Summit

Copenhagen Fashion Summit, the world’s largest event for sustainability in fashion, is once again gathering together international fashion players to shine the spotlight on the industry’s future.

The future of denim and fashion? We need decisive action now. It’s time to run.

ISKO, one of the main partners of the initiative, kick off the discussion and share knowledge around the most important issue on the global agenda: responsible innovation. Denim is an essential element for the entire fashion system, a must-have for style lovers the world lover. It is well-known that the manufacturing process of denim generates pollution, but few know that an important negative impact on the environment also comes from post-purchase practices. We need a comprehensive approach that considers the complete product life-cycle from cotton to disposal.

In the meantime, we can’t forget that fashion demands beautiful products: responsibility cannot overlook trendiness. «Democratic, young and ambassador of social changes: these are the main features of denim”, claims Marco Lucietti, Global Marketing Director SANKO/ISKO division. “For these reasons it has to lead the apparel world towards this crucial path. The future is now, we can’t miss this goal.»

Now: what is ISKO’s take?

ISKO has always had responsible innovation in its blood. It was born responsible, and strives to improve day after day. The water purification plant in the local community where the group is based was mostly financed by ISKO, while a filtration and treatment plant cleans the water used in the manufacturing process, redirecting it for other industrial and civil purposes. CO2 emissions deriving from fabric finishing are also reduced through state of the art chimney stack filters, while the advanced fabric dyeing technologies reduce water use. That’s not all: the yarn supplier of ISKO is SANKO Yarn, a member of SANKO Group, a pioneer supporter of organic cotton production in Turkey.

A revolutionary platform

This commitment to responsibility led to the launch of ISKO EARTH FIT, a denim platform for the creation and promotion of products that are beautiful and embody style, while being environment friendly.

Industrial process optimization with an average reduction of 40% in water, energy and chemicals; solutions and innovation that influence customers’ habits: the better the fabric performance, the less garments need to be washed at home. Promoting a more responsible use of end-products and helping reduce the use of natural resources and environmental pollution in everyday life; certifications to testify the quality and innovation of products and processes. Ecolabel certification, one of the most important in the market. ISKO is the only denim mill worldwide that has earned this coveted recognition: proof of its successful efforts for sustainability.

Anita Winsnes, Managing Director of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel in Norway, said: «Achieving the Nordic Swan Ecolabel is definitely not an easy task. Our standards are high and we have strict requirements for the entire value chain, from the cotton field to the finished fabric. Our emphasis is on organic cultivation, low water consumption, sound chemical use and good working conditions. We are very happy that a giant like ISKO has chosen and accomplished the Swan. This will bring us a huge step towards a more sustainable textile industry.»