#Denim

2021-12-16

Plant-Based Indigo presents a solution for the future of denim dyeing

As part of the effort to reduce the number of potentially harmful chemicals in the denim supply chain, Fashion for Good is collaborating with Levi Strauss & Co. and Stony Creek Colors to pilot the use of Stony Creek’s IndiGold™ plant-based pre-reduced indigo at scale.

Fashion for Good Collaboration Working to Bring it to Scale

Fashion for Good partner Levi Strauss & Co. brings vast experience, technical know-how and insights into the production of high-quality denim products. For the first time, Stony Creek Colors will provide their pre-reduced IndiGold indigo dye to select denim mills used by their partners to run performance trials with different denim dyeing systems. With the goal of unlocking key learnings around shade application and other efficiencies. The project aims to have garments dyed with Stony Creek Colors’ IndiGold dye on the market by late 2022 and early 2023.

“Our previous work with Stony Creek has shown the great potential of plant-based dyes. This is a great opportunity to expand that work and more fully realise the potential of this innovation.” – Jeffrey Hogue, Chief Sustainability Officer of Levi Strauss & Co., which has already collaborated with Stony Creek Colors for multiple seasons of its Wellthread line.

IndiGold replaces petroleum-derived synthetic indigo with plant-based inputs and can be integrated into an indigo pre-reduction system by using hydrogen as the reduction agent, thereby eliminating harmful byproducts from both the pre-reduction and the dyeing process. Furthermore, the liquid dye allows for more efficient use of raw materials, including indigo and supporting chemistry, and, because it is pre-reduced, makes it possible for more mills to use it with more consistent dye results. This can help achieve better, first quality fabrics that require less water and energy in the process.

“Customers and brands want clean, safe processes and fabrics. Awareness of a changing climate requires us to act boldly with scalable, plant-based alternatives. IndiGold brings Stony Creek Colors’ proven, climate positive indigo dye into a new, liquid form that allows for radical ease of use and efficiency in dyeing at denim mills, while reducing the chemistries that can lead to pollution in the denim dyeing process.” – Sarah Bellos, CEO and Founder of Stony Creek Colors

Stony Creek Colors grows its indigo on partner farms in the US, helping farmers shift their operations to a new, soil-enriching crop. Through its extensive work on plant genetics and breeding, it is also investigating other potential agricultural benefits of the crop.

Fashion for Good, which has an equity stake in Stony Creek Colors, will oversee the project. “The textile industry must move towards safer, renewable and regenerative inputs. Stony Creek Color’s innovation is driving this change and we are excited to be working closely with them and our partners to bring this to market” – Katrin Ley, Managing Director of Fashion for Good

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

SOKO presents low-impact denim finishing innovations at Denim PV Milan

SOKO will present a range of sustainable denim finishing technologies and collaborative projects at the upcoming Denim Première Vision Milan on 20–21 May in Milan. At booth G27 in Superstudio Più, the company will showcase new chemical solutions designed to combine fashionable denim effects with reduced environmental impact.

Denim moves towards sustainability

EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement), the global reference platform for measuring the environmental impact of garment finishing, presents the second edition of its annual report Denim Industry Progress & Insights 2025. The study analyses over 100,000 real denim finishing processes, providing an accurate and up-to-date view of the industry’s evolution towards more sustainable models.

Eastman Naia™ debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam, transforming Denim from the inside out

At Kingpins Amsterdam (April 15–16, 2026), Naia™ by Eastman Chemical Company makes its debut, presenting its approach to circularity and comfort in denim at Stand 1, Ground Level (Blue Area). The brand also highlights its growing global ecosystem, connecting mill partners, designers and brands working to expand denim possibilities through fiber innovation.

Mimaki ‘Powers Possibilities’ with a market-diverse application and printer line-up at FESPA 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, is bringing its “Print Different - Powering Possibilities” theme to life at FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 (Fira de Barcelona, 19-22 May 2026), demonstrating how digital printing technology can turn ideas into high-value applications and new business opportunities.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.

Monforts sees growing potential for technical textiles in Türkiye

For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts. At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.