LEE UNVEILS ITS FIRST-EVER GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

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Lee has laid out its first-ever global sustainability goals. Established under the denim brand’s recently launched global sustainability platform, “For a World That Works,” these goals focus on boldly pursuing more sustainable solutions for apparel development and production.

Some of the brand’s new goals include powering 100 percent of all owned and operated facilities with renewable energy by 2025; utilize more than 50 percent sustainable synthetics by 2025; source 100 percent sustainably-grown or recycled cotton by 2025; and increase Indigood dyed products every year through 2025.

Indigood Denim launched this spring, and reduces the amount of water required by 100 percent, the energy required by 60 percent and the waste produced by 60 percent by replacing the traditional water vats and chemical baths of conventional indigo dyeing with a foam dye applicator.

Lee also has a range of biodegradable denim products. Called “Back to Nature”, these jeans are made from 100 percent cotton, and when the jeans and jackets reach the end of their useful life, the metal buttons can be unscrewed and reused, and the remaining component products can be composted at home.

“With these targets, we are raising the bar on what consumers can expect from Lee in terms of environmental sustainability,” said Roian Atwood, senior director of sustainable business at Lee. “’For A World That Works’ is fueled by a sense of urgency and responsibility.  As we look ahead, we must continually challenge ourselves to redefine how we operate, so that we can help create a brighter future for our planet and our industry.”