To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the iconic Levi’s® 501® jeans, the brand is presenting a range of products created in the spirit of sustainability: Plant-Based 501® and Selvedge 501® made from a hemp blend.The new versions show us how innovative technologies can be used in the production of this most classic Levi’s® jeans model, while pointing towards the future
Plant-Based 501® are made from at least 97% plant-based materials, with certified organic cotton, natural dyes, plant-based patches and ink made from wood waste. The jeans, scheduled for release in July, are an indication of what the industry could look like in the coming years with a move towards minimising synthetic materials from fossil fuels and making more garments from renewable materials rather than limited resources
The Plant Based 501® model represents an evolution in Levi’s® design innovation practice, setting new foundations that will be used in the future
“As a company that has been producing 501® jeans for 150 years, we have the opportunity and responsibility to continually analyse the process of producing this model,” says Paul Dillinger, VP of Design Innovation at Levi Strauss & Co. ” The Plant-Based 501® model has built on previous efforts to create more circular jeans, which in turn gives us a basis for creating more innovations in the future.”
For the Plant-Based 501® jeans, the fabric is made from 100% Organic Cotton Standard (OCS) certified organic cotton and dyed with Stony Creek Colors’ plant-based indigo colour. The colour of the trousers is inspired by the archival shade of Levi’s®X80. Instead of leather, the back patch of the 501® is made of MIRUM® by NFW, a 100% eco-friendly and plastic-free material that does not generate waste water during production. The inner pocket is 100% cotton and printed with the plant-based black pigment BioBlack TX made from wood waste and developed by partner Nature Coatings. The woven labels and sewing threads used in non-critical areas of the garment are also 100% cotton
In addition, building on the work with cotton hemp used over the years in the WellThread line, the brand is launching Selvedge 501® made just from a blend of hemp and cotton, in a variety of shades and finishes for both men and women, with some versions dyed with natural pigments. These models combine the highest quality selvedge fabric with the alternative fibre innovations that have characterised precisely the Levi’s® WellThread collection over the past years
“In our ongoing research and development, we strive to improve our design practices and conserve environmental resources in every way possible,” says Una Murphy, Director of Design Innovation. “By introducing sustainable innovations in both our core and premium ranges, we are learning what is possible and how we can continue to work to solve some of our biggest environmental challenges.”
See also: Fashion | Collection | Ecology | Newcollection
