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Why Calik Denim Keeps Consumers at the Center of Its Sustainable Developments
SJ Studio
4 min read
Traditionally, the denim industry has been known for its significant environmental impact, including high water usage, chemical pollution from dyeing processes and substantial waste generated during production. In recent years, however, the industry has moved toward more sustainable practices, like using recycled fibers, water-saving techniques and organic cotton to reduce its ecological footprint. One company helping accelerate this transformation with its innovative, eco-conscious solutions is Calik Denim.
“As the most impactful branch of the textile industry on the environment, the denim sector is driving new innovations in sustainability every day,” said Mehmet Serdar Özcan, sales director at Calik Denim. “At the same time, we don’t place the responsibility solely on the end consumer. We actively transform our business processes to positively influence our supply chain, produce products that create savings for both us and the garment production process and focus on raising awareness among end consumers.”
Here, Özcan discusses the Turkish denim mill’s latest innovations like the Blue Voyager collection and how it is helping the denim industry adapt to consumers’ evolving sustainability needs.
RIVET: Calik Denim recently announced plans to launch new sustainability targets. What specific goals will the company focus on in terms of environmental impact? And how do you plan to involve your suppliers and partners in achieving these sustainability goals?
Mehmet Serdar Özcan: Sustainability is at the core of our long-term strategy, guided by the philosophy of “Passion for Denim, Passion for Life.” This approach drives our efforts to build a more responsible and resilient future. Leveraging our past achievements, we have now set more comprehensive, forward-looking targets in four major categories: planet, supply chain, business model and employee experience.
In the planet category, Calik Denim addresses climate change, optimizes energy management, advances waste management and promotes sustainable water management to reduce its environmental footprint. The supply chain category focuses on responsible material sourcing and ensuring traceability for transparency. Meanwhile, the employee experience category prioritizes talent management, inclusivity and diversity and employee engagement to foster an inclusive workplace. Lastly, the business model category emphasizes innovation and design for circular solutions while fostering collaborations with partners to expand sustainability initiatives.
All these targets are designed to engage and impact our supply chain. For instance, we aim to fully adapt to a circular business model by 2035 and reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Achieving these ambitious goals will require not only internal changes but also close collaboration with our suppliers and partners, ensuring that the entire supply chain evolves alongside us.
How does Calik’s new Blue Voyager collection incorporate advanced fibers and technologies to enhance fabrics’ durability, temperature regulation and sustainability?
M.S.Ö.: Inspired by travelers who explore the world’s beauty without compromising comfort or elegance during sports, camping, travel and outdoor activities, Blue Voyager ushers in a new era in the industry with its multifunctional features. By combining advanced fibers and technologies like graphene and Lycra Coolmax, the concept offers durability and temperature regulation, seamlessly adapting to any adventure through special finishing techniques. It also stands out with its antibacterial and anti-odor properties, meeting essential needs for long-term use.
Graphene, with its antibacterial and anti-odor qualities, allows Blue Voyager garments to remain clean for up to four months with minimal household washing, significantly reducing energy and water consumption in line with sustainability goals. Additionally, graphene provides thermal regulation and high abrasion resistance.
With Coolmax, Blue Voyager prioritizes thermal regulation and comfort, ensuring an optimal experience for every adventure.
Are there any specific trends or shifts you anticipate in sustainable denim design and production over the next few years?
M.S.Ö.: Our trend research and experimental research and development (R&D) projects enable us to anticipate future trends and produce fabrics that meet the industry’s evolving demands. While sustainable product preferences may sometimes appear less favored, or brands may shift toward more commercial products, the increasing urgency of our planet’s needs makes it clear that demand for sustainability will continue to grow.
In response, Calik Denim offers three key innovations that are set to lead the eco-friendly denim evolution, including B210, RE/J and the aforementioned Blue Voyager. B210 is a groundbreaking fabric that dissolves in nature within 210 days, leaving no chemical waste or soil toxicity, making it safe for planting. RE/J is made with nearly 100 percent pre- and post-consumer recycled cotton, delivering superior performance through Calik’s unique technical expertise. Blue Voyager is designed to significantly reduce the end consumer’s electricity and water consumption, contributing positively to sustainability efforts. These innovations position Calik Denim as a leader in driving the future of eco-conscious denim.
What is your top sustainability prediction for the denim industry as we head into 2025?
M.S.Ö.: We believe that end consumer-focused sustainability will drive the prominence of products like Blue Voyager. This is because, as an industry, no matter how many sustainable products are produced, their impact is limited if end consumers are not aware of or do not demand them. For sustainability to have true meaning, it is essential to approach the issue with a focus on the end consumer.
To learn more about Calik Denim and its offerings,click here.
