The TENCEL™ brand continues to work closely with brand partners to produce high-quality fashion pieces made with sustainable materials to meet the ever-evolving consumer needs, enabling people to “feel good, look good and do good”.
We recently sat down with Lindsay Turkish, Head of Sales, JEN7 by 7 For All Mankind to learn about the brand’s motivation in working with the TENCEL™ brand and explore how the synergies between the two have helped create a new collection of denim products that are eco-responsible and have a low carbon footprint.
- How would you describe the role of TENCEL™ branded fibers in your collections? What do you like about ingredients such as TENCEL™ fibers which originate from sustainable wood?
Sustainability is very important to 7 For All Mankind. We continue to look at incorporating more sustainable materials such as TENCEL™ branded fibers and adopting eco-practices that will reduce our impact on the planet, bringing us closer to achieving our corporate goal of having 80% of our product offerings be sustainable by 2023.
This new collection features products made with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers. TENCEL™ fibers are produced by environmentally responsible processes from sustainably sourced natural raw material wood. The botanic origin of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and their great strength and softness make them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cotton.
- Why do you think ingredients such as TENCEL™ fibers are desirable for consumers?
TENCEL™ fibers have been a huge hit with our consumers and the brand has gradually gained a global reputation for their environmentally responsible, closed-loop production process, which transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with high resource efficiency and low ecological impact.
Products made with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are naturally soft to the touch and offer long-lasting comfort.
Combine that with the breathability, moisture-managing, and versatility properties of TENCEL™ fibers, you already have a pretty dreamy pair of jeans. Top that with TENCEL™’s credible sustainable practices, and you have hit the denim jackpot!
- As a longtime collaborator, how has your partnership with the TENCEL™ brand evolved over the years?
Our collaboration thus far has been a great experience! Leveraging our success with collection items containing TENCEL™ fibers and its eco-friendly practices encourages our team to continue to expand product offerings by sourcing more sustainable fabrics containing TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers.
- What challenges do you think denim brands encounter when they are transitioning to utilize sustainable materials? Are there any solutions?
It can be challenging to find the right manufacturing partners, production factories, and farms that are equally committed to sustainability, and have credible industry certifications to back it up. To avoid becoming a victim of greenwashing, it is important to conduct detailed research to find the best possible partners. Also, sourcing better materials like organic and regenerative fibers comes with a hefty price tag that some brands may not want to pay. Hopefully, the growing textile and fashion industry’s goal to have a more positive impact on the environment will urge existing companies to lighten their carbon footprint and re-evaluate their business operations. Furthermore, for newly created companies, it would be better for them to incorporate sustainable practices from the very start, so they don’t need to spend extra investments making this shift later.
- One personal question: As a consumer, what are some tips you have on acting sustainably when choosing fashion items?
Consumers should look for apparel items that are made with environmentally friendly fabrics and materials, as well as research brands to learn about their sustainability efforts before purchasing their products. Always buy quality over quantity, and remember upcycling clothing items or buying used clothes is also a step towards sustainability. We can all do our part to make a positive change for the environment!
