This is how we make ours!

What is denim

It’s almost entirely cotton, which is grown, harvested, and then spun into yarn so that we can use it to make clothes.

BCI membership since October 2021

To minimise our environmental impact, we make most of our denim using cotton from sustainable sources like the Better Cotton Initiative.

As BCI members, we’re committed to making global cotton production better for the environment and the people involved.

We also use recycled cotton , as it reduces textile waste and requires far fewer resources than cultivating conventional or organic cotton.

81.73% of our SS24 denim collection has been made with sustainable cotton (either BCI or Recycled Cotton).

We produce our denim at 36 facilities in 7 countries

We work closely with our partners to protect people’s human rights and make life better for local communities.

Our Ethical & Transparent Sourcing Programme promotes socially responsible manufacturing through policies that are stricter than local laws.

We carry out third-party audits (BSCI, SMETA, WRAP) to assess the facilities of current and potential partners and identify areas for improvement.

Our Code of Conduct for suppliers protects the rights of their employees.

Accord membership since January 2022

In January 2022, we joined Accord to improve the health and safety conditions for our workers in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Garment finishing or washing is the final stage in denim production. To rate how sustainable our washes are , we use Environmental Impact Measuring (EIM) software developed by JEANOLOGÍA™.

A “green” score is awarded to denim washes with the lowest possible impact, and only denim with this score can carry our Pepe Future sustainability tag.

Each score takes into account the following four areas:

Water Consumption

Measured in litres per garment, total consumption is equal to the total amount of water used in each step of the process.

Chemical Usage

EIM takes into consideration the environmental hazards caused by any chemicals used.

Energy Consumption

Energy is used to power machinery and tools, as well as to heat water or air for washing and drying processes.

Social Impact

EIM takes into consideration the toxicity of every chemical, as well as the frequency and severity of physical injuries.

Water Consumption

Measured in litres per garment, total consumption is equal to the total amount of water used in each step of the process.

Chemical Usage

EIM takes into consideration the environmental hazards caused by any chemicals used.

Energy Consumption

Energy is used to power machinery and tools, as well as to heat water or air for washing and drying processes.

Social Impact

EIM takes into consideration the toxicity of every chemical, as well as the frequency and severity of physical injuries.

38.27% of our SS24 denim collection was washed using minimal water, energy, and chemicals to protect the health of our employees and make the whole finishing process more sustainable.

We also have a denim range that’s finished using Wiser Wash® .

What is Wiser Wash®?

Certified by Control Union, this garment washing technology helps us to drastically reduce our environmental impact.

Wiser Wash® drastically reduces water and energy consumption

Just one cup of water

Traditional methods use around 16 litres of water to decolour a pair of jeans. We get the same result using just one cup!

*One cup is approximately 200ml.

Minimal water usage

Overall, the Wiser Wash® process uses just 29 litres of water per garment, compared to the average of 65 litres. That’s 55% less!

No toxic chemicals

Wiser Wash® removes all the toxic chemicals from the bleaching process, swapping them for an eco-friendly alternative called Ozone.

No pumice stones

Stones are often used to fade denim for a worn-in feel, but Wiser Wash® achieves the same effect without them, preventing water pollution.

40% less energy

Compared to conventional bleaching methods, Wiser Wash® needs less time and fewer rinses, helping us cut energy use by 40%.

Just one cup of water

Traditional methods use around 16 litres of water to decolour a pair of jeans. We get the same result using just one cup!

*One cup is approximately 200ml.

Minimal water usage

Overall, the Wiser Wash® process uses just 29 litres of water per garment, compared to the average of 65 litres. That’s 55% less!

No toxic chemicals

Wiser Wash® removes all the toxic chemicals from the bleaching process, swapping them for an eco-friendly alternative called Ozone.

No pumice stones

Stones are often used to fade denim for a worn-in feel, but Wiser Wash® achieves the same effect without them, preventing water pollution.

40% less energy

Compared to conventional bleaching methods, Wiser Wash® needs less time and fewer rinses, helping us cut energy use by 40%.

When you choose Pepe Jeans denim, you contribute to protecting the environment and improving life for communities in the areas where we operate.

How sustainable is our denim?

Before we label our clothing as sustainable, it must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • It contains at least 50% sustainable cotton (BCI and organic cotton).
  • It contains at least 20% recycled cotton.
  • It contains at least 50% Tencel.
  • It has the lowest possible impact (green EIM score).
  • It is washed using Wiser Wash technology.

Which means…

  • 85% of our SS24 denim collection is considered sustainable.
  • 48.44% of our adult jeans were finished with a sustainable wash.

How can you make your denim last longer?

If you take good care of your denim, it will last longer and you won’t need to replace it as often, which also helps to reduce your carbon footprint.

Wash your denim less often

Remember to turn it inside out and use cold water to avoid shrinkage and fading.

Wash your denim with similar colours

Take special care when washing darker denim, and avoid detergents containing bleach.

Let your denimair-dry

Hang your denim out to dry, and put it inside out to avoid bleaching from the sun.

Wash your denim less often

Remember to turn it inside out and use cold water to avoid shrinkage and fading.

Wash your denim with similar colours

Take special care when washing darker denim, and avoid detergents containing bleach.

Let your denimair-dry

Hang your denim out to dry, and put it inside out to avoid bleaching from the sun.

Re:claim

Our Sustainable Denim Collection

Our Re:claim denim contains at least 98% recycled cotton

All Re:claim denim contains at least 98% recycled cotton, made from both post- and pre-consumer waste fibres.

To strike a balance between durability and sustainability, our pocketbags are made from a combination of cotton and 65% recycled polyester .

For our stitching, we use threads made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. And the patch on the back is made from mushrooms, so it’s 100% biodegradable.

Our Re:claim denim is washed with minimal water, energy, and chemicals to achieve a green EIM score.