When you make clothes to stand the test of time, your sights are always on the future. We’ve long been advocates for sustainability—and our ambitions today are only bolder. Our plans and partnerships are focused on three main pillars: climate, consumption and community. We’re not shy about confronting the clothing industry’s effect on the planet. We’ve made terrific progress behind the scenes. With you involved, we can do more and we can do better. Every great movement begins with a conversation.
Confronting
Climate Change
There’s no denying that the fashion industry plays a part in today’s climate crisis. It’s essential that we adopt new industry practices that stress the planet less, from reducing energy use, emissions and waste, to taking a smarter, more responsible approach to water use and conservation. Not only do we tackle these issues head-on, we share our innovations with the entire industry. Let’s take a look at how we’re changing the game for good.
Using
Less
Water
Using less of our planet’s most essential resources is one of our most important innovations. Since introducing our Water
We also established our Recycle and Reuse Guidelines, a progressive objective that requires facilities to recycle more than 20% of the water used in manufacturing.
Better,
Energy-Efficient
Factories
By regularly conducting energy audits at our manufacturing facilities, we’re able to nimbly update our operations to be more energy efficient. Modernizing heat production, reducing our use of natural gas, choosing LED lighting and updating HVAC systems prove that little changes can make a big impact.
Reduce
Fiber
Impact
Cotton is undeniably our most used material—which is why so much of our sustainability work focuses on this farmed fiber. In 2020, 83% of our cotton came from more sustainable sources, including Better Cotton, organic cotton and recycled cotton. And we continue to explore the possibilities presented by alternative fibers and new innovations in the field. So far, we’ve introduced Cottonized Hemp, denim made with Circulose® fiber by Re:NewCell and our most advanced approach to sustainable design and manufacturing—Levi’s® WellThread®, a collection designed for recyclability down to the detail, even the zipper and iconic Levi’s® Two Horse patch.
Shape Up
Our Shipping
Practices
To leave the smallest possible carbon footprint, we introduced new shipping carton designs and streamlined our shipping and distribution process. These meaningful changes reduce packaging waste, carbon emissions and transportation emissions.
Restore
Our
Resources
1: Improve cotton cultivation. Our work with the Better Cotton Initiative helps to support more sustainable agricultural practices that replenish soil health, promote cleaner waterways and support farmer livelihoods.
2: Source alternative fibers so our natural resources can rebuild.
3: Protect our forests, habitats and water quality. Forests help stabilize the climate by absorbing about 2.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide. In 2020, we updated our environmental Commitment to Source Sustainable Wood-Based Fibers, a pledge to protect ancient and endangered forests and address the social impact of wood-based fiber production.
Using
Less
Water
Using less of our planet’s most essential resources is one of our most important innovations. Since introducing our Water
We also established our Recycle and Reuse Guidelines, a progressive objective that requires facilities to recycle more than 20% of the water used in manufacturing.
Better,
Energy-Efficient
Factories
By regularly conducting energy audits at our manufacturing facilities, we’re able to nimbly update our operations to be more energy efficient. Modernizing heat production, reducing our use of natural gas, choosing LED lighting and updating HVAC systems prove that little changes can make a big impact.
Reduce
Fiber
Impact
Cotton is undeniably our most used material—which is why so much of our sustainability work focuses on this farmed fiber. In 2020, 83% of our cotton came from more sustainable sources, including Better Cotton, organic cotton and recycled cotton. And we continue to explore the possibilities presented by alternative fibers and new innovations in the field. So far, we’ve introduced Cottonized Hemp, denim made with Circulose® fiber by Re:NewCell and our most advanced approach to sustainable design and manufacturing—Levi’s® WellThread®, a collection designed for recyclability down to the detail, even the zipper and iconic Levi’s® Two Horse patch.
Shape Up
Our Shipping
Practices
To leave the smallest possible carbon footprint, we introduced new shipping carton designs and streamlined our shipping and distribution process. These meaningful changes reduce packaging waste, carbon emissions and transportation emissions.
3: Protect our forests, habitats and water quality. Forests help stabilize the climate by absorbing about 2.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide. In 2020, we updated our environmental Commitment to Source Sustainable Wood-Based Fibers, a pledge to protect ancient and endangered forests and address the social impact of wood-based fiber production.
Changing
Consumption Habits
We’re committed to making better choices and better clothes. Because when we make better, you can buy better. And what you buy better, you can wear longer, so you can buy less and waste less. We launched our Buy Better, Wear Longer campaign in 2021—a mantra and movement that encourages more conscious purchasing decisions. Most importantly, as we look at our own resource consumption, we’re making strides to improve the circularity of our products, pioneering innovations that can scale to drive positive change across the industry. Designing clothes for circularity means using recyclable and renewable materials that can be made again, and limits the use of resources in the production process. Check out how we’re preparing to be circular-ready.
We joined Fashion for Good, which supports sustainable initiatives, and we’re working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Jeans Redesign project to help reduce consumption and advance circularity in denim. Together, we’re setting guidelines for brands and suppliers to make jeans that can be used more, are designed to be made again, and are made of safe, recycled and renewable inputs. The guidelines meet our minimum requirements for denim jean durability, material health, recyclability and traceability. Most importantly, it brings the fashion industry one step closer to achieving circularity at scale.
In 2020, 83% of our cotton came from more sustainable sources, including Better Cotton, organic cotton and recycled cotton. And we’re constantly exploring the possibilities presented by alternative fibers in the field. Check these out:
Cottonized Hemp: Compared to cotton, hemp grows faster, uses less water and leaves behind cleaner, healthier soils. What’s not to love? Well, it’s rough by nature. Specially designed for us, we partnered with fiber technology specialists to “cottonize” the hemp, achieving a texture that’s identical in feeling to the cotton you adore but better for the planet.
Circulose® fiber by Re:NewCell: Introduced in our first-ever Circular 501® jeans, this unique fiber is a sustainably sourced viscose made in part from post-consumer denim and textiles.
WellThread® is our most environmentally conscious clothing collection and ever-evolving design lab—where more sustainably produced, fully recyclable garments are already a reality in communities where the necessary programs and technology exist.
The inspiration behind our innovative programs is you. From helping you make intentional purchasing decisions to producing garments that are built to last, we developed the following programs and partnerships:
Levi’s® SecondHand: One of the best ways to reduce consumption is to buy used clothes. We encourage just that with Levi’s® SecondHand, our buy-back and recommerce program launched in 2020 that makes some of our most loved vintage items available, and builds a more sustainable future along the way. Learn more.
Levi’s® by Levi’s®: This forward-thinking collection is made entirely of upcycled and repurposed Levi’s® garments that were donated, returned or can’t be sold. Offering a fresh way to recycle garments, the Levi’s® by Levi’s® program has collaborated with designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces featuring innovative dip-dyeing techniques and leftover furnishing fabrics.
Tailor Shop: Rooted in Levi’s® heritage of craftsmanship and self-expression, our in-store Tailor Shops allow you to repair, reimagine and customize your most beloved pieces, unlocking your creativity in the process.
Joining the Ellen MacArthur Jeans Redesign project puts us at the forefront of helping to drive circularity in the denim industry. This coincided with the introduction of a fully circular version of our iconic 501® Original Jeans, a timeless style made to be made again without sacrificing our high durability standards.
Our water stewardship extends beyond our own facilities into your homes. We revised our garment care instructions to encourage water-saving practices, like washing less often, using cold water when you do, and line-drying your clothes to reduce water and energy use. Learn more about our garment care instructions.
To truly realize circularity, we need your help closing the loop. When you can’t wear your clothes any longer, here’s what you can do:
Give them a second life with Levi’s® SecondHand, our take-back program that keeps clothes in use for longer.
Give your clothes a new life—and personality—through our Tailor Shop, a creative space for personalization and repair.
Donate your clothes through us or to a friend or family—our garments have a long history of being shared and cherished for decades.
Anything is better than clothes ending up in a landfill, and it’s our mission to help the world find a way out of the wear-and-waste cycle.
We joined Fashion for Good, which supports sustainable initiatives, and we’re working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Jeans Redesign project to help reduce consumption and advance circularity in denim. Together, we’re setting guidelines for brands and suppliers to make jeans that can be used more, are designed to be made again, and are made of safe, recycled and renewable inputs. The guidelines meet our minimum requirements for denim jean durability, material health, recyclability and traceability. Most importantly, it brings the fashion industry one step closer to achieving circularity at scale.
In 2020, 83% of our cotton came from more sustainable sources, including Better Cotton, organic cotton and recycled cotton. And we’re constantly exploring the possibilities presented by alternative fibers in the field. Check these out:
Cottonized Hemp: Compared to cotton, hemp grows faster, uses less water and leaves behind cleaner, healthier soils. What’s not to love? Well, it’s rough by nature. Specially designed for us, we partnered with fiber technology specialists to “cottonize” the hemp, achieving a texture that’s identical in feeling to the cotton you adore but better for the planet.
Circulose® fiber by Re:NewCell: Introduced in our first-ever Circular 501® jeans, this unique fiber is a sustainably sourced viscose made in part from post-consumer denim and textiles.
WellThread® is our most environmentally conscious clothing collection and ever-evolving design lab—where more sustainably produced, fully recyclable garments are already a reality in communities where the necessary programs and technology exist.
The inspiration behind our innovative programs is you. From helping you make intentional purchasing decisions to producing garments that are built to last, we developed the following programs and partnerships:
Levi’s® SecondHand: One of the best ways to reduce consumption is to buy used clothes. We encourage just that with Levi’s® SecondHand, our buy-back and recommerce program launched in 2020 that makes some of our most loved vintage items available, and builds a more sustainable future along the way. Learn more.
Levi’s® by Levi’s®: This forward-thinking collection is made entirely of upcycled and repurposed Levi’s® garments that were donated, returned or can’t be sold. Offering a fresh way to recycle garments, the Levi’s® by Levi’s® program has collaborated with designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces featuring innovative dip-dyeing techniques and leftover furnishing fabrics.
Tailor Shop: Rooted in Levi’s® heritage of craftsmanship and self-expression, our in-store Tailor Shops allow you to repair, reimagine and customize your most beloved pieces, unlocking your creativity in the process.
Joining the Ellen MacArthur Jeans Redesign project puts us at the forefront of helping to drive circularity in the denim industry. This coincided with the introduction of a fully circular version of our iconic 501® Original Jeans, a timeless style made to be made again without sacrificing our high durability standards.
Our water stewardship extends beyond our own facilities into your homes. We revised our garment care instructions to encourage water-saving practices, like washing less often, using cold water when you do, and line-drying your clothes to reduce water and energy use. Learn more about our garment care instructions.
To truly realize circularity, we need your help closing the loop. When you can’t wear your clothes any longer, here’s what you can do:
Give them a second life with Levi’s® SecondHand, our take-back program that keeps clothes in use for longer.
Give your clothes a new life—and personality—through our Tailor Shop, a creative space for personalization and repair.
Donate your clothes through us or to a friend or family—our garments have a long history of being shared and cherished for decades.
Anything is better than clothes ending up in a landfill, and it’s our mission to help the world find a way out of the wear-and-waste cycle.
THE SUSTAINABLE COLLECTION
Wearing what you already own is the most sustainable thing you can do, but when you do buy, buy better. Check out some of our most innovative products.