Over 63% of denim finishing processes globally now fall into the “low environmental impact” category, according to EIM’s newly released 2024 report—an industry first built on data from over 115,000 production cycles. For executives overseeing sustainable procurement and compliance, this figure signals both progress and pressure: while the sector is trending greener, critical issues such as excessive water use and hazardous chemicals persist. This article distills the report’s key findings, offering actionable insights on how brands and suppliers can leverage verified data, advanced technologies, and collaborative standards to meet increasingly urgent environmental expectations.
Data-Driven Sustainability in Denim Finishing
EIM (Environmental Impact Measuring), widely adopted by leading fashion and retail brands, has released its most comprehensive analysis yet of the environmental toll of denim finishing—a historically resource-intensive segment of the textile industry. The 2024 report leverages data from nearly 115,000 processes, positioning itself as a critical benchmark for sustainable performance.
The headline finding—that 63% of these processes now classify as low environmental impact—marks a substantial shift. It reflects years of incremental innovation, increased regulatory scrutiny, and brand-driven accountability. Yet, the report cautions that over 20% of denim finishing still relies on chemicals like potassium permanganate and pumice stones—substances flagged for their adverse impact on both human health and ecosystems.
This tension between progress and persistent challenges places renewed importance on transparent metrics and continuous improvement. For businesses, adopting standardized environmental performance tools like EIM enables not only internal optimization but also facilitates alignment with external compliance frameworks such as ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) and EU Green Deal directives.
Water Management Remains a Core Challenge
One of the most striking data points from the report is water usage. Despite improvements, the average consumption per garmenr remains at 30 liters—significantly higher than the 22.5-liter benchmark. This metric underscores the urgent need for brands to adopt water-saving strategies as part of their ESG commitments.
Executives should prioritize technologies that streamline rinsing processes, select fabrics requiring less intensive treatment, and implement innovations such as e-flow, ozone finishing, and smart foam systems. These interventions not only reduce water and energy consumption but also strengthen operational resilience amid increasing global water stress.
Investing in water-efficient technologies also contributes to broader supply chain risk mitigation. In an era where ESG performance is scrutinized by investors and regulators alike, reducing water intensity can translate into reputational advantage and long-term cost savings.
Scaling Safer Chemistry and Automation
Another focus area in the report is the reduction of chemical hazards through the adoption of ZDHC-certified substances and automated finishing systems. The continued presence of harmful compounds in a quarter of production processes suggests that voluntary compliance and supplier education are no longer sufficient.
For executives, integrating digital solutions that automate chemical dosing, monitor exposure, and centralize compliance data offers a pragmatic path forward. Such systems reduce human error, improve worker safety, and provide verifiable documentation—critical for reporting and third-party audits.
Furthermore, automation in denim finishing aligns with broader digital transformation efforts across the supply chain. When paired with advanced traceability platforms, businesses can synchronize sustainability metrics with procurement decisions, enhancing transparency from raw material to retail.
Collaboration Is Key to Scalable Impact
EIM’s ecosystem spans over 100 brands and 500 laundries worldwide, illustrating the potential of shared tools to drive industry-wide improvements. Companies including Levi’s, Mango, and H&M have embedded EIM into their sustainability strategies, signaling a shift toward sectoral accountability.
For industry leaders, this highlights the value of cross-functional collaboration—not just within supply chains but across the competitive landscape. Sustainability is increasingly a collective endeavor, requiring common standards, interoperable data, and transparent reporting frameworks.
Digital traceability solutions further amplify these efforts by making verified environmental and social data accessible to all stakeholders. In doing so, they enable brands to back sustainability claims with hard evidence—strengthening consumer trust and meeting evolving regulatory demands.
Conclusion
EIM’s 2024 report offers a candid snapshot of an industry in transition—where promising gains in sustainability coexist with ongoing environmental risks. For executives, the takeaway is clear: progress is real, but so is the work ahead. Leveraging standardized measurement tools, investing in low-impact technologies, and aligning with traceability platforms can accelerate this transformation. As denim finishing continues to evolve, success will depend on data-driven decision-making, strategic partnerships, and an unrelenting focus on measurable impact.