ABSTRACT
In a survey, a 4-point questionnaire was sent out to a total of 103 global brands, ranging from denim specialists to high street labels and luxury designer companies that employ denim regularly in their collections. Out of 103 brands, 19 completed the questionnaire, which accounts for 18 percent of the brands queried. The answers were vaguer in the dyeing department, though six brands specified they used pre-reduced liquid indigo at least some of the time and two brands mentioned indigo-free blue dyes based on water and chemistry-saving sulfur technology. Labels do have advantages–they can raise awareness among consumers and educate; they push for improvements and force brands to be more transparent–but they also compete against each other. The Sustainable Apparel Coalition is working on the Higg Index, "a standardized supply chain measurement tool for all industry participants," including the end-consumer.
