In December 2012, Levi’s pledged to eliminate all releases of hazardous chemicals throughout its supply chain and products by 2020, following pressure from Greenpeace.

The world’s biggest denim brand joins ten other clothing companies that have made commitments to detoxify their supply chains.

In 2011, major brands, including adidas Group, C&A, H&M, Li Ning, NIKE, and PUMA, made a joint commitment to help lead the industry toward the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC).

Levi’s commitment, follows the company’s long-term aim to tackle water consumption throughout its operations.

In 2007, Levi’s performed a lifecycle assessment of its Levi’s 501 jeans and Dockers Original Khakis.

From growing the cotton that eventually becomes a pair of jeans to recycling those jeans, the impact on water consumption was established.

Over 3,000 litres of water is used during the full product lifecycle of a single pair of 501 jeans, from the cotton production and manufacturing process to keeping the jeans clean.

First establishing its global water quality guidelines in 1992, the company was one of the founding member signatories of the CEO Water Mandate.

Established in July 2007, the CEO Water Mandate is a public-private initiative, under the auspices of the United Nations Global Compact, assists companies in the development, implementation and disclosure of water sustainability policies and practices.

Leigh Stringer

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