ECOISM by BLUEZONE
Three weeks ago Munich was the center of attention in the fashion world. With the latest edition of Munich Fabric Start, over 1,200 manufacturers, laundries and other garment companies from all over the world flew to Munich to present their latest collections and innovations.
Part of Munich Fabric start is BLUEZONE, which solely caters for the denim industry. It has a focus on all things indigo and is fast becoming one of the leading trade shows of the moment. It was our first visit to Bluezone and in addition to content you’ll have seen on Instagram, we wanted to give a fuller write up and share the highlights with you!
The theme of this years show was ECOSIM, with a strong focus on environmental impact and sustainability. More than a simple trend, this touches all aspects of the industry and BLUEZONE is being proactive by taking measures to address some of the most important issues that are effecting us. Everything from manufacturing, recycling and innovate fabric technologies was discussed, with a host of international experts.
Photo courtesy of Hans Jellema.
BLUEZONE
The show itself is an authentic B2B denim trade show which has been in operation since 2004 and has grown into one of the leading shows in Europe. BLUEZONE hosts around 100 international suppliers across three halls of denim inspiration.
From the very first moment we entered the show, we were impressed by the high level of the event and ‘Profashionality’ (a word developed by Panos Sofianos), as well as the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Of course, sales and business were central to the activity at the show, but there was so much more to be found at BLUEZONE.
During the two-day event, BLUEZONE continuously brought leading denim experts together on the stage as part of its seminar program. Many important subjects in the industry were discussed including fabric developments, trends, projects and innovations. During these discussions and throughout the show one thing became very clear; that instead of competing against each other, companies are bundling their strengths in order to start cleaning up the industry together. It is critical that collaboration is key to the success of any work in this area and BLUEZONE is doing a lot to foster that collaborative spirit.
Photo courtesy of Hans Jellema.
KEYHOUSE
The show has also dedicated a separate building to innovative and forward thinking textiles and technologies. The concept, named KEYHOUSE, is seen as an innovation hub for the industry with numerous stands, product demonstrations, interactive experiences and talks which are focused on everything from trends to technologies.
KEYHOUSE is really focused on innovation and enhancement, with some of the world’s leading textile companies joined the hub showing their latest contributions in making the industry future-proof. We felt like a kid in a candy store when we were walking around KEYHOUSE, seeing all the effort and resources that companies are dedicating to this area.
One of the great exhibitors at KEYHOUSE was Officiana+39, an Italian company with thirty years of experience dedicated to research around chemical application in the textile industry. At KEYHOUSE, the company presented several dyes made of old t-shirts, allowing them to reuse the colors in order to dye new garments. A super sustainable solution, which feels like a game-changer for us!
We also stopped by at the booth of our good friends at Soorty, who were presenting their collaboration with Denimhunters and Long John, in which they replicate their favorite worn-in jeans, only using sustainable washing techniques.
Photo courtesy of Hans Jellema.
ECOISM
With the theme of ‘ECOISM’, Bluezone was firmly looking at the green (innovation) in our blue world.
When we asked Panos Sofianos, New Business Manager and Curator of Bluezone, to explain the term ECOISM, he had the following to say;
“Let us forget our ego – it’s time for eco and togetherness. We aim to see our industry reacting more responsibly and effectively towards the environmental problem. We are inviting everybody from the blue community to act consciously and be part of the denim revolution”
With the words of Panos and the theme of ECOISM, BLUEZONE made it very clear that the industry needs to change. A change which needs to lead to a brighter and blue future, supported by the entire industry.
Photo courtesy of Hans Jellema.
How is the industry responding to ECOISM?
The relevance of ECOISM was visible in every layer of the show, with many discussions about sustainability and responsibility. All manufacturers and companies seem to be involved with this critical discussion, so we are hopeful that the industry is taking its responsibility. But what changes are being made and what innovations are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible? Below we have featured three sustainable solutions, from three different companies, offering less harmful alternatives to traditional methods of production.
DryIndigo® by Tejidos Royo
Tejidos Royo, a Spanish textile producer and denim specialist committed to sustainability and the protection of human rights, was the first manufacturer to introduce foam-based indigo dyeing under the name ‘DryIndigo®’. This new certified technology does not only save 100% water, but it also reduces energy consumption by 60%. Now that water isn’t needed for production, they are donating millions of liters of water to charity instead.
Photo courtesy of Hans Jellema.
Hemp fabric labels by Turtexetiquette
Turtexetiquette, a leading textile accessories supplier from Turkey, is offering hemp fabric labels as a sustainable substitute to leather or cotton. Hemp is a fast-growing and versatile plant, which can be used to produce biodegradable plastic, paper, biofuel and fabrics. Compared to cotton it needs 50% less water, less pesticides and is much easier to grow.
Photo courtesy of Hans Jellema.
Reusable buttons by Dorlet
Dorlet, a family-run business from France, has been creating and developing metal and leather accesoiries since 1928. With their rich heritage and unique knowledge, they are developing sustainable solutions to reduce waste. One of their recent offerings is a reusable button, which can be transferred from one jean to another. Meaning that when it is introduced to the market and if widely adopted, you would just need one top-button for all your jeans.
Photo courtesy of Hans Jellema.
Conclusions
Now we finally made it to BLUEZONE, we can honestly say that this trade show is really adding value to the denim industry. It is pointing the finger at the vulnerabilities of the industry and inspiring companies to act consciously and to be part of the ‘green denim revolution’. After visiting Bluezone, one thing became very clear for us; the industry is taking important steps towards a greener future and working towards convincing brands and consumers of the necessity of change!
Photo courtesy of Hans Jellema.
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