Outland Denim: Protect people, protect our planet
There’s a reason why Outland Denim’s jeans have been seen on Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton and it isn’t just because of their great design. Denim is one of the most water abusive fabrics as it takes over 10,000 litres to produce just one pair of jeans, which is why Outland Denim’s manufacturing process is completely different. They are moving the needle in not just the way their jeans are made but also with who makes them as part of their mission to help survivors of human trafficking. In this episode Outland Denim’s founder James Bartle explains the catalyst to starting outland denim and what he sees in the future of the denim and fashion industry.
The hope for Outland Denim is to eventually create jeans that don’t just leave the people wearing them in a better position but has also has left the planet in a better position.
For Outland Denim this means taking into serious consideration the use of water in their products and the way they are made. They are looking at all aspect of production from the way the fibers are grown, to where in the world it is grown, as well as the dyeing and styling process. All of these factors hugely impact the amount of water that is used to make a pair of jeans.
James also talks about the social responsibility that comes with working in the fashion industry not just the environmental. Most people may not know that the fashion industry has one of the highest rates of modern slavery.
This serious social issue is a central focus of Outland Denim and the urgency of solving this is at the forefront of the company mission. The decision for Outland Denim to set up as a manufacturing business has allowed them to directly impact and change people’s lives as a result of the products they create.
This gives them complete control and autonomy over their environmental and social impact right across the supply chain, meaning when someone buys a product by Outland Denim they have directly activated a cycle of freedom.
Want to find out more? Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.