Our innovative manufacturing process in 7 steps:
Harvesting
Where some see waste, we see opportunity. Our garments' principle raw material is ‘post-consumer’: it lived a previous life. After collection, items are sorted according to quality and usability. A small proportion containing chemicals too heavy for processing are sent for downcycling (used in industrial materials, not landfill). The remainder goes into HNST’s recycling process.
We also use 91% less water*. For every pair of pre-loved jeans diverted from landfill, we conserve an average 1340 litres of water.
*compared to industry standard data, calculated with a comparative LCA study (ReCiPe 2016 midpoint methodology)
Shredding
Our German based specialist recycling partner first removes all the clothes’ hard parts (such as buttons or rivets) and labels, by using smart mechanical and magnetic separation techniques. Afterwards, they are carefully shredded into fibres through mechanical recycling.
Spinning & Weaving
Next, we combine recycled cotton with low impact materials such as organic cotton and Tencel. These are spun into yarn and dyed with the cleanest alternatives: such as for our HNST signature blue denim, we use SmartIndigo, saving water and minimising harmful byproducts.
Our black jeans are dyed using a recycled method, allowing wastewater filtration of dye pigments to be repurposed later. We’re experimenting with natural mineral pigments for our seasonal collections– stay tuned.
After dyeing, our yarns are then woven into a new, soft, and high quality fabric. We are proud that nearly half the finishing process is powered by solar energy.
Design
Expert seamstresses transform the recycled denim fabric into HNST garments. We insist on ethical, safe and healthy working conditions that adhere to strict regulations and workplace standards, so we deliberately partner with European suppliers.
100% made in the EU = 90% reduced carbon footprint.
Sewing
Expert seamstresses transform the recycled denim fabric into HNST clothes. We deliberately partner with European suppliers to guarantee working conditions that adhere to strict regulations and workplace standards.
100% made in the EU = 90% reduced carbon footprint. Conventional jeans → travel 60.000 km. HNST jeans → travels 6.000 km
Washing
Conventional denim washing during the manufacturing stage leaves a high, negative environmental impact, due to aggressive and polluting techniques.
At HNST, we use three ecological washing methods; GOTS, Bluesign, or ZDHC certified. To create our different shades of blue, we use cutting edge processes (ozone fading, lasers, and enzymes), minimizing need for the traditional harmful substances that damage ecosystems and human health.
We are also proud that around one third of this process is powered by solar energy.
Circular Consumption
We want to empower our customers to love and use their HNST jeans for as long as possible.
To infuse more love into denim, we offer a repair service. But products do eventually reach the end of life, so we enable customers to return unwanted product for our recycling, and offer a discount on subsequent purchase(s).