Candiani Denim launches R&D program for circular denim innovation

Candiani Denim, a leading innovator in sustainable denim manufacturing, has introduced Re-Cyclone, a cutting-edge R&D program focused on creating post-industrial and post-consumer recycled denim. This initiative combines Candiani’s proprietary technologies with the recycling expertise of Humana People to People Italia and Filatura Astro to develop a robust feedstock of recyclable denim materials. The collection includes a range of fabrics made with varying percentages of recycled content.

Humana People to People Italia plays a crucial role by collecting old garments through strategically placed containers across Italy. These garments, often too worn or damaged for reuse, are stripped of their buttons, zippers, patches, and other trims for recycling. Filatura Astro then shreds and spins these materials into new yarns, which Candiani transforms into high-quality recycled denim fabrics. To scale the production of recycled denim, Candiani has partnered with Sharabati Denim to leverage significant volumes of post-industrial waste.

Candiani acknowledges the current limitations in producing 100 percent mechanical post-consumer recycled fabric due to its weaker fiber strength compared to post-industrial recycled fibers. However, the mill’s proprietary Blue Seed cotton, introduced in 2022, is making strides in this area by enhancing the strength and durability of post-consumer recycled fabrics.

The Re-Cyclone fabrics also feature Candiani’s patented Kitotex sizing technology, which replaces petrol-based PVA with a bio-based polymer from renewable sources called chitosan. Additionally, the fabrics benefit from Indigo Juice, a dyeing technology that keeps color more superficial on the yarns, simplifying the fading process and adding unique character to the denim.