Crystal Denim to open a sustainable hub in Vietnam

Crystal Denim of Hong Kong is expanding its capabilities in Vietnam with the aim of creating a sustainable, vertically integrated manufacturing hub.

The company aims to improve its regional capacity to increase efficiency and speed, as it has received about 70 awards this year for its commitment to ethical production methods worldwide and locally. According to the firm, localizing production will help reduce the carbon cost of transporting items throughout the supply chain. The company also promises to introduce fabric collections created using more efficient and greener manufacturing techniques.

A 3D team used Browzwear technology to increase the factory’s capacity for virtual sampling. This reduced sample waste and lead times. Crystal Denim’s virtual development capabilities are predicted to increase by 50% as a result of the change this year. In the interim, Crystal Denim’s factories have all adopted the proprietary innovation hub known as Smart Laundry. Nowadays, laser technology is used instead of sandblasting. Waterless enzymes and eco-friendly chemicals are used for washing and finishing. Front-loading and E-Flow washing machines consume less water and use less chemicals for processing. The Vietnam factory uses an automatic denim chemical spray machine instead of hand-spraying with potassium permanganate. This protects workers from irritants.

Crystal Denim and Advance Denim, as well as Prosperity Textile, are partnering in Vietnam to increase vertical development and expand the fabric manufacturing industry. Through the agreement, nine alternative fabrications were created, resulting in 20 various items, including circular choices.

Through their relationship with Advance Denim, pre-consumer cotton, spandex, and polyester were all used in the co-development of fabrics. These components were mixed with Crystal Denim’s Infinity Blue Wash process to create a variety of fresh traits and hues. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the partners even unveiled their first net-zero emissions’ garment.

The partnership with Prosperity Textile was centered on adding characteristics like stretch and decorative marbling using more environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques. In 2020, Prosperity introduced Biostretch, a plant-based and biodegradable replacement for polyester.

According to Crystal Denim, working with nearby mills greatly reduces shipping expenses and carbon emissions. Additionally, it has assisted the company in drastically cutting lead times by 80% and energy usage by 25%. To create synergy, “We spearhead local sourcing and accelerate supply chain collaboration in Vietnam to build synergy,” said Miles Lam, assistant general manager of Crystal Denim. We all have the same objectives: to pioneer sustainable denim fabric and create personalized jeans for our consumers.

The business intends to strengthen its connections with local suppliers and seize new prospects for cooperation, he added. It was established in Hong Kong in 1970, and over the course of more than 50 years, it has expanded both its product range and its sourcing reach. Crystal International Group produces clothing in Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. They have five types of clothes: lifestyle, denim, underwear, knitted, and sportswear.