Levi’s expands use of sustainable BioBlack

Levi’s is broadening its adoption of BioBlack, a 100% bio-based, non-toxic black pigment from Nature Coatings, as part of its push toward more sustainable dyeing practices. The San Francisco brand’s latest men’s styles, the 567 Relaxed Flare, 578 Baggy, and Highlight Park Jacket, are now made with the carbon-negative dyestuff.

The rollout begins in the U.K., with plans to expand to the U.S. and other global markets. Nature Coatings describes BioBlack as a direct replacement for petroleum-based carbon black dye, made from traceable industrial wood waste sourced from sustainably managed and certified suppliers. The pigment is produced in a closed-loop, circular manufacturing process and recently earned Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification.

Levi’s first used BioBlack in its Spring/Summer 2023 WellThread Collection, where the dye printed floral patterns on organic cotton denim. Nature Coatings said that early use proved the pigment’s quality and performance, paving the way for this wider launch.

“By embracing BioBlack in its mainstream denim lines, Levi’s is demonstrating how fashion brands can prioritize sustainability without sacrificing style, quality, or performance,” said Ryan Cheng, Nature Coatings’ chief revenue officer.

CEO Jane Palmer credited Levi’s early adoption as “pivotal” in proving that sustainable dye technologies can meet top industry standards, adding that the move to mainstream lines is “a significant validation” of their mission for a cleaner fashion future.