The sustainability of an Apparel Product istied to every stylistic choice that a designer makes down to the last rivet. With global brands of jeans trading in leather for Jacron patches made from recycled paper, and animal rights groups like PETA publicly urging Levi’s to use vegan leather patches and going as far as purchasing the minimum number of shares in the company required to submit share holder resolutions and to speak at annual meetings the supply chain is taking a closer look at adopting sustainable practices and materials for trims. Like the cotton growing, weaving and finishing that come before it, denim trim suppliers are taking measures to reduce their intake of water, chemicals, energy and raw materials.

“There is a misconception that because a trim is such a small part of the overall garment, the choice of materials doesn’t matter. But it really does, “Even the small choices have an impact.” Said Debbie Shakespeare, A very Dennison’s senior director of sustainability and compliance.