Creating 100% Recycled Jeans with a Unique Method, Tackling Apparel Industry Challenges Like Massive Clothing Waste

Tommy Hilfiger champions the vision "WASTE NOTHING, WELCOME ALL," implementing various sustainability initiatives to address environmental challenges in the apparel industry, such as creating fully renewable products and employing eco-conscious manufacturing methods. Notably, in 2019, they developed 100% recycled jeans using a proprietary technique, exceeding the industry standard by over 30%.

As part of this initiative in Japan, a collaboration has been realized with the professional dance team SEPTENI RAPTURES, participants in the D.LEAGUE 22-23, to create a SHOW using costumes upcycled from denim materials.

The fashion industry, closely intertwined with dance culture, is said to generate over 50 tons of clothing waste annually. The significant environmental impact, including massive consumption of natural resources, substantial CO2 emissions, extensive water usage, and water pollution throughout the production, use, and disposal process, poses a major challenge for the industry.

In light of this context, SEPTENI RAPTURES has adopted upcycled costumes since the D.LEAGUE's inception in 2020. For the 22-23 SEASON, which commenced in October 2022, they have decided to wear environmentally conscious costumes, including upcycled and reused items, in all matches.

This collaboration came to fruition as both parties resonated with each other's activities. It marks the first instance within the D.LEAGUE for a dance team and a fashion brand to collaborate on a SHOW produced with costumes entirely made from upcycled materials.

The costumes were showcased during the "D.LEAGUE 22-23 SEASON ROUND.3" held on November 2nd (Wednesday). Designed to embody the "streets of New York," the SHOW, centered around the theme of "heartbreak" and featuring a man unable to move forward and a woman embracing the future, was brought to life under the direction of AKIHITO and leader MIYU.

About SEPTENI RAPTURES
A professional dance team competing in the "D.LEAGUE," Japan's premier professional dance league, founded in August 2020. The team is directed by AKIHITO, who achieved a grand prix victory at Japan's largest choreography contest. The roster comprises 11 members, led by MiYU, a world champion, all of whom are active frontrunners in various contests and dance battles.