Right off the top, The New Denim Project (TNDP) might produce one of the most sustainable fabrics in the world! Founded in 2013 by Iris Alonzo and Steve Teeps, the TNDP is committed to minimizing waste, promoting ethical manufacturing and environmentally responsible fabrics in the fashion industry.

Their solution is to take discarded denim and transform it into high-quality fabrics. Their fabrics is made using a unique process that involves shredding, spinning, and weaving post-industrial textile waste into new fabrics. In addition to its commitment to sustainability, TNDP is dedicated to creating a positive impact in the communities where it operates. The company works closely with local artisans and craftspeople, providing them with fair wages and opportunities to develop their skills.

Below is a direct except from TDNP's website that highlights the impact of upcycled cotton on the fashion industry.

Upcycling is a philosophy and a design principle that includes 'recycling' but goes beyond this system by taking a 'whole system' approach to the vast flow of resources and waste through human society. It redesigns the current, one-way linear industrial system into a circular economy, and it is modeled on nature's successful strategies​.

A circular system is restorative and regenerative by design, aiming to keep materials and components at their highest form of use and value at all times. It preserves and enhances natural resources, optimizes their yield, and minimizes system risks by managing renewable sources and flows. Existing materials are given more value, not less. A continuous positive design and development cycle, essential to minimize environmental impact and decrease the amount of waste that goes into landfills. 

For every kilogram of upcycled textile waste, we save up to 20,000 liters of water.

For every ton of upcycled textiles, 20 tons of CO2 are prevented from entering the atmosphere.

Sustainable design has the power to eliminate the use of chemicals and dyes, as well as significant energy usage reduction.​

Circular design and Upcycling is a powerful entry point into a critique of excessive consumption, waste, corporate irresponsibility, and the fundamental causes of environmental destruction. 

All of the fabric from TNDP is sent to La Workshop to expertly craft our garments.