Shein scales up eco-friendly denim production

Shein is scaling its adoption of Cool Transfer Denim Printing technology by 90 per cent to boost sustainability in denim production.

This method – implemented in 2021 in partnership with NTX – significantly reduces water and energy consumption while streamlining the manufacturing process.

Last year, approximately 380,000 pieces of Shein denim apparel were made using Cool Transfer Denim Printing, saving more than 10,000 metric tonnes of water compared to traditional production methods.

Traditional denim production is resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water and energy for dyeing, bleaching, and washing.

In contrast, Cool Transfer Denim Printing eliminates these high-consumption steps, using less water, dye, and energy. The method transfers designs from paper to fabric without heat, with a soft-hand feel.

Aside from the method’s sustainability benefits, Shein said it also improves worker safety by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals like chlorine and caustic soda, commonly used in conventional processes.