There’s nothing like a good pair of jeans. When you slide them on you feel a little more confident, a little more like you, and a little more at home in your skin. That’s why Ergobaby partnered up with The New Denim Project to transform recycled denim from their fabric mill in Guatemala, into the perfect carrier – the perfect fit, the perfect wash, and the perfect amount of cozy and practical to help you and your baby feel right at home.
Ergobaby x The New Denim Project is one way we’re fulfilling our commitment to sustainability – recycling denim fibers into a new fabric means skipping the additional dyeing process and eliminating extra water use and waste, energy use, and GHG emissions associated with denim dyeing.
The New Denim Project is a third-generation family-owned textile company that’s been operating since the 50s and focuses on natural fibers and circular manufacturing.
They’ve accomplished a lot in their decade of business, but according to Adrienne, Creative Director of New Project, they “are proudest of the community that we have formed throughout these 10 years… you know, in a shared economy, all elements/organisms belong together and strive for the preservation of the entire ecosystem. Our circular approach to our work is the search for this oneness – an ode to balance, and above all, a celebration of community. They say it “takes a village” to raise a child, and it is the same case when working towards a clean future – it will take all of us, all of the time… and that is precisely the point.”
They’ve partnered with numerous brands like Ralph Lauren, Mara Hoffman, Madewell, The Beach People, Homecourt, and so much more and now…Ergobaby!
“The desire to drive positive change must be ingrained in our DNA of everything we do: the way we design, how we live, why we work. All our partnerships tend to develop a deeper understanding of the connection between empathy, transparency, creativity and sustainable growth. These basic attributes have the power to, in time, change our course, and perhaps guide us to the most innovative and giving phase we have ever seen. We could not have thought of a better and forward-thinking partner,” said Arianne.
What is a Circular system?
“A circular system is one in which products are designed, manufactured, used and handled so as to circulate within society for as long as possible, with maximum usability, minimum adverse environmental impacts, minimum waste generation, and with the most efficient use of water, energy and other resources throughout their lifecycles.” – The New Denim Project
The New Denim Project collects and sorts post-industrial waste from local garment factories and grinds them back into fiber to spin into new years for upcycling.
“Everything you make returns to Earth as either food or poison.” Slow Factory Foundation
The process is chemical-free, dye-free, and uses minimal water and energy. No synthetic fibers are added which creates products that are 100% natural and compostable, i.e., circular. After this process, whatever cottonseed and cotton link is left over from upcycling is then passed to local coffee-growers to use as compost to cultivate specialty coffee in the highlands of Guatemala.
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.
Learn More about Ergobaby’s Commitment to Sustainability
The Apparel and Textile Industry and Their Carbon Footprint
This information was gathered from The New Denim Project
The apparel and textile industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and remains the second largest industrial polluter, second only to oil. The industry’s immense footprint extends beyond the use of raw materials. In 2015, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from textiles production totaled 1.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent, more than those of all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
A consumer today owns 300% more clothes than a generation ago, and on average wears clothing 7 times before getting rid of it. Fast fashion has created a business model based on the artificial creation of short-term trends combined with clothing that doesn’t last – what other industries call “planned obsolescence.” This cheap mentality has come devastatingly high costs for the environment and the people making clothing. 150 billion garments are produced annually, enough to provide 20 new garments to every person on the planet, every year. 26 billion lbs. of textiles are trashed each year and only 15% of these are recovered for recycling. Less than 1% of material used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing, representing a loss of more than USD 100 billion worth of materials each year.
The textile industry is one of the top 3 water wasting industries, and the 2nd largest polluter of freshwater resources on the planet. Textiles production uses around 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, contributing to problems in some water-scarce regions: 8,500 liters of water are needed to produce a pair of jeans and 2,600 to produce one single t-shirt.
Ergobaby x The New Denim Project Introduces: Omni Dream Denim
Upcycling is recycling taken to the next level. It’s not just about tossing things into the trash but taking a whole new approach to how we deal with resources and waste. It’s a rejection of the linear industrial system and an embrace of a circular economy inspired by nature’s smart moves.
“The goal of upcycling is a delightfully diverse, safe, healthy, and just world with clean air, water, soil, and power—economically, equitably, ecologically, and elegantly enjoyed.” William Mc Donough
“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.” The New Denim Project
“We are particularly excited to bring an alternative for parents all over to be able to enjoy this “mom tuxedo” and feel so much pride and joy with it. Not only because it looks and feels great, but because behind it there was an entire artistic process to it. A transformation of fibers, evidence of so many creative and design-thinking minds. It tells a story, what is happening and where we are going. As Francisco Costa said once “I believe the spirit of beauty is inseparable from the health of the earth.” This Denim Carrier is a piece that expresses the world we want for our little ones, and I hope it translates in the aesthetic beauty of it,” Adrienne said.
Omni Dream Denim is one way Ergobaby is fulfilling our commitment to sustainability.
Each carrier uses about 14 ounces of recycled denim and cotton fiber, which is equivalent to a pair of lightweight jeans. We love this new carrier, and we think you will too!
