The Tomorrow philosophy
Our contribution to the fight against climate change and social issues is to redesign the entire process of conventional textile manufacturing as we know it.
When starting Tomorrow we were very aware (and still are) how the fashion system is built. Knowing about exploitation and low social standards that still apply for workers in the industry and that fashion production is the second most polluting industry in the world, we had the urge to make change. We wanted to prove that creating beautiful jeans could go hand in hand with tackling social and environmental issues linked to the entire textile production. Most importantly we knew we couldn’t be satisfied unless improving steps in the entire value chain to really make a difference.
As a tool to achieve our ambitions we use third part certifications that set strict criteria throughout the entire lifecycle of a product, on a social and environmental level. From raw material to production, use, disposal and recycling. The certifications we work with are the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel, the highest honor within sustainability in the European countries.
Traceability
Knowing our products are key when working with sustainability. Our list of suppliers is short; thus, we are more in control. All our products and components that goes in to the making of our jeans are 100% traceable and audited. This means we know where every component come from and that they have been tested and certified according to criteria set by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel to secure we live up to our social and environmental ambitions.
Raw materials & Fabrics
Choosing the right raw materials and fabrics are crucial for improving our environmental footprints. At Tomorrow Denim we only work with more sustainable materials such as 100% organic cotton, pre-consumer recycled cotton and recycled Polyester.
Already from the first step of our jeans’ lifecycle we reduce our environmental impact by choosing organic cotton. This means that we use cotton that is naturally grown without synthetic additives or pesticides. Organic cotton is therefore better for the local farmers, biodiversity and the water and soil health. Organic cotton also saves a lot of water compared to conventional cotton. Our organic cotton is certified by Global Organic textile Standards (GOTS) and the Organic Content Standard 100 (OCS 100)
Pre-consumer recycled cotton is made from manufacturer waste. This means that scraps, rejects and trimmings in the production have been given new life and repurposed. Recycled cotton requires less water and energy to produce and is great since we then use something that otherwise would have been thrown out.
Our recycled polyester is called Elastomultiester and is waste made from leftover polymers and used PET bottles. The polyester is mixed together with the cotton in many of our jeans due to its elasticity properties. This means our jeans gain a more stable stretch with good recovery, making sure to avoid lumps in the knees or that the jeans get bigger after usage. As a result they can also be washed less and used for a longer time.
Our denim fabrics are from ISKO, the world leading denim supplier and is certified according to the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel. The certification is proof that the fabric is without harmful toxins, chemicals, dyes and restricted substances (both MSRL and RSL). We therefore ensure our textiles are ecologically safe and healthy for humans.
Components
Brand patch -Our brand batch is vegan and cruelty free since we swapped leather for a FSC certified paper badge
Zippers, buttons, rivets are oekotex 100 certified and tested for cadmium, nickel and must not be allergenic.
All hangtags are made of FSC certified paper.
All components on a Tomorrow garment are tested thoroughly and certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel.
Water & Energy
Clean and safe water for everyone is crucial to all humans and biodiversity. Compared to conventional manufacturing, we reduce our water usage throughout the making of a Tomorrow garment. Reducing water usage also means reducing energy.
We save a lot of water during agriculture and fabric production as we only use organic cotton as well as new technology like ozone wash and e-flow technology. Ozone wash is shortly wetting the unwashed jeans just slightly with around 1 glass of water per garment, and then oxidizing indigo with ozone gas. This ensures water and energy saving up to 95% in washing.
We have a strict wastewater program to make sure we don’t contaminate water. As we avoid any toxic or hazardous chemicals in the production phase, our wastewater is as clean as possible. Our wastewater in the laundry is purified in special units and recycled until it cannot be used anymore. When it’s not sufficient for more denim production, the wastewater goes to an infrastructure system where it’s purified again before it’s used for watering plants and agriculture.
Our denim supplier is using solar energy which saves a lot compared to conventional energy. By using new technology in the production phase, we can keep the production more efficient by skipping steps, thus energy is saved. We do not use laser machine which is a normal process within denim production. It uses a lot of kilowatts, exhausts a lot of CO2 and burns fibers to nano particles which contaminate ocean life.
Chemicals
We avoid all types of hazardous chemicals that are used in conventional denim washing and which contaminate ocean life such as hydrogen peroxide, Potassium permanganate (KMn04), Sodium hypochlorite and Optical brighteners. These chemicals are toxic, hazardous to humans and also, they contaminate water and ocean life. When chemicals like these go into waterpipes, our biodiversity will suffer. As an example, as we cannot use optical brighteners, thus we cannot make optical white jeans.
Instead of the chemicals mentioned above, we use organic bleachers and organic dyestuff which are permitted by SWAN/EU.
Waste
Our Fabric supplier recycles their waste within the factory and uses it again as fibers. During garment production, we cycle all production waste to recycle companies, they take it from the garment factory and turn it to fibers and recycle back to fabric companies.
Wastewater is purified and recycled again and again until it no longer can be used for washing.
People
Never outsource your responsibility.
Throughout all stages of our products life cycle, we adhere to ILO (International Labour organization) standards meaning no child labor, forced labor, gender discrimination, fair wages, safe working conditions throughout the entire value chain.
All our suppliers are audited by BSCI and comply with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel.
Our Garment manufacturer/ extended family
We only work with one garment factory, in which we would never have come this far without. They are our colleagues and extended work family on the same level as all of us working at the HQ in Denmark. As part of our close relationship, we have employed a production team working at the factory. Through them we can stay close to and manage our value chain on site.
The factory empowers women by not only employing but by securing education to secure females at management level. The working conditions
The factory is a responsible manufacturer that provides the employees a work environment high above the law-required level. There are installed and has updated lighting, ventilation and ergonomics of its plants using latest technologies like led bus bar for electrical fitting, overhead mirror reflectors for lamps, forced duct ventilation and so on.
Clearly demarcated emergency routes & exits, smoke & fire detectors, consciously designed working lay-outs ensure a safe workplace for workers.
As per ISO requirements, instructions and warning signs are posted in highly visible places, inside the factory and in local language (Turkish).
Moreover, usage of metal gloves in times of fabric cutting, needle guard in time of sewing and such similar procedures reduces significantly work-related accidents in Sina.
Besides being safe, the workplace offers a congenial & supporting environment for all: managerial staff and workers work in mutual cooperation and respect. The factory not only empower women by recruiting more, but by undertaking some assertive programs to train & promote women to higher positions.