Why we love them: Isko is a family-owned company that was founded in 1983. They emphasize that their sustainable manufacturing processes enable greater efficiency and supply chain accountability.Their factory is super high-tech and completely state-of-the-art. They believe it’s their responsibility as industry leader to set new standards and lead the way towards a better future, being an active example for both their partners and final consumers. They have an impressive amount of certifications that verify the sustainability of their production processes, health and well-being of workers, the use of organic and recycled materials to meet sustainable fiber requirements, and verify that clean dye and colorant requirements are met. Basically, they are already super advanced with sustainable and ethical practices and are always trying to find ways to further improve and innovate. Pretty rad!

Certifications: Isko is the only denim mill in the world with these two certifications- EU ECOLABEL (label of environmental excellence that is awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their life-cycle), NORDIC SWAN ECOLABEL(stamped as the environmentally best goods by evaluating a product’s total lifecycle from raw material to waste/recycling). They also have these other cool certifications:SEDEX (responsible sourcing in supply chain), ISO14001 CERTIFICATION (international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system), OEKO-TEX Standard100 Certification (textiles and fabrics are certified free of harmful chemicals), WRAP CERTIFICATION (safe, lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing), OHSAS 18001(Effective occupational health and safety management systems), GLOBAL RECYCLED STANDARD (full supply chain traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, and labeling for recycled materials used), GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD, or GOTS-TR (most important standard for sustainable production of garments and textile products), and ISO 50001 (establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management systems).

ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Foundation: ISKO’s commitment not to use harmful substances is a core part of their holistic Responsible Innovation vision. As a member of the ZDHC, their vision is widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry and best practices in the textile, leather and footwear industries to protect consumers, workers and the environment.

LCA (Life Cycle Assessment): Isko has obtained lifecycle assessments (LCAs) for all of its 25,000+ denim products. LCA’s evaluate the total lifecycle from raw material to waste/recycling. To ensure the validity of these LCAs, Isko is the first denim manufacturer in the world to get pre-certified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which provide the water usage and carbon footprint of 1 square meter of fabric. Full transparency!