Post-Consumer Recycled Denim

The iconic Levi’s 501 jeans are getting a sustainable makeover thanks to the Recycled 501 styles. These sustainable denim styles are made with pairs of old Levi's that have been liquefied for reuse as new material.

A chemical process is what makes these products possible and Levi's is working with Swedish company Renewcell to turn the fibers from old pairs of jeans into fresh new material. Harald Cavalli-Björkman, Renewcell’s chief growth officer, told Fast Company, "One of Sweden’s biggest industries is forestry, so we have expertise in understanding wood. There are established methods for chemically breaking down wood into cellulose to recycle it. With Renewcell, we’re tweaking the formula to make it work for cotton and viscose.”

The design of the classic 501s has also been updated to support recycling.