EIM 2024 Report says 63% denim finishing processes now low impact, but chemical use a key concern

EIM (Environmental Impact Measuring), the world’s leading platform trusted by major fashion brands to assess the sustainability of garment finishing, has unveiled its “Innovations and Challenges in Denim Finishing: 2024 Report.” Drawing insights from more than 115,000 denim finishing processes, the report establishes new sustainability benchmarks while spotlighting key advancements and persistent challenges across the industry.

The study finds that 63 per cent of denim finishing processes are now classified as low environmental impact, signaling progress across global production hubs. However, 24 per cent of processes still involve hazardous chemicals, including potassium permanganate and pumice stones raising urgent concerns for both worker safety and environmental harm.

Water usage remains a major issue. The average consumption stands at 30 liters per garment, still higher than the benchmark of 22.5 liters. EIM recommends strategies like optimizing rinsing steps, using less aggressive fabrics, and deploying technologies like ozone, e-flow, and smart foams to reduce water use.

The report calls for adopting certified safer chemicals and further automation to reduce human exposure to risks. EIM co-creator Begona García emphasizes that reliable data is critical for progress, positioning EIM as an industry standard for transparency and continuous sustainability improvement.