Adam Taubenfligel, an author and co-founder of denim brand Triarchy, has been exploring ways to develop denim without plastic due to the environmental impact of synthetic materials used in stretch jeans shedding microplastics during washing. In 2022, his company partnered with a denim mill to develop a plastic-free denim material using rubber, paving the way for further innovations in the industry.
Taubenfligel believes in the importance of circularity in fashion, focusing on the complete lifecycle of a garment and its responsible disposal. The plastic-free denim material developed by Triarchy can biodegrade in less than two years, benefiting soil health when used as compost. A regenerative farm in Italy grew tomatoes using the denim as compost, showing the potential for sustainable practices in agriculture and fashion industries.
The experience with the plastic-free denim material taught Taubenfligel the power of alignment in finding better solutions. Collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations with a shared commitment to improvement can lead to unexpected outcomes that have a positive impact on both the environment and society. By pursuing a collective vision and dedication to sustainable progress, companies can drive innovation and create lasting positive change.
Lessons learned by Taubenfligel in pursuing circularity when developing sustainable products include collaborating with like-minded organizations, embracing innovation and creativity, designing for circularity from the start, educating and engaging stakeholders, and measuring and tracking progress. These strategies can help companies navigate the journey toward circularity, driving environmental and social impact while unlocking opportunities for growth and innovation.
Forbes Business Council, the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders, emphasizes the importance of building partnerships with like-minded organizations, fostering innovation and creativity, designing products with circularity in mind from inception, educating and engaging stakeholders, and measuring and tracking progress to achieve sustainable growth and positive impact. By following these recommendations, leaders can successfully navigate the path toward circularity in their companies and drive innovation and growth they may not have previously thought possible.
