Subtitle: A Glimpse into the Future of Sustainable Denim Production
In September, I found myself amidst the hum of machines and the buzz of innovation at the C&A FIT (Factory for Innovation in Textiles) production facility in Mönchengladbach, Germany. As part of an exclusive delegation of fashion stakeholders invited by C&A, we embarked on a journey to witness firsthand the transformation of denim production into a sustainable and technologically advanced marvel.
Arrival: Entering the Legacy
Our journey begins at the Monforts Quartier, a site rich in the heritage of the regional textile industry. What once housed the textile processing machines of the esteemed A. Monforts Maschinenfabrik in the late 19th century has now been resurrected into a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to crafting sustainable denim.
C&A FIT: Where Tradition Meets Technology
Our group was welcomed into a sprawling space of approximately 4,300 square metres, divided into production and social areas. At first glance, it’s a modern factory, but C&A FIT is more than that. The modern sewing and laundry departments coexist with elements of the historic architecture, creating an environment that breathes life into the concept of sustainable fashion.
One remarkable aspect was the speed at which C&A FIT had moved from idea to reality. In November 2020, the decision to establish C&A FIT was made. By May 2021, renovation work had already begun. This is made possible with notable partnerships with esteemed institutions like Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, NRW Textile Academy, RWTH Aachen University, and 140Fahrenheit GmbH.
The Sustainable Workforce Behind the Machines
Moving on, we were introduced to C&A FIT’s core mission: reshaping the fashion industry by advancing sustainability through cutting-edge technology and innovation. This was not just a claim; it was a commitment echoed in every corner of the facility.
C&A FIT’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability is immediately evident in its diverse workforce. Initially, about 100 employees from various backgrounds contributed to the denim-making process. We met locals who have received on-the-job training, professionals from the local textile industry, and individuals with immigration backgrounds, echoing the brand’s dedication to skill development and diversity.
Resource Efficiency at Its Best
Walking through the production floor, we were introduced to the heart of C&A FIT’s sustainability ethos: energy and water management. The entire production and laundry process here is CO2-free, with 100% of the energy coming from a nearby wind farm. Upon clearing the rooftop PV system, sunlight will produce 30% of the energy. Water usage has been drastically reduced thanks to innovative, high-tech machinery. On average, only 10 litres of water are used per pair of jeans, a remarkable achievement considering traditional denim production consumes 60 to 90 litres.
Sustainable Production: Machines and More
Our eyes were drawn to the impressive machinery, each evidence of the brand’s commitment to efficiency and innovation. “Robby,” the warehouse robot, efficiently manages the storage, ensuring that each roll is readily available for production. The Gerber Atria, a state-of-the-art digital fabric cutter, optimises cutting processes with its advanced algorithms.
But the true marvel lay in the sewing section, where fully automatic programmable pocket setter units worked seamlessly, representing a marriage of automation and craftsmanship. The finishing touches carried out through modern laser technology replaced manual sand scraping, creating vintage-used looks while minimising environmental impact.
Forever Denim: Sustainable Fashion Realised
Our tour culminated in a revelation of C&A FIT’s sustainable denim collection, “Forever Denim.” This collection, proudly made in Europe, offers eight distinct pairs of denim, with styles ranging from straight fits to flared pairs for people of all genders. These timeless pieces, in various shades of blue, are all at an accessible price point of €59.99.
Feel Green in Blue: A Pledge to Sustainability
As our tour concluded, we were introduced to C&A FIT’s campaign motto, “Feel green in blue.” With its online launch in March 2022 and in-store availability from autumn 2022, this collection symbolises C&A FIT’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable fashion future.
In our time here, it became clear that C&A FIT has set out to revolutionise the way we think about fashion’s environmental impact. This endeavour aims to redefine how textiles are made, delivered, and consumed, marking a significant leap towards a more sustainable fashion industry. This is a blueprint for a future we can all be proud to wear.
