How Turkish Mills Are Innovating for Sustainability, Performance, and the Future

January 29 2025
How Turkish Mills Are Innovating for Sustainability, Performance, and the Future
Denim has come a long way since its humble beginnings as an indigo-dyed cotton twill. With the rise of performance fabrics and a growing demand for versatile, comfortable designs and sustainable manufacturing practices, mills are now pushing the boundaries of what denim can be. Through ongoing research and innovation, they’re writing a bold new chapter in the fabric’s rich history.

owever, choosing which innovations to invest in is a delicate balance of forward-thinking vision and financial responsibility. At Bluezone in Munich, Germany last week, representatives from four Turkish mills came together to discuss the benefits and challenges of investing in new innovations. Isko anticipates the needs of the market rather than responding to demand, said Mirela Slowik, Isko category leader. One example of this mindset is Sanko Group’s Re&Up, the circular textile venture launched in 2023. In addition to tackling the fashion industry’s waste crisis, Re&Up is helping Isko significantly increase its use of recycled fibers while also preparing clients for upcoming EU regulations, which will mandate that fabrics contain at least 30 percent recycled content by 2026. The mill has overhauled its entire product line to incorporate recycled cotton and polyester, ensuring sustainability across all constructions and performance features.

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