Transformers Foundation Launches First Cross-Industry Benchmark for Indigo Dyeing Water Usage
In a landmark move toward transparency and accountability in the denim industry, the Transformers Foundation — supported by Naveena Denim Ltd (NDL) and the Indigo Council — has launched the first-ever cross-industry benchmark report on water consumption during indigo dyeing. Titled “A Reference for Water Consumption During Indigo Dyeing,” the study introduces credible, verified metrics for water use across the two most common dyeing methods: rope dyeing and slasher dyeing.
This comprehensive report draws on real-world data collected from seven denim mills operating in Pakistan, Türkiye, Italy, and China, and was developed through extensive collaboration with dye specialists, mill technicians, machinery manufacturers, and chemical suppliers. The outcome is a reliable, actionable guide to help brands, mills, and innovators understand and manage their water usage more effectively.
Real Data Over Marketing Claims
The study shows that water consumption during post-dye washing and rinsing processes varies considerably between rope and slasher dyeing systems. However, with improved practices, water use can be substantially minimized, regardless of the technology used. Key factors include accurate process monitoring, consistent controls, and smart water management.
This initiative comes in response to increasing regulatory scrutiny — such as the EU Green Claims Directive and UK Green Claims Code — and rising legal actions in the U.S. against misleading environmental claims. With the launch of this report, Transformers Foundation offers the industry a much-needed tool to replace vague claims with verifiable, data-backed standards.
“One of the most encouraging findings in this report is the willingness of mills to work together and share data transparently,” said Andrew Olah, Founder of Transformers Foundation. “Without specificity, figures like ‘80% less water’ become empty marketing. Real sustainability needs real data — and that’s exactly what this report provides.”
Collaborative Global Effort with Industry Leaders
The Indigo Council, which co-supported the report, includes industry pioneers such as Candiani Denim, Crescent Bahuman, Diamond Denim, Naveena Denim, Soorty, Orta, and Advance Denim. Machinery contributions came from Morrison Textile Machinery and Karl Mayer, with technical oversight provided by bluesign® and DyStar.
“Setting industrial standards prevents sustainability from becoming a buzzword,” said Rashid Iqbal, Executive Director at Naveena NDL Denim. “This benchmark is a tool to hold brands and suppliers accountable, and we’re proud to support it.”
“Our goal was not to rank mills but to equip the industry with meaningful metrics,” added Paolo Leidi, Technical Director at Transformers. “This report proves open collaboration is possible even among competitors, especially on critical sustainability issues.”
An Open-Source Future for the Denim Supply Chain
Rather than promoting one dyeing method over another, the report promotes a transparent, adaptable framework for measuring sustainability performance. It serves as a reference point for assessing innovations, evaluating suppliers, and aligning with environmental standards.
By publishing this benchmark, Transformers Foundation and its partners are calling for more open-source tools, shared data, and collective action — a shift toward collaborative sustainability that benefits the entire denim supply chain.
