IN FEBRUARY , LEVI Strauss & Co . ( LS & Co .) announced a new “ transformative new operating model ” that will create “ a more sustainable supply chain and a cleaner jean ”. Called Project F . L . X . ( future-led execution ), this new model replaces manual techniques and automates the jean ’ s finishing process , allowing the company to reduce the number of chemical formulations used in finishing from thousands to a few dozen .
IN FEBRUARY , LEVI Strauss & Co . ( LS & Co .) announced a new “ transformative new operating model ” that will create “ a more sustainable supply chain and a cleaner jean ”. Called Project F . L . X . ( future-led execution ), this new model replaces manual techniques and automates the jean ’ s finishing process , allowing the company to reduce the number of chemical formulations used in finishing from thousands to a few dozen .
Traditionally , denim finishing – which creates worn , faded design elements on jeans – has been a highly manual , labour-intensive and chemical-reliant process , but the new model will automate much of the process , making it far more efficient and time-effective .
The company said the commitment is a major step to achieving zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by 2020 and accelerates the elimination of many chemical formulations that the company ’ s Screened Chemistry programme identified as “ phase outs ”. Among the chemicals that will be eliminated is potassium permanganate , an oxidizer that is used industrywide to replicate authentic vintage finishes . Beyond eliminating many chemicals , Project F . L . X . is expected to reduce textile waste by more accurately making what the market needs and may also provide the opportunity to save water in the future .
Just weeks after the announcement , Supply Chain Digital spoke exclusively to LS & Co ’ s Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer , Liz O ’ Neill , to get more detail on the plans that will revolutionise the company ’ s supply chain .
HOW SIGNIFICANT A STEP-CHANGE DO THE FEBRUARY ANNOUNCEMENTS REPRESENT FOR LEVI ’ S GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN ?
Project F . L . X . is a radical breakthrough that will shape the future of how jeans are designed , made and sold . We believe it is possible to make iconic apparel with authenticity , agility and sustainability at the forefront – all while protecting the quality craftsmanship consumers know and love us for . Project F . L . X . is our biggest example of those values in action to date . This is the future of jeans manufacturing , and LS & Co . is well-positioned to lead the way .
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