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Edwin

Shifting Gaia's Sustainable Rating Guide

Overall Rating: 

Top Choice

Location:

Japan

about the brand

Edwin is a Japanese denim brand established known for its high-quality craftsmanship and combining traditional Japanese denim techniques with modern innovations.

certifications

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Edwin

Brand Rating & Evaluation

Overall Rating: 

Top Choice

Shifting Gaia's Sustainable Rating Guide

Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate

The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. These are a few factors influencing this brand's score:

sustainability practices

Edwin incorporates Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton in its products, ensuring that its cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and produced following strict environmental and social guidelines.


To address denim’s high water demands, Edwin employs innovative water-saving techniques that allow for production with only 0.61 liters of water per pair, compared to the industry standard of approximately 90 liters, significantly reducing their water footprint. The brand also seeks to minimize its carbon footprint by integrating renewable energy sources throughout its supply chain, though specific carbon-neutral goals have not been disclosed.


Additionally, Edwin’s commitment to energy efficiency is reflected in its adherence to LEED U.S. Green Building Council standards. The brand’s facilities are designed to optimize energy usage, and they prioritize eco-friendly operations across various stages of production. 


Edwin USA also promotes a circular economy through an upcycling program, which encourages customers to return old denim items for repurposing, thus reducing textile waste. Though Edwin has yet to achieve certifications like CarbonNeutral, which would verify and measure their carbon reduction initiatives, their approach demonstrates a proactive effort to reduce environmental impact across multiple fronts.

ingredients & materials

Edwin USA employs low-impact, non-toxic dyes, which reduce the environmental harm and health risks associated with traditional dyeing methods. The brand holds Bluesign certification, which verifies that Edwin meets rigorous chemical management standards, further ensuring that their denim production is safe for consumers and the environment.

social responsibility

Edwin’s labor practices have been rated positively, reflecting a commitment to fair and ethical manufacturing. The brand ensures a living wage in the final stages of production and achieves transparency by tracing a majority of its supply chain. Additionally, Edwin USA holds certifications such as Fair Trade and B Corporation, which reinforce their commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical production. These certifications underscore Edwin’s dedication to fair treatment and socially responsible practices.

certifications
  • B Corporation Certified

  • Cradle to Cradle

  • LEED U.S. Green Building Council

  • Bluesign

some certifications are product specific*

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