Levi’s expands use of carbon-negative BioBlack in mainstream collections
Levi Strauss & Co. is significantly expanding its use of BioBlack, a carbon-negative black pigment from Nature Coatings, in its new men's denim and apparel styles. This move follows a successful initial launch and marks a major step in the company's commitment to prioritizing sustainable materials in its core product lines.
BioBlack serves as a direct, bio-based alternative to conventional petroleum-based carbon black, a widely used pigment. The non-toxic dye is derived from traceable industrial wood waste sourced from sustainably managed and certified forests. Its production operates within a closed-loop, circular manufacturing system, reinforcing its eco-friendly credentials.
New styles featuring BioBlack include the 567 Relaxed Flare, 578 Baggy, and Highlight Park Jacket, initially launched in the U.K. market. Nature Coatings confirmed that the dye will be progressively introduced in the U.S. and other key global regions, demonstrating Levi’s commitment to a wider adoption of the sustainable pigment.
Levi’s first introduced BioBlack in its Spring/Summer 2023 Levi’s WellThread Collection, where the dye was used for printing floral patterns on organic cotton denim. This initial collaboration proved the technology's capabilities and laid the groundwork for today’s broader adoption.
The BioBlack technology recently achieved Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, a significant endorsement that ensures its compliance with one of the highest sustainability benchmarks in textile manufacturing. This certification, coupled with recent funding secured by Nature Coatings to scale its manufacturing and distribution, positions the pigment for widespread adoption in the industry.
