Country Road has launched a men’s jeans range in partnership with denim manufacturer Saitex in Vietnam.
Saitex is a vertically integrated denim manufacturer that addresses energy use, water consumption and waste at key stages of production. The new denim range is produced in standard and slim fits, available in three washes - dark indigo, mid-blue and rich raw.
Country Road head of design for menswear Chris Vogelpoel said the partnership is a milestone for the brand.
“As part of our design strategy, we were determined to find and work with one of the most innovative denim mills in the world that’s committed to driving positive environmental and social change,” Vogelpoel said. “The result of this collaborative process means that we’re bringing a denim offering that sets Country Road apart, not just in terms of fabric and fit, but also with the incredible story linked to Saitex.”
The range took two years to complete, according to Country Road. This included spinning the raw cotton fibre to weaving the denim and constructing the garment, with every step of production completed in-house at Saitex.
Vogelpoel said onboarding a new manufacturer can take several months for Country Road, as the brand screens for social compliance and environmental practices, as well as assessing capacity and sample product quality.
"Beyond the practical aspects, it’s about establishing and building long-term relationships with our suppliers," Vogelpoal said. "Our conversations with Saitex began three years ago, to ensure we were the right fit for each other. Like Country Road, Saitex only partners with businesses that align to their values and vision.
"Our relationship grew because it was clear that both organisations had a purpose-led approach to business that extended far beyond the products we would create together."
Vogelpoel added that conventional denim production is synonymous with water waste, energy consumption and chemical use.
"Saitex is challenging conventional methods of denim production to address these issues, looking at alternative ways to wash, dye and dry its denim," he said.
The Saitex factory has 15,000 solar panels on the roof of its mill and uses a smart dying system called SmartIndigo, the first denim manufacturer to use this technology.
Saitex washes its denim using a closed-loop system that recycles approximately 98% of water through an on-site treatment plant. Due to its water and energy use, Saitex was the first denim laundry globally to be bluesign certified.
Saitex air dries its jeans for up to 80% of the drying process, removing the overuse of tumble dryers. Jeans are hung from the ceiling of the wash facility.
The facility also runs a REKUT program that offers training and employment for marginalised groups and people with disability.
"At this stage, we’re focused on producing the best quality men’s jeans we can, however we are incredibly excited at the prospect of introducing more denim in the future," Vogelpoel said.