International fashion retailer Esprit claims that a worldwide bid to end the sale of sandblasted product has already taken effect in Australia.
Earlier this month, the German-headquartered firm announced it would pull the controversial textile finishing process from its global production chain with immediate effect. The technique is primarily used to achieve a worn look for denim and involves sand particles been applied to garments under high pressure.
The announcement confirmed the ban would apply to all fabrics and all international suppliers used by the company, in the wake of mounting concerns it may endanger the health of employees.
“The ban against the manufacturing process will apply to both existing and future suppliers,” the statement read. “Esprit is currently informing its manufacturers about the new rule [and] Esprit will ensure that this ban on sandblasting is adhered to during regular checks.”
However, when contacted by Ragtrader regarding the first shipment of sandblast-free merchandise to Australia, the company claimed it had already dropped as part of its season two range.
“This is being phased out right now,” a spokesperson said. “The February range is the first sandblast-free product to hit the shelves; it hit stores in mid-January.”
The bid follows fashion giants Levi Strauss & Co and H&M, which both banned the process late last year. The first batch of products devoid of sandblasted styles from Levi Strauss are scheduled to land in Australia over autumn/winter 2011.
Esprit currently operates 75 freestanding stores in Australia, with 94 concessions at department store Myer and 55 wholesale accounts. There are also 11 stores operating in New Zealand and two concessions in Smith & Caughey. Esprit produces 12 collections for six order dates per year, with a strong denim component across its men’s and women’s casual lines.
Esprit Holdings posted a 21 per cent drop in profit for the six months ended December 2010, with net income falling to $275 million from $350 million a year earlier due to weakening demand in Europe.
Assia Benmedjdoub