SPAO said in a statement on October 22 that it would increase the ratio of its eco-friendly denim products to up to 60 percent during the first half of 2022 from 40 percent. All denim products will use eco-friendly materials by 2023. "We will continue to reduce carbon emissions and water usage by adopting organic T-shirts, eco-leather and ethically-collected fillings for padding jackets, as well as promoting the adoption of eco-denim materials," an unnamed SPAO official was quoted as saying.
Eco-friendly clothing materials have gained attention in South Korea with a 40.3 trillion won ($34.1 billion) apparel market. In September, K-pop band BTS wore suits made of recycled fabric when the band's members gave a public speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Seoul-based clothing brand FILA showcased eco-friendly shoes made with recycled materials including re-used cork and waterproof paper.