Insights

• MUD Jeans has become one of the first companies to complete the TESTEX Circularity label, validating its efforts in durability and recyclability while identifying repairability as an area for growth.
• The pilot confirmed the brand's strengths and supports its Road to 100 initiative, aiming for jeans made entirely from post-consumer recycled materials.

MUD Jeans, a leader in sustainable denim, has become one of the first companies to complete the TESTEX CIRCULARITY label, a new programme designed to extend the lifecycle of garments and empower brands and manufacturers to embrace sustainable practices and make a positive environmental impact.

Participation in the pilot allowed MUD Jeans to assess recycled fibres more rigorously, benchmark its practices, and gain independent validation of its circularity efforts. The results confirmed strengths in durability and recyclability, while highlighting opportunities to improve repairability processes and logistics.

“Circularity is part of our DNA. We design garments that last, then reuse and recycle materials wherever possible. Having an independent body certify what we do gives us credible proof, not just claims,” said Dion Vijgeboom, Head of Product & Operations at MUD Jeans.

Driving Circularity Beyond Claims

Circularity has long been central to MUD Jeans’s identity. By taking part in the TESTEX pilot, the company demonstrated how independent testing and certification can push the industry beyond marketing slogans.

Durability emerged as a particular strength, confirming that garments are built to last and reducing the need for virgin resources. Recyclability was also strongly validated, thanks to the company’s use of mono-materials and avoidance of synthetics. Repairability was identified as an area to develop further, especially in terms of customer take-back systems and repair workflows.

“The outcome was incredibly satisfying. It confirmed that we are on the right track, while also challenging us to organise repairability more effectively,” added Dion Vijgeboom.

Road to 100% Recycled Denim

Alongside certification, MUD Jeans continues its Road to 100 initiative, aiming to create jeans made entirely from post-consumer recycled materials. A prototype has already been achieved at lab scale. Current production averages 40–45% recycled content, with a target to exceed 50% this year, before progressing toward 75% and ultimately 100%.

Setting Industry Standards

For TESTEX, the certification represents a new benchmark for the textile sector. By providing standardised methods and independent validation, it allows brands to demonstrate real impact and creates comparability across the industry.

With TESTEX Circularity we wanted to provide a clear and credible framework built on durability, repairability, and recyclability. Our vision is to make this a trusted tool for the textile industry — one that gives brands a measurable, transparent path toward true circularity.” said Karin Lindmark, Market Development Manager at TESTEX.