Intradeco Apparel Inc, a manufacturer of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing , has pioneered numerous energy efficient programs under its corporate sustainability objectives. 

However, Intradeco’s most recent success has come from its subsidiary Inmobilaria Apopa, in Apopa, El Salvador, also known as Inmo.  Inmo has developed a process which produces nitrogen-rich plant fertilizer from its water treatment facility.

The recycling process was developed at Inmo’s water treatment facility where the water which has been used in the fabric dying process is put through several tanks with bacteria cultures which is said to restore the water. Once the water is clean it is recycled back into Inmo’s dye houses and the process revives the natural consistency and colour of the water and also makes it safe for other uses.

The mud like by-product which comes out of the process is tested and is said to show many of the same traits as expensive flower fertilizer. To avoid wasting the organic residue of the cleaning process, as well as other cotton waste from the dye house, the by-product is collected and mixed with organic cotton waste such as seed waste and lint. Intradeco says the mixture is later sent to be tested on different farms where the results show that it is more effective than the current fertilizers being used.

Intradeco claims that over the past six months 100% of the by-product from Inmo’s water treatment plant has been converted to fertilizer and says this is the first time an apparel manufacturer’s water treatment facility has implemented such a process.

Intradeco Apparel is a vertical manufacturer based in Miami, FL. and supplies retailers with thermal underwear, performance activewear using recycled polyester, yoga wear, licensed products and organic cotton casual wear. Along with its Miami headquarters and distribution centre it has manufacturing facilities in El Salvador and Nicaragua, and sales offices in New York City, Miami and Bentonville, Arkansas.

The company is a leading thermal supplier to the USA under their exclusive license with Fruit of the Loom brand including Fruit of the Loom, BVD, and Jerzees. It also has licensing agreements with Nickelodeon, Disney, Hershey’s, Care Bears, Nestle, Mutts, and Tootsie Roll. Intradeco’s business partners include some of largest retailers in the world, including Wal-Mart, Sears, K-Mart, Target and JCPenney.