The textile sector ranks as one of the planet’s most polluting industries, second only to oil. It accounts for a significant share of wastewater and carbon emissions, surpassing the combined impact of many forms of travel and transport. Even so, progress is underway. Historically, producing a single pair of jeans could require between 2,130 and 3,078 liters of water. And the water footprint is heavily influenced by cotton cultivation, which uses a large portion of Earth’s freshwater resources. A forward-thinking tech company sought to reduce this burden by reimagining how apparel is made and how water is used throughout production.
That ambition gave rise to Jeanologia, a Valencian company founded in 1994 during a period when many garment factories relocated to regions with lower production costs. The company quickly earned the trust of major brands and retailers worldwide, including Levi’s and Inditex. Today, more than 35% of the roughly 6 billion jeans produced each year are finished using Jeanologia’s revolutionary technology, which allows fabrics to be faded and distressed while minimizing environmental impact. The emphasis is on cleaner processes that protect resources and reduce waste during the finishing stage.
Enrique Silla, born in València in 1964, leads the company as CEO and co-owner. The business has grown to operate with a global footprint, drawing a large portion of its revenue outside Europe. Through partnerships with clients across five continents, Jeanologia has attracted investment from major financial players, including Carlyle, which holds a substantial stake in the company and participates in other high-profile European and North American ventures.
Reflecting on the industry’s future, Jeanologia’s leadership has spoken of a shift back toward Europe and North America. The aim is to align production with consumption, ensuring what is made is what is bought. The company envisions a path where textile manufacturing becomes more localized yet highly advanced, powered by smart, efficient production lines that minimize waste. This strategy aligns with the broader goal of transforming traditional denim into a benchmark for responsible manufacturing that a cleaner, more sustainable world can support.
When The Carlyle Group’s Alex Wagenberg joined the company, he highlighted the opportunity to partner with an outfit that is reshaping the textile sector with cleaner, more efficient processes, lower energy requirements, and a stronger environmental ethos.
Urban factories
The company specializes in machine design, laser technology, and sustainable finishing processes for textiles. In 2022 Jeanologia reported a turnover of 62.5 million euros, with its headquarters in Paterna, Valencia, and a team of 205 across ten subsidiaries. Exports of machinery and services account for about 90% of revenue. Jeanologia works with brands such as Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger Denim, Pepe Jeans, G-Star, Gap, Uniqlo, and H&M, among others. A key initiative is the expansion of urban factories: compact, eco-friendly production centers that bring automated, on-demand manufacturing closer to consumers in cities around the world. These facilities typically employ a small team and operate in compact spaces, yet can produce thousands of jeans daily.
One such factory is located in a desert site, where water scarcity is a structural concern. The mission remains clear: eliminate waste from denim production and preserve water resources by returning clean water to the environment. The aim is a zero-discharge model that aligns with a broader commitment to sustainable, near-market manufacturing that serves consumers while protecting ecological health.