LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD News) — MUD Jeans built its identity around making denim last longer, but the business could not outlast its debt. The Dutch company’s bankruptcy shows how difficult it remains to convert recycled cotton, repairs, take-back programs, and durable clothing into dependable profits.
The filing follows financial trouble elsewhere in denim. German premium brand Closed entered insolvency before investors connected to Marc O’Polo acquired the company and preserved its operations.
Domestic manufacturing faces similar pressure. Louisiana-based Vidalia Mills collapsed under heavy debt after attempting to revive American selvage denim production, although Mount Vernon Mills later secured its historic looms for a new production line.
These cases reflect more than weak jeans sales. Durable products slow replacement purchases, resale keeps existing garments circulating, and circular programs add collection, sorting, repair, storage, and recycling costs before reaching meaningful scale.
Cotton demand still benefits from denim’s comfort, quality, and durability. However, brands and mills must turn those advantages into margins sufficient to support growers, manufacturers, recyclers, retailers, and long-term investment.
