Aquafil creates closed-loop manufacturing for Speedo’s swimwear
11/08/2015
PowerFLEX Eco swimwear will then be made from the nylon 6, creating a closed-loop manufacturing partnership between the two companies.
“We are challenging apparel manufacturers to be more sustainable and restructure their supply chain to divert waste from landfill,” said Giulio Bonazzi, CEO of Aquafil. “Our partnership with Speedo USA shows their commitment to the environment with the take-back program, but also their ingenuity in creating products from materials that can be recycled an infinite number of times. They are really helping us close the loop and create a more sustainable manufacturing process.”
In the swimwear industry, post-production fabric waste has previously not been suitable for traditional recycling due to its complex technical composition. However, Aquafil developed a technology that can turn swimwear fabric and other blended waste materials into new raw nylon.
The process will be used to separate usable nylon from Speedo’s blended post-production fabric scraps. The used nylon will then be upcycled into raw nylon fiber that can be made into new PowerFLEX Eco swimwear.
PowerFLEX Eco fabric is comprised of 78% ECONYL nylon and 22% Extra Life Lycra.
See WSA Nov-Dec 15 for an indepth interview on the partnership with Speedo and Aquafil (available to download as a pdf from the Technical Library for £1), or visit Speedo USA's website.
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