Patagonia steps up use of recycled materials
08/11/2016
The Re/collection range features ten items designed to keep the wearer warm, while also using more environmentally responsible materials. It includes shirts, coats, fleece vests and skirts.
Among the recycled materials used are 100% recycled down, 100% recycled wool and 100% recycled polyester with 85% recycled polyester labels, 80% recycled zippers and 50% recycled buttons.
Patagonia describes its recycled down as “the cornerstone of the collection”. It is a mix of goose and duck down reclaimed from used items that can’t be sold. The companies says it offers identical performance benefits to virgin down.
The recycled polyester is made from used plastic bottles, unusable manufacturing waste and worn-out garments, including some of Patagonia’s own products.
Patagonia uses wool discarded from sweaters that are shred into a usable fibre. This makes up 60% of the new garment, and is mixed with recycled polyester (30%) and recycled nylon (10%) to give improved durability. The company says recycling fabrics that have been dyed keep them from landfill, as well as saving water and chemicals.
“From the insulation to the outer materials—all the way down to the buttons and drawcords—this collection is an experiment in creativity and responsibility,” said Miles Johnson, creative director of product design at Patagonia.
Share this story:
