Icebreaker now 91% plant- or merino-based
New Zealand-based outdoor and performance brand Icebreaker has released its fourth annual transparency report, revealing that as of this year 91% of its total fibre composition is now plant- or merino wool-based.
Compared to 2020, 65% more styles were made with 100% plant- or merino-based fibres in 2021, the brand said in a press release. Icebreaker is forecasted to sell more than 1.3 million units of 100% plant- or merino-based apparel in 2021 alone, it added.
In 2019, the wool specialist committed to going plastic-free by 2023. That is, Icebreaker aims to make its clothing exclusively from plant- or merino-based fibres by the end of that year.
“For the very small amount of petrochemical synthetics than cannot be removed, we are working on alternatives, including using biobased fibres for now,” brand president, Jan Van Mossevelde, commented.
Other report highlights include this year’s successful transition of the company’s Tech Lite t-shirt, Quantum midlayer and award-winning ZoneKnit hoodie over to 100% merino wool.
The brand said that challenges remain for its push towards 100% plant- or merino-based fibres, including the presence of elastane in underwear for stretch, nylon in socks for strength and polyester in jackets for lightweight strength. It is therefore currently exploring the use of biobased elastane (such as from corn) and nylon (derived from castor beans).
In addition, Icebreaker is presently collaborating with Finnish fibre manufacturer Spinnova on a “pioneering” yarn blend, made from a mix of merino and cellulosic fibres, which the brand described as “a next level of sustainability”.
Image: Icebreaker via Instagram.
