Japan-based global polyester polymers, fibres and textiles company Teijin Fibers Limited and ski glove manufacturer Swany America Corp. have launched a closed-loop recycling programme for used polyester ski gloves. As part of the collaboration, Swany America will use Teijin Fiber’s Eco Storm, a recyclable, waterproof and breathable material made from recycled fibres laminated with a highly durable thin polyester film, as a new glove in its 2009-2010 winter line-up. The Eco-X, reportedly the world’s first recyclable ski glove, will be available from the beginning of September.

This joint programme will also include the collection and recycling of used products through Teijin Fibers’ recycling system, Eco Circle. Customers will be able to send their worn-out ECO-X gloves to Swany America using special envelopes supplied at the time of purchase. The gloves' polyurethane palms will be cut off at Swany Warehouse in Johnston, New York and recycled domestically. The remaining polyester parts, such as shells, insulation, waterproof and breathable inserts and hollow core inner linings, will be sent to Teijin Fibers’ Matsuyama plant in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, where they will be chemically decomposed and converted into new polyester raw material at a recycling facility.

The repeatable recycling system reduces energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 80% each compared to the production of polyester materials from petroleum.

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