Common threads garment recycling program expansion
21 Dec '07
2 min read
Patagonia Inc announces its successful launch of completely recyclable waterproof-breathable hard-shell jackets. The material and chemical recycling process of the new jackets were developed by Teijin Fibers Limited and Toray.
In the 2008 fall/winter season, Patagonia will introduce a polyester-based, recyclable waterproof-breathable hard-shell jacket for skiing & snowboarding and a Nylon 6 based, recyclable waterproof -breathable hard-shell jacket for alpine climbing. Polyester materials are suitable for skiing & snowboarding as they require quick dry times in wet conditions and nylon material are suitable in alpine climbing conditions as they require significant durability on ice and stone.
The polyester fabric of these new jackets and its chemical recycling process was first developed by Teijin and the Nylon 6 fabric and its chemical recycling process was first developed by Toray. The products will be sold through 2,000 retail stores in twelve countries as well as through mail order and web sites.
Patagonia started The Common Threads Garment Recycling Program in the fall of 2005, collecting its worn-out Capilene performance baselayers. Then in Fall 2006, Patagonia applied this program to other materials including polyester fleece and organic cotton tee shirts with a goal of converting its entire garment line to recyclable products by 2010. One of the most difficult product lines to be recycled is the waterproof/breathable hard-shell. Toray and Teijin have now successfully developed a chemical recycling process (Teijin in their Matsuyama plant, Toray in their Nagoya plant) to allow this to process to be commercialized.
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