ISPO Textrends/06/27/2019

Worn Again Technologies Announces Pioneer Members into the Program

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Leading companies and brands become first in line for circular raw materials supply as technology prepares for industrialization. Asics Europe, Sympatex, Dibella, Dhana, Directex and Himes join the Worn Again Technologies' programme.

Garments are diverted from landfill using the Worn Again process.
Garments are diverted from landfill using the Worn Again process.

Worn Again Technologies, creators of award-winning polymer recycling technology, has announced its Pioneer Members’ programme consisting of some of the most forward-thinking brands in the global apparel and textiles industry.

Worn Again Technologies’ patented process aims to ensure its dual PET and cellulose outputs extracted from textiles and bottles will have economic competitiveness to virgin resources whilst guaranteeing virgin-equivalent quality.

Circular Supply Resources

As Pioneer Members, these companies will have guaranteed access to a percentage share of initial Worn Again Technologies’ circular PET and cellulose outputs to use in their supply chains, which will prove a competitive advantage in the coming decade as demand for circular supply resources rises.

Additionally, this group will be offered pre-market access to developments and engagement in industry trials on the outputs during the scaling phase.

Circular economy processes are increasing as part of reducing waste.
Circular economy processes are increasing as part of reducing waste.
Image credit:
Shutterstock

Six Companies Join the Programme

Existing members H&M and Kering are now joined by Japanese sportswear brand Asics Europe, Sympatex, Dibella, US youth sustainable fashion brand Dhana and Mexican textile and garment manufactures Directex and Himes. H&M Group has pledged that by 2030, the group is aiming for 100% recycled, or other sustainably sourced materials and Kering holds a commitment to ensure 100% traceability of key raw materials by 2025.

Asics Europe also has ambitious future targets committing to replace all conventional polyester used in apparel and footwear upper materials with recycled alternatives by 2030.

Asics Europe is also pursuing circular economy processes has also signed up.  Romy Miltenburg, Manager CSR & Sustainability EMEA at Asics, said: “Asics is dedicated to sport and its healthy contribution to society. Our goal is to create products that not only help people to live happier and healthier lives, but also leave our planet safe and sound. Through this partnership with Worn Again Technologies, we are one step closer to our goal of creating a circular business model.

The Most Sustainable Sports Brands in Pictures

The Tankr snowshoes from Fimbulvetr are a prime example of sustainability. They are 100% recyclable and the company gives a lifetime warranty and repair facility. In 2017 they received the ISPO Award in the Eco Achievement Hardware segment.
NZERO's 100% sustainable waxes for snow sports are based on natural ingredients: A mix of soybeans and corn. This means they do not need any chemical additives. NZERO was also awarded the ISPO Award for Eco Achievements Accessories in 2017.
The Tierra Products Deterra Hooded Anorak is the first quilted anorak made from 100 percent natural materials. Only renewable raw materials are used. Not for nothing did the 2017 jacket receive the SPO Award in the Eco Achievement Apparel category.
The Grown Outdoor Creativity Lab specialises in the design of regenerative design solutions. An example of this is their ski "MonViso Hemp edition", which combines systemic design, natural, local materials with innovative production methods. In 2018 Grown received the ISPO Award in Eco Achievement Hardgoods.
The small company RÖJK focuses 100 percent on sustainable innovations. These can also be found in the Badland Jacket. Here timeless, versatile design is combined with traditional and natural materials. The focus is on bio-based and biodegradable components. In 2018, the brand won the ISPO Award 2018 in the Eco Achievement Apparel segment.
The Green Shape Core Collection is at the heart of Vaude's sustainable development. Each product consists of 90 percent organic, recycled or pure natural materials. For this, Vaude received the ISPO Award 2018 in the Eco Achievement Brand segment.
Cortazu verbindet in seinen Produkten Stil, Funktionalität und Nachhaltigkeit. Für seine Recycled Nylon 3-Layer Jacket hat Cortazu in Zusammenarbeit mit Green Threads ein leichtes 3L-Stretchgewebe aus 100 % recyceltem Nylon entwickelt. Das Nylon stammt aus postindustriellen Abfällen. Für die innovative und umweltfreundliche Hochleistungsjacke wird die niederländische Outdoor-Marke im Jahr 2019 ISPO Award Gold Winner im Segment Outdoor Apparel.
The Sordo boat from Berg Outdoor became Product of the Year in the Urban segment. This shoe is completely biodegradable.
Founder Markus Wiesböck from Grüezi Bag is delighted to receive the Product of the Year award at the ISPO Award in the Outdoor segment for the Biopod Downwool Nature sleeping bag. It consists of 100 percent pure natural materials - from the packaging to the last button.
The Tankr snowshoes from Fimbulvetr are a prime example of sustainability. They are 100% recyclable and the company gives a lifetime warranty and repair facility. In 2017 they received the ISPO Award in the Eco Achievement Hardware segment.
NZERO's 100% sustainable waxes for snow sports are based on natural ingredients: A mix of soybeans and corn. This means they do not need any chemical additives. NZERO was also awarded the ISPO Award for Eco Achievements Accessories in 2017.
The Tierra Products Deterra Hooded Anorak is the first quilted anorak made from 100 percent natural materials. Only renewable raw materials are used. Not for nothing did the 2017 jacket receive the SPO Award in the Eco Achievement Apparel category.
The Grown Outdoor Creativity Lab specialises in the design of regenerative design solutions. An example of this is their ski "MonViso Hemp edition", which combines systemic design, natural, local materials with innovative production methods. In 2018 Grown received the ISPO Award in Eco Achievement Hardgoods.
The small company RÖJK focuses 100 percent on sustainable innovations. These can also be found in the Badland Jacket. Here timeless, versatile design is combined with traditional and natural materials. The focus is on bio-based and biodegradable components. In 2018, the brand won the ISPO Award 2018 in the Eco Achievement Apparel segment.
The Green Shape Core Collection is at the heart of Vaude's sustainable development. Each product consists of 90 percent organic, recycled or pure natural materials. For this, Vaude received the ISPO Award 2018 in the Eco Achievement Brand segment.
Cortazu verbindet in seinen Produkten Stil, Funktionalität und Nachhaltigkeit. Für seine Recycled Nylon 3-Layer Jacket hat Cortazu in Zusammenarbeit mit Green Threads ein leichtes 3L-Stretchgewebe aus 100 % recyceltem Nylon entwickelt. Das Nylon stammt aus postindustriellen Abfällen. Für die innovative und umweltfreundliche Hochleistungsjacke wird die niederländische Outdoor-Marke im Jahr 2019 ISPO Award Gold Winner im Segment Outdoor Apparel.
The Sordo boat from Berg Outdoor became Product of the Year in the Urban segment. This shoe is completely biodegradable.
Founder Markus Wiesböck from Grüezi Bag is delighted to receive the Product of the Year award at the ISPO Award in the Outdoor segment for the Biopod Downwool Nature sleeping bag. It consists of 100 percent pure natural materials - from the packaging to the last button.

Forward Thinking Brands Pursue the Circularity of Raw Materials

Dhana, which has signed 2020 Circular Fashion System Commitment by Global Fashion Agenda, Dibella (supported by Lucky Textiles) and Sympatex (which met Worn Again Technologies via the  Fashion for Good programme and LAUNCH Circular Innovators network, respectively) each also have circularity as a core business driver with ambitions to make an impact to their industry sectors. Through becoming a Worn Again Technologies Pioneer Member and having access to this ground-breaking technology, these companies are now one step closer to achieving their circularity goals.

“Each year, mountains of clothing end-up on garbage landfills or they are incinerated, even using open fires in many countries. For us, putting an end to this unacceptable environmental burden caused by our industry is more than just a moral commitment. We see in it also an abundance of raw material sources that can be utilized in the future, thanks also to our technology partners who we have targeted and sought out. With wear2wear, Frivep and Worn Again Technologies, we have now acquired enough experience to start scaling up our lighthouse projects,” said Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO of Sympatex Technologies

ISPO Textrends at ISPO Munich
ISPO Textrends is the guide for the textile industry. Twice a year, a jury of industry experts awards prizes for innovative fabrics and components used in the manufacture of sportswear. The current winners will be exhibited at the upcoming ISPO Munich 2024.

Worn Again Technologies Asks More Brands to Join

According to Global Fashion Agenda, today’s linear "take, make, dispose" economic model, which sends too many garments to landfills and incinerators, is simply not sustainable. Globally only 20% of clothing is collected for reuse or recycling and waste from the fashion industry is projected to increase, bringing the total to 148 million tonnes by 2030.

The creation of the Pioneer Members’ programme marks a defining moment for brands and Worn Again Technologies. Now, future outputs of this innovative process have official entry to brands, retailers, products and consumers, bringing us closer to the circularity of raw materials for textiles. As Worn Again Technologies continues its rapid developments, it calls for forward-thinking brands to join now and be amongst the next to reap the rewards of this industry-advancing innovation.