Diary

Willing to spend better by purchasing products that respect the environment and people who produce them, also means focusing on the fabrics we use. Today, we would like to tell you more about Econyl®, a recycled fibre from which our sun protective swimming suits are made...

When fashion turns ocean pollution into solutions

The concern for waste management is at the center of circular economy. It is no longer a matter of reducing the amount of waste, but also to recycling them in order to reuse them as a raw material. That’s the mindset from which Econyl® started. It is a yarn made from nylon thread coming from fishing nets that are polluting the oceans. Created in Italy by a company called Aquafil, one of the world leaders of polyamide production. Econyl® helps to clean up the oceans but also gives a second life to these fishing nets. This nylon fibre is exactly the same quality as a new nylon fibre!

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, « the number of equipment abandoned in the oceans equals 10% of marine waste». That represents 640 000 tons of waste ! These fishing net, not only pollute our seas and ocean, they also represent a real danger for aquatic fauna. By catching and trapping animals, these abandoned fishnets are over the years responsible of what we call «ghost fishing». In concrete terms, for 10.000 tonnes of Econyl® nylon fibre produced, the reduction of the CO2 emissions reaches 57.000 tonnes and we are saving 70 tons of crude oil. These Figures, which speak for themselves, are designating Econyl® as one of the leading fabric of the ecological transition.

An ethical and smart fabric

When you are a brand, being committed for the environment doesn’t just mean producing in Europe and choosing a short production circuit. It also means choosing to work with ecological raw materials. This is the case of Econyl® , a 100% regenerated nylon yarn that can be recycled endlessly which is currently being used in new carpet manufacturing, sportswear and… Canopea UPF 50+ sun protective swimming suits! Choosing Econyl® was completely consistent with our approach of durability and transparency: producing in a responsible manner, environmentally friendly products that are not only beautiful and elegant but also protect the skin against harmful UV rays without any chemical filter. This fabric made from regenerated nylon allows all this and more, transforming the tons of waste that are polluting our oceans into quality clothes that are make a real environmental difference.

Because it was essential for us that our swimming suits meet the strictest demands in terms of sun protection regulations, our fabrics have been tested over than 200 hours against chlorine, UV rays and sunscreen. Thanks to its tight weave and innovative technology, our fabrics have obtained the UV protection UPF50+ mark, filtering more than 90% of UV rays. This is the highest level of classification according to the rigorous Australian Standard and a real accomplishment for a recycled fabric, which is both soft and doesn’t get creased, to obtain this kind of recognition.

Thinking of tomorrow’s fashion

Using Econyl® is also setting a benchmark for fashion’s future, which promises to be more eco-responsible and ethical, far from fast fashion and its collateral damage, from overproduction and bad quality raw materials. Far away also from the exploitation of workers who are producing in unsuitable workshops at the end of the world goods that we are buying in irrational ways. It also belongs to brands to provide the necessary leadership and offer the possibility to buy differently, less but better quality. And perhaps this can all start with an abandoned fishing net at the bottom of the ocean!

To find out more about our values and responsible production, check out our page on Sustainability!