We believe that quality and environmental protection go hand in hand.
We are all now aware that exposure to the sun without adequate protection represents a major health risk. Prolonged exposure to the sun – especially in children – significantly increases the risk of long-term skin damage.
And yet, some chemical components present in sunscreen are harmful to health and the environment. Their natural mineral and chemical filters are absorbed by the skin and can create adverse health effects. Studies have also revealed that sunscreens have a catastrophic effect on young and adult corals, altering their metabolism, causing discoloration and preventing them from regenerating due to anti-UV agents such as oxybenzone and octinoxate (present in 80% of sunscreens)
If sunscreens had become unreliable, it was therefore necessary to offer clothing sun protection that corresponded to our values of eco-responsibility . Also aware of the excesses of unreasonable fashion in terms of production, if we had to create a new brand, we had to produce more responsibly , by designing products that protect from the sun effectively while respecting the environment .
HOW DO WE DO IT?
The end of chemicals
When we started looking for anti-UV fabrics, we realized that most fabrics – often made of poor quality polyester – are treated with chemical filters, which fade after just a few swims, thus reducing the sun protection. However, there is another way to protect against UV rays, thanks to “manual” sun protection without chemical filters. Created by the very tight mesh of the fabric, our anti-UV swimsuits offer ultra-reliable sun protection, resistant over time and more respectful of the environment, marking this choice as a real ecological turning point.
Our fabrics
After a long and unsatisfactory search, we discovered ECONYL® , an extremely high-quality nylon fiber, made from fishing nets (10% of marine pollution!), as well as other recycled nylon waste. In addition to being durable and resistant , this fiber allows our fabrics to be soft to the touch, ultra-fast drying and highly breathable, considerably limiting the risk of irritation.
This fiber is then woven with Lycra® to give our fabrics their elasticity. Then they are tested for more than 200 hours against chlorine, salt and UV rays in order to obtain UPF50+ protection , the maximum according to the Australian standard, an international reference in terms of sun protection. Thanks to this innovative technology, our anti-UV swimsuits are more effective over time while contributing to the reduction of plastic waste dumped into the seas.
Our ethics
At CANOPEA we value the importance of the origin of the products. Our models are designed with the minimum of accessories in order to limit production and shipping costs (thereby also offering better prices). Our swimsuits are made in European textile workshops, which value safe working conditions. This allows us to ensure the best possible quality for our swimsuits as well as a lower ecological impact.
Our logistics
We have chosen to work closely with a social enterprise for professional integration regarding the packaging and shipping of your products, providing employment to young workers in disadvantaged situations. Our packaging is thin and reduced to a minimum in order to avoid any waste. All orders are therefore wrapped in pretty tissue paper with a simple thank you card from us.
And what's next?
At CANOPEA, we know that reducing plastic waste starts with recycling fishing nets, but ideally we know that it would be even better to significantly reduce our plastic production. We are aware that the fashion industry must change its way of producing, in particular by producing from recycled products in order not to use new resources, and we are proud to be players in this transformation.
For several years, we have been actively participating in the movement initiated by the Fashion Revolution which encourages brands to be more transparent about their manufacturing process and consumers to ask for #whomademyclothes.
And you, ready for change?
Reliable and environmentally friendly sun protection
Discover our collection of anti-UV swimsuits for the whole family.
Fast shipping
within 48h
Free international
shipping from €200
European made
With love and respect