What is recycled elastane? 

Elastane is an elastic polymer, meaning it’s a type of plastic made from petroleum. It’s a very stretchy material, so garments become more formfitting and comfortable. However, extracting and refining petroleum has negative environmental consequences; it pollutes the land, air, and water. We always try to minimise the use of elastane, but for some styles, the stretchy characteristic of elastane is critical. Therefore, we’re trying out alternatives like recycled elastane. This elastane is made from waste streams from the manufacturing process, also called pre-consumer recycled elastane.

Why do we use recycled elastane?  

Virgin elastane is a fibre that we classify as a ‘minimise or try to avoid fibre’, so we have been looking for alternatives to replace virgin elastane. Now, we’ve started to use recycled elastane in a few of our pieces as it offers several benefits. It reduces our environmental impact by conserving natural resources and decreasing energy consumption. It also helps divert waste from landfills, thereby reducing waste and a more circular economy. Overall, incorporating recycled elastane promotes much-needed innovation in stretch fibres. 

It is important to note that recycling elastane is still challenging due to its complex composition, which often involves blends with other materials like cotton. Separating elastane from these blends is technically difficult and a brainbreaker for many recyclers. Incorporating recycled elastane for all our stretch styles is still a challenge. However, know that we are always working on better stretch! Just like we do with the T400 Ecomade fibre. For now, you can find the recycled elastane in these styles: