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Fibre2Fashion
07-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Thermore launches Ecodown Fibers Sync for high-performance warmth
Thermore, a pioneer in responsible thermal insulation, is proud to introduce Ecodown Fibers Sync — a groundbreaking free fiber inspired by the physics of stellar fusion. This new development represents the perfect balance between high performance, luxurious touch, and mindful design. At the core of Ecodown Fibers Sync lies the power of dual-performance fibers, carefully engineered to offer exceptional ultra-lofty softness and resilience. The result is a next-generation insulation with a uniquely cloud-like handfeel that resists clumping — a rare combination that ensures lasting volume, even after multiple washes. With Ecodown Fibers Sync, Thermore opens up a universe of creative possibilities. Thermore has unveiled Ecodown Fibers Sync, an ultra-soft, clump-resistant insulation made from 100 per cent recycled PET bottles. Combining high performance and sustainable design, it offers flexibility for both technical and fashion outerwear. Certified by GRS, bluesign, and OEKO-TEX, it reflects Thermore's commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility. This highly flexible insulation offers unmatched versatility, making it ideal for both streamlined for technical outerwear and voluminous for fashion silhouettes. Designers no longer have to choose between performance and expression — Ecodown Fibers Sync effortlessly supports both. Faithful to Thermore's legacy, Ecodown Fibers Sync also marks a step forward in sustainable progress. Crafted entirely from 100% recycled fibers sourced from post-consumer PET bottles, it reflects the brand's enduring commitment to a more responsible design. Every fiber tells a story of transformation — from waste to warmth, from plastic to purpose. In line with Thermore's uncompromising quality standards, Ecodown Fibers Sync is certified GRS (Global Recycled Standard), confirming the authenticity of its recycled content and traceability throughout the production chain. In addition, Ecodown Fibers Sync is bluesign and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, ensuring that the product is free from harmful substances and meets the highest criteria for environmental and human safety. These certifications underscore Thermore's dedication to responsible innovation and transparency. With this launch, Thermore redefines what thermal insulation can be — not just a functional layer, but a core element of a garment's identity. Ecodown Fibers Sync is more than insulation: it's an invitation to reimagine the future of outerwear, where responsibility, performance, and style align in perfect harmony. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
New York Times
10-03-2025
- Health
- New York Times
What Should I Wear to Work Out?
Chances are, your favorite exercise attire is synthetic, made from petroleum-based fibers like nylon, spandex and polyester. Materials that don't exactly scream 'climate friendly.' Natural fibers have issues, too: Growing cotton can use huge amounts of water and pesticides, the sheep that give us wool emit methane, and processing bamboo can produce a lot of pollution. Altogether, the apparel and footwear industries account for more than 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. So if you want to keep your body fit while also keeping the planet healthy, what should you do? Consider recycled fibers There's a lot of plastic polluting our lands and waters. Some companies have capitalized on that, melting down plastic waste and extruding it into yarn. Karen Leonas, a professor of textile sciences at North Carolina State University, said those materials could be a good choice for workout clothes. 'Any time you can find something that contains recycled fibers, that's definitely a plus,' she said. 'Whether you're looking at climate, water, solid waste or even social sustainability issues.' Lewis Perkins, president of the nonprofit Apparel Impact Institute, also said he liked recycled fibers. But he cautioned that they're a 'transitional solution,' as he believes the ultimate goal should be reducing the prevalence of single-use plastic in the first place. Look for certifications If you're hoping for a blanket answer about which materials are good or bad, Dr. Leonas said, it's not that simple. ' I can be the devil's advocate on any fiber,' she said. 'There are trade-offs with all of it.' As an example, she compared polyester and cotton. While polyester is made from petroleum, its production uses little water and no pesticides or fertilizers. It also holds up better than cotton when it's recycled. You might be thinking: But what about wool? Bamboo? Dr. Leonas noted that raising sheep produces methane and nitrous oxide. And, there are concerns about animal welfare. The processing of bamboo can release toxic chemicals into the environment. And some recycled fabrics can still shed microplastics. So, rather than searching for a unicorn fabric, Mr. Perkins suggested seeking out the 'most ethical' version of the fabric that meets your performance needs. To do so, he looks for third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX, bluesign or Global Recycled Standard. 'That's a way to know that this fabric — whether it's polyester, which has its problems, or cotton, which has its problems — has been verified as the best available version of that material,' Mr. Perkins said. If you're worried about so-called forever chemicals, some of these certifications check for that, too. But you should also note that California and New York recently banned the sale of apparel containing intentionally-added PFAS. Find brands you trust Another strategy is sticking to brands that have strong sustainability commitments. To reduce the likelihood of greenwashing, Mr. Perkins said you can check if a company's been certified as a B Corp. That means it must meet certain social and environmental standards. You can also visit a company's sustainability page to see if it's involved in any collaborations, such as the Textile Exchange or the United Nations' Fashion Charter. Such efforts 'usually don't last very long if they're not credible,' Mr. Perkins said. 'Because the companies don't want to invest money in something that's going to be a liability to them when somebody finds out it's not doing real work.' Another good sign, Mr. Perkins said, is if a company offers a repair or recycling program for its clothing. Of course, buying your workout gear secondhand is a solid plan, too. Just try not to think about the sweat factor. Make it last If all that sounds like too much work, don't fret. There's one simple step that may make the biggest difference of all: Choose items you'll wear for years. Karen Pearson, a professor of chemistry at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and leader of the school's sustainability efforts, works out in yoga pants nearly every day. She's loyal to one brand that she knows will perform well and look good for years and years. A garment's 'functionality and performance over a long period of time,' she said, 'turns out to be the thing that really helps change its impact on the environment.' Dr. Pearson cited a British report that suggests that extending the life of a garment for just nine months can reduce its carbon emissions. To find items that will last, choose classic colors and styles that won't soon go out of fashion. Check the seams, too: Dr. Pearson said products that are seamless, or that have reinforced seams or larger seam allowances, are more durable. And, once you purchase a product, take care of it. Dr. Pearson hang-dries her yoga pants, which helps them last longer and also avoids greenhouse gas emissions from the dryer. ' I want a few really good quality pieces that are made in a responsible way, that will stay in my closet for a long time and not get replaced,' she said.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Innovative organizations team up to solve a critical issue with our clothing: 'We need to change'
Two organizations are teaming up on a project aimed at solving a critical issue in the fashion industry, Waste Management World reported. Fashion for Good's platform connects innovators with fashion brands, and the nonprofit Textile Exchange works to minimize textile-linked planet-warming gases. The pair are embarking on a two-year initiative focusing on data collection and sharing information related to textile recycling. The initiative, dubbed the Tracing Textile Waste Project, hopes to improve on existing standards in the fashion supply chain, such as the Global Recycled Standard and the Recycled Claim Standard. All in all, the two partners have more than 30 years of combined experience. Founded in 2017 by the Laudes Foundation with guidance from William McDonough, Fashion for Good focuses on style innovations that support a healthy planet. The hub even created what was touted as the world's first sustainable fashion museum, aptly named the Fashion for Good Museum, which was located in Amsterdam's city center before closing in June. In 2022, Anne-Ro Klevant Groen, the museum's communications and marketing director, spoke to Luméra about what "sustainable fashion" is. "We use a framework with five categories that we call the 'five goods': good materials — which means materials that are safe for humans and the environment and either biodegradable or recyclable — good economy, good energy, good water, and good lives, ensuring the working conditions are safe and the salaries fair," Groen explained. Founded under the name Organic Exchange in 2002, Textile Exchange has continued to focus on the global textile supply chain. Its ongoing work includes what is billed as the first published framework for the industry to understand the pros of regenerative agriculture. Now, these two organizations are joining forces, and they intend to create an accessible template with a glossary of standardized terms. The goal is to trace textile waste from its source to where it gets recycled or repurposed. So, why is such an initiative even necessary? Waste Management World explained that a major problem is a lack of information about where textile waste even comes from. So far, the data-gathering process is unaligned. However, having a more organized and open platform to collect and analyze information could help spot and resolve vulnerabilities that are leading to more textile waste. What should the government do about the fast fashion industry? Set strict regulations Incentivize sustainable options Use both regulations and incentives Nothing Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The textile industry is responsible for as much as 10% of planet-warming pollution — more than shipping and aviation combined, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. With dirty fuels still used globally, manufacturing, shipping, and finishing fabric are energy-intensive processes that contribute to the problem. Long supply chains are another factor. Growing cotton uses lots of water, and garments made by cheap fast-fashion brands generally wear out quickly. What's more, many fast-fashion items are made from synthetic blends, creating care and end-of-life problems. According to 85% of all textiles go to landfills, and washing clothes releases 500,000 tons of microfibers into the ocean annually (as much as 50 billion plastic bottles, according to the outlet). Supporting eco-friendly initiatives by your favorite brands and investing in high-quality fashion items can communicate to brands that sustainability pays off, and now it appears more help is on the way, thanks to the collaboration between Fashion for Good and Textile Exchange. "We need to change the way that fashion is produced as well as the way fashion is consumed," Groen told Luméra. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
