ECONYL®
In case you didn’t already know, our swimwear is made from regenerated ocean waste. You probably did know that, because we talk about it ALL the time (#proud), but we thought we’d fill you in on how our fabric is actually made. How does ocean waste go from dangerous-and-harmful-to-the-environment, to flattering-VOGUE-worthy-swimwear?
The fabric that we use is called ECONYL®, and it is made of regenerated nylon. One of the main pieces of feedback that we get from our swimwear is that the fabric feels so soft and premium. That’s because there is no difference whatsoever between ‘new’ nylon and ‘old’ nylon. Nylon itself is a polymer, and that means that it’s made of plastic. You’re probably thinking at this point why do we create new plastics to make swimwear when the regenerated and recycled version is just as good? Sadly the fast fashion industry runs on costs, and it’s still quite a cost heavy process to recycle nylon, yet it’s so important as consumers that we put our money where our mouth is - and that’s why we’re so happy that all of our amazing customers are supporting us in our endeavour to produce a sustainable product.
ECONYL® fabric is made using a pioneering closed loop regeneration processes, meaning that you can create new products and buy new products without having to use new resources - the future!
HOW IT WORKS
The process begins with the rescue of waste such as fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring and industrial plastic from landfill and oceans. In particular, non-profit organisations like Healthy Seas organise diving trips around the world to rescue waste plastic to be made into ECONYL® fabric. In particular it aims to rescue fishing nets which are responsible for the needless death of marine life.
“FAO and UNEP estimate that there are 640,000 tons of fishing nets in the oceans. These fishing nets, often called ghost nets, remain adrift for a substantial amount of time (500 years) and are responsible for the accidental capture of whales, turtles, birds and other marine mammals. ”
Then, through a pioneering and radical regeneration process, which is the product of 4 years hard work and research, the nylon waste is regenerated back to its original purity meaning that ECONYL® regenerated nylon is the exact same purity as virgin nylon. One of the huge benefits of ECONYL® nylon is that it can be recycled infinitely, without ever losing its quality.
At Stay Wild Swim, we use this ultimate sustainable material for our swimwear. The exceptional ECONYL® fibre is used to make a soft and luxurious fabric that is the foundation of our beautiful, high-performance swimwear.