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Writer's pictureSusanna Tweedie

The Journey of Recycled Fabrics: From Ocean to Activewear

Updated: Sep 22, 2023


A dark haired model is wearing the minke set from NAUTRA Activewear with fishing nets draped over her head symbolising the source of the material the activewear fabric is made from. She is looking powerfully straight into the camera.

At NAUTRA, we are proud to be part of the "Healthy Seas, a Journey from Waste to Wear'' initiative, which aims to remove waste, particularly fishing nets, from the seas and transform them into high-quality textiles. This initiative plays a crucial role in creating healthier oceans and recycling marine litter into innovative products. Let's take a closer look at the journey of recycled fabrics and how they become the sustainable activewear you love.


The process starts with the collection of discarded fishing nets, often referred to as "ghost nets," from the North Sea, Adriatic Sea, and Mediterranean Sea – regions known for their biodiversity and heavy fishing activity. These abandoned or lost nets continue to trap marine animals, causing harm to species such as sharks, dolphins, seals, and turtles. The "Healthy Seas" initiative tackles this problem head-on by retrieving these ghost nets and preventing further damage to marine life.


Once the fishing nets are collected, they are sent to Aquafil, a leading company in sustainable materials. Aquafil specialises in transforming recovered fishing nets, along with other nylon waste, into a unique yarn called ECONYL®. This yarn serves as a high-quality raw material for creating new products, including our activewear.


In collaboration with Carvico and Jersey Lomellina, we utilise ECONYL® to create our solid colour garments. This extraordinary material is not only durable and functional but also environmentally friendly. By recycling fishing nets and other nylon waste, we contribute to the reduction of waste in our oceans and lessen the demand for virgin materials.

What makes ECONYL® truly remarkable is its regenerative nature. Unlike traditional recycling processes, ECONYL® utilises regeneration to ensure that the new fabric is identical to virgin raw nylon. This means that ECONYL® can be infinitely recycled and recreated into new products without compromising quality. It's a true testament to the possibilities of a circular economy.


The environmental impact of using ECONYL® is substantial. For every 10,000 tons of ECONYL® regenerated, over 57,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions are avoided, and approximately 70,000 barrels of crude oil are saved from being used. Choosing activewear made from ECONYL® means you are making a positive difference for our planet while enjoying stylish and sustainable clothing.


By embracing the journey of recycled fabrics, we not only contribute to cleaner oceans but also support the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy. NAUTRA Activewear is proud to play a role in turning waste into wear, proving that fashion and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand.

Together, let's continue making waves in sustainable fashion and protecting our oceans, one recycled garment at a time.


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