In the U.S., a shocking 85% of textiles thrown away are dumped into a landfill or burned—contributing to methane emissions, leakage of toxic chemicals, and other consequences. Traditionally, outdoor brands that make recycled apparel rely on single-use plastics. This process has been a subject of debate in the industry, as such fabrics still shed microplastics and usually end up in a landfill.
Jack Wolfskin has developed a proprietary material recycling process to upcycle used textile waste and offcuts by collecting polyester and factory scraps from the manufacturing process.
Coined “Textiles to Textiles” technology and featured as an ISPO 2023 winner, Jack Wolfskin’s recycling process is an unparalleled step towards a circular, zero-waste-apparel economy.
Melanie Kuntnawitz, Jack Wolfskin’s Director Sustainability & Social Compliance, explains Textiles to Textiles recycling. “First, non-textile materials such as zips are removed from the used garments. They are then chemically processed together with the offcuts into PET granulate, from which polyester yarns are spun. The chemical process also removes the dyes so that the yarn can be recoloured. The end result is recycled materials that perform just as well as petroleum-based virgin polyester in terms of their properties.”
The finished product is indistinguishable from a non-upcycled garment. Take for example the Highest Peak 3L Jacket (available for men and women). This new jacket (made of old jackets) performs like a champ in a downpour and breathes as well as or better than GORE-TEX. The fabric has enough stretch to move with you but remains extremely durable against trail or slope hazards such as tree branches. The jacket will serve as a heavy-duty rain/wind layer and/or a ski-touring shell ready for the foulest weather.
This is just their latest sustainability innovation. You’d be hard-pressed to find an outdoor apparel company doing more in this sector than Jack Wolfskin.
Highest Peak 3L Highlights
-Weather protection, comfort, and freedom of movement—Texapore Ecosphere Pro Stretch 3L guarantees waterproof-breathable performance.
-100% PFAS-free and bluesign approved—the gold standard for sustainable textiles.
-Zero waste—the outer material and membrane are made from worn garments and textile offcuts left over from the manufacturing process.
-All final recycled materials are certified according to Global Recycling Standards and meet Jack Wolfskin’s chemical material requirements.
The 100-percent recycled Highest Peak Jacket is available in Canada but the Highest Peak 3L is available only in the US and Europe at this time. Watch for a dedicated Jack Wolfskin Canadian website towards the end of 2024.
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