The Microplastic Challenge: How Nordenstjerne Tackles Sustainability

Microplastics in textiles are a significant environmental concern. A comprehensive 2019 report by the University of Glasgow highlights the complex effects of microplastics, noting the challenge posed by differing methodologies and results across various studies. This disparity makes it difficult to form a unified approach. At Nordenstjerne, we address this through a multi-faceted strategy focused on sustainability and responsibility.

 

1. Raw Materials: We rely on ECONYL® from Aquafil, a high-esteemed Italian company renowned for their commitment to improving environment and climate. ECONYL® is a regenerated nylon made from waste materials such as fishnets and carpet scraps. This innovative material not only helps in reducing waste but also has a 90% reduced global warming impact compared to conventional nylon. You can read more about their efforts here.

 

 

2. Weaving Process: Our fabrics are produced by an OEKO-TEX certified Italian mill, which adheres to the strictest EU environmental regulations. OEKO-TEX certification ensures that our textiles meet high safety and environmental standards, giving our customers confidence in the quality and sustainability of our products. By choosing a certified mill, we ensure that our fabrics are produced in a way that minimizes environmental impact.

 

 

3. Manufacturing: During the manufacturing process, we use advanced laser cutting to minimize microplastic release. Laser cutting seals the edges of the fabric, preventing fiber shedding and ensuring that our garments are durable and long-lasting. This method significantly reduces the release of microplastics into the environment during production.

 

 

4. Usage Recommendations: To further reduce microplastic shedding during the usage phase, we recommend:

• Washing garments at the lowest possible temperature
• Using minimal detergent, preferably liquid
• Avoiding tumble drying
• Washing garments as infrequently as possible

We have based these recommendations on published research. It is a cross-section of a range of different studies focusing on a variety of textile materials in each their own way. Looking at the broad trends, lower temperatures and less detergent appear to help minimize the release of microfibers. By following these guidelines, our customers can reduce their environmental impact and prolong the life of their garments.

 

 

5. End-of-Life Management: We are also focused on the end-of-life stage of our garments. We plan to implement a take-back system in collaboration with Aquafil to regenerate worn-out ECONYL® garments. This initiative will allow us to recycle and regenerate the nylon, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Aquafil is developing a return system that will enable us to send back used Nordenstjerne clothing for recycling. This ensures that our garments do not end up in landfills and can be transformed into new, high-quality products.

 

 

The challenge of "post-consumer textiles" arises from the fact that fabrics often consist of multiple fiber types, making recycling complex. In our case, ECONYL®/polyamide is blended with elastane/polyurethane. Despite these challenges, we chose this blend for its durability and flexibility, ensuring that our garments last for many years. While Aquafil works on solutions to separate these fibers for recycling, we aim to incentivize our customers to return their used garments for regeneration.

 

Our strategy at Nordenstjerne is to create high-quality, durable clothing that our customers will want to keep for many years, thus reducing the frequency of disposal and minimizing microplastic pollution. We look to science (academics and peer-reviewed publications) in the effort to stay ahead of trends and adjust our strategies as needed. Our commitment to transparency and responsibility means that we continuously seek the best possible solutions for sustainable fashion.

 

 

We hope this comprehensive overview demonstrates our will to tackling the microplastic challenge and our dedication to creating a more sustainable future. At Nordenstjerne, we believe that every step counts, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment through responsible, sensible fashion practices.