Survey Finds 72% of Consumers Want ‘Plastic-free Efficiency Put on,’ Manufacturers Are Divided

A brand new survey discovered the vast majority of clients would go for plastic-free sportswear if decisions have been available, however manufacturers stay divided on the topic.

The market analysis survey was commissioned in September 2023 by the worldwide sail racing league SailGP on Pollfish Inc., surveying 1,500 adults within the U.Ok., U.S. and Switzerland. Key findings reveal 72 p.c of shoppers would like “plastic-free sportswear” if accessible. The survey additionally discovered 54 p.c of shoppers are unaware of potential toxins (amongst them per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) lurking in artificial technical clothes.

Alongside the survey, SailGP introduced a brand new partnership with eco-friendly attire model Mover. In an effort to advertise plastic-free technical sportswear, Mover dropped a six-piece capsule assortment this week. The gathering spans T-shirts, polo shirts and hoodies utilizing pure supplies. Predominantly, natural cotton, merino wool and water-based printing strategies have been used. The products have been produced in Portugal with costs starting from 50 to 220 euros.

The collaboration is supported by nonprofit A Plastic Planet. The group’s founder, Sian Sutherland, stated the capsule assortment validates efficiency put on from pure fibers.

“Mover is proving that technical efficiency textiles from pure, really breathable supplies not solely really feel nice however imply we’re not including to plastic air pollution with each put on and wash,” Sutherland stated. “We’re so proud to carry Mover along with SailGP to focus on that change is feasible.”

Plastic-free attire isn’t the norm, but the mission to curb artificial use in efficiency put on is rising alongside start-ups similar to Branwyn, Pact and Particular Articles.

Candice Lester, founding father of eco-friendly activewear model Wild Mingo, stated her model seems for non-toxic, plastic-free options wherever doable. The model’s newest packaging can be solely freed from plastic. Although Wild Mingo’s newest exercise line incorporates a pure rubber base in its yoga mat, as an illustration, it additionally employs a recycled microsuede. The microsuede materials is recovered from PET bottles — or plastic. “Whereas there’s a plastic component, we’re diverting these bottles from going on to landfill,” she stated.

WWD requested whether or not synthetics derail Wild Mingo’s sustainability goals, however Lester identified broader methods failures.

“Landfill recycling is a worldwide downside that doesn’t have a straightforward answer — there’s a place for synthetics to assist divert waste. Nevertheless, shoppers want to concentrate on what they’re shopping for,” she stated. “Some artificial supplies do extra hurt than others however some pure fibers additionally create a major influence on the environment when produced at scale. It’s our hope that folks begin to ask higher questions on artificial foams and plastics of their exercise merchandise and actually think about the environmental influence once they choose a product that isn’t made with any diploma of eco-friendly supplies.”

Regardless of perceived demand, the efficiency market continues to be flooded with synthetics. Reformer is a premium, Los Angeles-based activewear model launching this month. Founder and chief govt officer Ryan Fisher positioned the Pilates-geared model for consolation, efficiency tech, sustainability and — after all — a fashion-forward enchantment. Clothes for the Oct. 16 launch are made with a majority of Repreve nylon. Each bit incorporates 85 p.c Repreve recycled yarn, on common. The yarn is spun within the U.S.

Nevertheless, there’s no excellent fiber in the event you ask Fisher. “Each fiber poses a menace to sustainability. Even pure fibers will be horrible from a sustainability perspective in the event that they’re utilizing pesticides and huge portions of water. Repreve recycled yarns spun within the USA are the best choice at present, and making clothes in Los Angeles with the Repreve yarn is probably the most sustainable possibility we’ve discovered. In case your carbon footprint begins in Asia, it’s not sustainable.”