Kiwi innovation continues to be at the heart of icebreaker, with the brand launching a
NZ first partnership with UPPAREL
As globally relevant brands continue their focus on sustainability, some, in particular, are leading the way.
icebreaker has kicked off its new Autumn/Winter 23 range with the announcement that it has partnered with textile recycling company UPPAREL.
This means that for the first time in New Zealand, UPPAREL recycling bins will be available in icebreaker Touch Lab stores from now.
As part of icebreaker’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and reduce textiles from ending up in landfill, this partnership allows consumers to donate pre-loved clothing to be turned into a unique recycled fibre that is used to create products such as home insulation, couch cushioning, and pet beds. Plus, any donation made at icebreaker stores will receive a $10 store credit.
“We’re focused on ensuring the lifecycle of a product has minimal impact on the environment,” says Jordi Beneyto-Ferre, icebreaker Senior Manager of Global Materials and Sustainability.
“Last year we committed to investing in repairing and rehoming products, and UPPAREL is the perfect partner to bring this to life by giving consumers an easy way to give their pre-loved clothing a second life and taking responsibility at the end of a product’s lifecycle by keeping those materials in circulation and lessening the need to create new materials.”
Working with what nature provides and adapting as nature does, icebreaker’s Autumn/Winter 23 collection provides natural performance alternatives to synthetic-based apparel with exciting innovations.
Stand-outs from the range include the Shell+™ jacket, icebreaker’s first 100% natural outer layer that’s water repellent and wind resistant, and the MerinoLoft™ natural puffer jacket that uses merino wool for insulation while being entirely machine washable – both perfect companions for warmth and comfort in the outdoors.
The RealFleece collection features jackets, vests, and accessories using cosy brushed merino fleece that’s soft to the touch, while insulating base and mid layers in the new collection help to create a complete natural layering system, creating layers that lock together like a single lightweight garment to help you perform naturally better, whatever the activity.
Icebreaker innovations
Continuing its focus on innovation, Shell+ is icebreaker’s first-ever 100% natural outer layer that’s water-repellent and wind resistant.
Made entirely from natural fibres that are pre-stretched, woven together, and then released to create a super dense fabric, Shell+ is a natural alternative to synthetic jackets that helps protect from the elements.
MerinoLoft is the new natural alternative to the puffer jacket. Using natural merino wool insulation, MerinoLoft offers a high warmth-to-weight ratio to help keep warm during cold-weather activities.
For AW23, MerinoLoft styles feature the Shell+ outer layer, offering a more natural water-repellent and wind-resistant puffer jacket. Best of all, it’s machine washable for easy care.
Completing the line-up is RealFleece™ – a cosy fleece fabric made from the real thing. Constantly struck by the irony that most ‘fleece’ products are made from plastic, icebreaker set out to create an authentic brushed natural fibre fleece that’s warm and soft to the touch.
RealFleece products are made from merino wool fibres loosely spun into a fluffy and textural yarn, creating the soft fleece-like pile. Plant-based TENCEL™ Lyocell is then used to tightly knit the base lining of the fabric, securing the yarn and together creating the soft, cosy shearling fabric. We’re a little enamoured of the RealFleece mittens and zip hood.
icebreaker’s AW23 collection is available online and in-store now.
Images supplied