What are the eco-responsible materials used for sport?
Who said athletes don't care about the environment? As the world shifts towards greener practices, what about the sportswear industry? Wouldn't putting on a more eco -friendly t-shirt to go running be utopian? This is the challenge that NOSC has decided to take up. Focus on the eco-responsible materials for the sportswear we use!
Respectful materials to reduce its environmental impact
Sustainable development is a major issue in our societies. Polluting less, producing intelligently, reducing its ecological footprint, all values that promote environmental protection through more respectful manufacturing processes. This is the choice made by NOSC in order to offer you sportswear that is both comfortable and less polluting.
Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (recycled PET)
What is that ?
PET, or recycled plastic , is obtained from recyclable plastic bottles, flasks and food packaging. Transparent plastic and opaque plastic go through the same manufacturing process in order to be reused on other media.
How is it made?
To obtain reusable plastics in the textile industry, it is necessary:
- pass the packaging through a sieve to remove all residues
- grind the plastic to get glitter
- wash the sequins to get rid of the remains of glue
- squeeze and dry glitter
For the recycling of opaque plastic, the flakes are melted and then cut into granules.
The transparent plastic flakes are directly processed by specialized companies to become bottles or polyester fibers which will be used for the manufacture of textiles.
Thanks to better waste management , it is possible to recycle plastic to give it a second life!
Tencel
What is that ?
Also known as lyocell, this material is made from eucalyptus or bamboo wood pulp. Modal, on the other hand, is made from beech pulp. More respectful of the environment, this natural material is used to replace viscose in the textile industry.
How is it made?
Wood pulp is not used as is. It must go through a transformation process before reaching the state of textile fiber. It is thus necessary:
- extract the cellulose naturally present in the bark of the wood
- crush the protein and dissolve it in a non-toxic solvent
- the lyocell fibers obtained must be washed, dried and then rolled up
The solvent used can then be 99.7% recycled. This manufacturing process makes it possible to work in a closed circuit : the materials are constantly recycled, purified and reused.
Seacell (algae): an improved lyocell
Enriched with seaweed powder , seacell textiles are also initially made of cellulose. They have amazing but no less interesting properties. Anti-inflammatory, soothing and nourishing, seacell clothing pampers your skin and the environment!
Bio-based vegetable polyamide
What is that ?
For a long time, rilsan 11 has been used as a natural and organic nylon . This polyamide-type polymer is made from a derivative of castor oil. If this vegetable oil is recognized for its benefits in cosmetics and was used as an automobile lubricant, it is now appreciated for the quality thread that can be produced with it.
How is it made?
A whole chemical process is necessary for castor oil to be usable by the textile industry:
- transesterification of castor oil by ethanol: the vegetable oil is cold mixed with an alcohol
- after cracking and distillation, a rilsan intermediate 11 is obtained
- the polycondensation of this acid then makes it possible to obtain granules, powders or a textile fibre.
What are the advantages of eco-responsible materials for sport?
The use of natural resources not only reduces energy consumption (water consumption, production of greenhouse gases, etc.), but also makes it possible to manufacture more comfortable textiles for athletes.
Pleasant fabrics in contact with the skin
Garments made of tencel, PET or even merino wool are extremely soft, close to that of silk. This fiber is so smooth that it has a very appreciable cooling effect .
An action on perspiration and the neutralization of odors
Recognized for their high absorption capacity , eco-responsible materials can absorb 50% more moisture than wool. The proliferation of bacteria is thus limited and perspiration regulated. Less smell, more comfort!
Durable and resistant clothing
Textiles made from these recyclable materials are particularly tenacious to shrinking, stretching, and wrinkles and abrasions. It is for this reason that they are so frequently involved in the design of sportswear: their resistance makes them particularly interesting.
Maintenance tips
Natural materials are relatively easy to clean . They can go in the washing machine, on a cycle at 40°C as for cotton. Natural fibers have the particularity of drying relatively quickly. You don't usually need to iron them, but it is possible to do so on low heat. We recommend that you store your clothes in a dry and ventilated place to avoid the appearance of moths or traces of mold.
All these eco-responsible materials for sport adapt to different practices: cycling, fitness, swimming, running… Whatever your sporting activity, you will find ethical clothing adapted to your needs. Durable and comfortable to wear, they work for the preservation of nature and are available in different forms: leggings, sports bra, socks, t-shirt and tracksuits. The hardest thing will be to choose.
