Icebreaker has found an innovative way to make use of excess fabric, creating a whole new collection with the leftovers.
As part of its efforts to 'Move to Natural' the Icebreaker Repurposed range makes use of it Tech Lite and Cool-Lite Eyelet fabrics to create new t-shirts for men and women.
Icebreaker senior manager materials and sustainability Jordi Beneyto Ferre said the brand wanted to ensure the new range was accessible and high-quality.
"After identifying some excess fabric in our supply chain, we decided to avoid waste and instead repurpose this fabric into tees to offer our consumers at an accessible price point.
"Every garment is made using the same high quality merino fabric from prior Icebreaker seasons.
"Our Tech Lite is our most versatile jersey fabric offered in a range of tonal heathers in our regular fit.
"Our Cool-Lite Eyelet fabric is light and breathable offered in an all-over airy Eyelet Tee perfect for high intensity activity
"This is a fantastic opportunity to bring back a light and bright colour palate into our tee shirt offering – a staple in any summer wardrobe," he said.
While acknowledging that this may be a small step in shifting the production process from linear to circular, Ferre said that the brand was still pleased with its progress.
"Identifying excess in any manufacturing industry can always be challenging.
"At Icebreaker, we have a long-term commitment to build an ethical and sustainable business. This means we can’t just turn a blind eye to excess and it’s in our nature to repurpose it when we can.
"We acknowledge the linear system of production isn't sustainable for a planet with a growing population and limited resources. We’re taking steps to overcome this and reducing unnecessary waste and being as efficient as possible.
"A future that is zero waste must have a set of principles focused on waste prevention across all categories of waste that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused.
"The goal is for no trash to be sent to landfills, incinerators or the ocean.
"As part of this, we’re aiming to better understanding circularity opportunities within our production.
"We recognise this collection signifies only a small step, but it’s progress nonetheless," he said.
The Tech Lite tee offers men and women four colour options each, while the Cool-Lite Eyelet tee is available for women only in 14 colours.
Ferre added that the new Repurposed collection isn't the end for the brand in its endeavours to reduce its waste.
"As a clothing company, we believe it is extremely important to manage our waste and reduce it wherever possible.
"Icebreaker Repurposed is one initiative we have explored to reduce waste and ensure every piece of our fabric is used.
"Watch this space for middle of this year, where we launch an exclusive collaboration collection with top scientist who was inspired by the efficient shapes of nature, creating a capsule collection with extremely low waste," he said.
Icebreaker Repurposed is available online now, with each tee retailing for $60.