The past few decades have witnesses the fashion industry become increasingly disconnected to the world around it. Unsustainable practises are having a detrimental impact on the environment and the global community.
The rise of fast-fashion has cultivated a shift towards a disposable consumption mindset, causing waste to be at an all time high. Currently an estimated 92 million tons of textile excess is created every year - the equivalent of one rubbish truck full of clothes being burned or dumped in a landfill every second.
Modern production methods are drawing heavily on the earth's precious resources. Ten per cent of humanity's carbon emissions are made by the fashion industry, it is the second largest consumer of water worldwide, and one of the major contributors of harmful microplastics entering our oceans.
The time for change is now, and we believe the industry has a responsibility to protect the planet by reimagining the current status quo and introducing a more conscious approach. Style and sustainability can co-exist and thanks to a new wave of innovative materials, the fashion industry is pivoting towards a more circular future.
A leader in this space is Aquafil, producer of the ECONYL® yarn, a 100% regenerated nylon fiber made from nylon waste otherwise polluting the Earth, like fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring and industrial plastic rescued from all over the world. Through a radical regeneration and purification process, the nylon waste is recycled right back to its original purity. That means ECONYL® regenerated nylon is exactly the same as fossil-fuel based nylon and has the potential to be recycled infinitely, without ever losing its quality. Championed by forward-thinking luxury brands, ECONYL® regenerated nylon has been utilised in the creation of myriad categories of apparel, from handbags to outerwear and watch straps. The high-stretch, washable and shape-retaining properties of the fabrics made with ECONYL® render it perfect for long-lasting recycled swimwear, which is why it is used to make every Kōraru swimsuit.
With single use plastic being one of the biggest issues facing the environment today, Paptic Tringa offers a sustainable solution. Made from wood fibres sourced from controlled and sustainably managed forests, the fully biodegradable paper is progressively being implemented as an alternative to plastics in garment packaging. Combining recyclability with reusability, its durability means it can be repurposed; our origami-inspired swimsuit carrier can be used as in-closet storage or as a clothing organiser when traveling. Lighter weight than traditional plastics, it can also be shipped more efficiently, helping to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
Also leading the way is Shiro Alga Carta. The pioneering regenerated material is made from a specific type of upcycled algae sourced from marine areas, where its proliferation is damaging to the ecosystem. Helping to conserve our oceans, it provides a renewable replacement to paper which is being used across the fashion industry to rethink premium packaging and stationery. Kōraru uses Shiro Alga Carta to create the lining of our boxes and information cards, meaning our entire offering, from garment to container is wholly circular.
