Case Study
Napapijri Circular Series
Created by
Napapijri
,
2022
In 2021, Napapijri pushed the boundaries of apparel design, focusing on designing for longevity and recyclability. They transformed their popular Skidoo anorak into a 100% recyclable and circular design as part of their Circular Series.
In this case study we explore how
Napapijri designed and developed their Circular Series, a Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold certified collection. From the use of 100% recyclable materials to a digital takeback programme, see how Napapijri achieves their vision for the Circular Series — ‘Made to be made again’.
Credit: Napapijri
100% CIRCULAR
Napapijri has committed to design for the future of fashion with circularity at its core; it is the foundation of the Circular Series. Designers innovated by applying this concept at different stages of the lifecycle: production, manufacturing, usage, takeback, and the regeneration of new materials.
They create the collection with mono-material component fibres, motivate and educate their customers about circularity through their clothing takeback programme, and close the loop by recycling returned products to produce the next 100% recyclable garment.
100% RECYCLABLE
The mono-material composition and digital takeback programme are the two crucial elements that enable easy recyclability in the Circular Series.
All the styles of the Circular Series are made with a single material: nylon-6. Econyl®, a regenerated high-performance nylon-6 yarn recycled from discarded fishing nets and other waste materials, is used as the main fabric, while virgin nylon-6 is used for the filling and trims. The recycling process is therefore simplified. Fibres can be recovered without losing their original characteristics of quality, and used infinitely for new products from the Circular Series.
Customers also play an important part in Napapijri’s mission. The potential of the recyclable materials would be wasted without the two-year takeback programme. After the purchase is made, customers are encouraged to register their Circular Series items for the programme and return them to the company after at least two years. The material of these pre-loved pieces can then be used to produce new yarn for a new item in the next fashion cycle.
Napapijri is closing the loop in fashion by giving consumers an alternative to dumping outdated garments in the landfill.
100% C2C CERTIFIED®
Cradle to Cradle is a global standard measuring the sustainability performance of materials and products according to their material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness.
Credit: Napapijri
The amount of effort invested by Napapijri’s Circular Series to achieve the safety, circularity, and positive influence on human beings and also the planet is recognised through the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold certification.
About the Contributor
Napapijri, a VF Corporation brand, is a game changer in the fashion and outdoor wear industries, always looking forward to unlocking new possibilities, new shapes and technologies. Born in 1987 in the shadow of Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, Napapijri has been combining innovative material and close attention to style ever since. To adopt the adventurous spirit of explorers in overcoming extreme conditions and landscapes in their design, the brand created their signature Skidoo and Rainforest anoraks with wind and water resistant breathable fabric.
