Icebreaker shakes up the production process

Icebreaker has found an innovative way to use up leftover fabric, creating an all-new collection with the scraps.

As part of its effort to “go natural”, the Icebreaker Repurposed range uses Tech Lite and Cool-Lite Eyelet fabrics to create new t-shirts for men and women.

Jordi Beneyto Ferre, Head of Materials and Sustainability at Icebreaker, said the brand wanted to ensure the new range was accessible and of high quality.

“After identifying an excess of fabric in our supply chain, we decided to avoid waste and reuse this fabric in t-shirts to offer our consumers at an accessible price.

“Each garment is made from the same high-quality merino fabric found in Icebreaker’s previous 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 lightweight and breathable, offered in a breathable eyelet t-shirt perfect for high intensity activities

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring back a light and bright color palette to our tee offering – a staple in any summer wardrobe,” he said.

While acknowledging that this could be a small step in shifting the production process from linear to circular, Ferre said the brand is still pleased with its progress.

“Identifying excesses in any manufacturing industry can always be difficult.

“At Icebreaker, we have a long-term commitment to building an ethical and sustainable business. That means we can’t just condone excess and it’s in our nature to reuse it when we can.

“We recognize that the linear production system is unsustainable for a planet with a growing population and limited resources. We are taking steps to overcome this and reduce unnecessary waste and be as efficient as possible.

“A zero-waste future must have a set of principles focused on waste prevention across all waste categories that encourage the redesign of resource lifecycles so that all products are reused.

“The goal is that no waste is sent to landfills, incinerators or the ocean.

“As part of this, we aim to better understand the opportunities for circularity within our production.

“We recognize that this collection is only a small step, but it’s still progress,” he said.

The Tech Lite t-shirt offers men and women four color options each, while the Cool-Lite Eyelet t-shirt is available for women only in 14 colors.

Ferre added that the new Repurposed collection is not the end for the brand in its efforts to reduce its waste.

“As a clothing company, we believe it is extremely important to manage our waste and reduce it as much as possible.

“Icebreaker Repurposed is an initiative we explored to reduce waste and ensure every piece of our fabric is used.

“Watch this space for the middle of this year, where we’re launching an exclusive collaboration collection with a top scientist who took inspiration from nature’s efficient forms, creating a capsule collection with extremely low waste,” a- he declared.

Icebreaker Repurposed is available online now, with each t-shirt selling for $60.