Aquafil partners with Speedo to launch take-back program scheme

Aquafil an Italian nylon yarn producer has partnered with Speedo USA a leading swimwear brand in a take-back program that will see post-manufacturing Speedo swimwear scraps up-cycled into Aquafil’s 100 percent regenerated Econyl nylon.

Giulio Bonazzi, chairman and CEO of Aquafil said that they are challenging apparel manufacturers to be more sustainable and restructure their supply chain to divert waste from landfill.

Their partnership with Speedo USA shows their commitment to the environment with the take-back program, but also their ingenuity in creating products from materials that can be recycled an infinite number of times. They are really helping them close the loop and create a more sustainable manufacturing process.

The Econyl Regeneration System uses manufacturing by-product waste and end of life nylon materials – including abandoned fishing nets and old carpets – and turns them into Econyl Nylon 6 for the production of new carpets and textiles, sportswear and swimwear.

The Econyl regeneration process will be used to separate usable nylon from Speedo’s blended post-production fabric scraps. The used nylon will then be up-cycled into raw nylon fibre that can be made into new PowerFLEX Eco swimwear.

PowerFLEX Eco fabric is comprised of 78 percent Econyl nylon and 22 percent Extra Life Lycra.

This is the first ever take-back programme for both parties. The partnership will create a closed-loop manufacturing partnership and the Speedo PowerFlex Eco swimwear fabric is endlessly recyclable.