Uniqlo encourages environmental action with new campaign

Uniqlo is encouraging shoppers to not just buy items made of recycled materials but also to take action to protect the oceans, with the launch of its global “Join: The Power of Clothing” campaign.

This is the second time in recent weeks that the global retailer has urged customers to intervene. Uniqlo began its “Peace for All” charity campaign last month to help refugees, women, and children. The firm has sought the help of prominent forces in design, art, literature, athletics, and science to create T-shirts for the United Nations Refugee Agency UNHCR, Save the Children, and Plan International.

The month-long campaign, which continues until the end of July, invites customers to learn more about sustainable initiatives. “Buy and Join” and “Lean and Join” are the two primary sections. The initiative, which is available in shops and online, is designed to raise awareness about ocean pollution and other environmental concerns to the point that people will take action.

Uniqlo is offering T-shirts, plush toys, and pocketable bags made of recycled polyester that are imprinted with pictures of Doraemon Sustainability Mode, the retailer’s global sustainability champion, as part of the launch. A $15 children’s T-shirt, a $20 adult T-shirt, a $20 toy, and a $10 bag are available. For example, the adult shirt is constructed of recycled polyester recovered from 24 plastic bottles.

In addition, the retail chain will give up to $1 million to the Nippon Foundation to aid in the reduction of ocean debris by contributing proceeds from the sale of certain Uniqlo goods made of recycled materials and Blue Cycle Jeans. Among the alternatives are a $40 women’s UV Protection Pocketable parka, $50 distressed peg top high-rise jeans, $25 Airism soft active biker shorts, and a $40 men’s ultra-stretch active jogging trousers.

When compared to traditional techniques, the Blue Cycle Jeans use 99 percent less water in the finishing process. This number is based on a comparison of 2017 men’s normal fit jeans vs the 2018 model, which needs the Blue Cycle procedure.