Arc'teryx Unveils Its Most Sustainable Hardshell Jacket Yet

In a bold move towards sustainability, Canadian outdoor apparel brand Arc'teryx has launched the Sperro SV, a hardshell jacket that represents a significant leap in circular design. Set to hit the market on September 4, this innovative product has taken four years to develop, balancing high performance with environmental responsibility.

According to Alexandra Plante, VP of advanced concepts at Arc'teryx, the goal was to create a jacket that does not compromise on performance while minimizing environmental impact. The Sperro SV is a flagship offering under the brand's new circularity initiative, System 0, which aims to redefine how products are designed, made, and disposed of. “We chose the hard shell because it’s difficult. We knew if we succeeded here, we could succeed anywhere else in our brand,” Plante stated.

The Sperro SV has the distinction of being the first product globally to earn the Testex Circularity label, which verifies its circular credentials. This label was developed by the Swiss testing institute Testex and evaluates products on various criteria, including durability and recyclability. The jacket's construction features a three-layer Gore-Tex fabric, with the inner and outer layers made from recycled Econyl nylon 6, allowing for easier recycling at the end of the product's life.

However, not all components of the jacket are recyclable—such as the zippers and certain membranes—which has raised questions about its overall circularity. Nonetheless, Testex views the Sperro SV holistically, taking into account its durability and repairability in addition to recyclability.

Arc'teryx's approach contrasts with many brands that typically start with simpler products for their sustainability initiatives. Instead, the company chose to tackle the complexities of hardshell jackets, which are essential for extreme outdoor conditions and often relied upon by professionals like mountain guides and search and rescue teams.

While the Sperro SV may not achieve complete recyclability, its design incorporates an efficient disassembly process to better facilitate recycling. This involved rigorous testing and material trials, with around 15 iterations of fabric used in collaboration with Gore-Tex. Andrew Yip, senior director of material innovation at Arc'teryx, emphasized the importance of retaining essential performance features, even if it complicates the recycling process.

Arc'teryx is committed to sharing its resources and partnerships to foster a broader shift towards circularity within the industry. While the specific Gore-Tex fabric remains exclusive to the brand, Yip encourages other companies to replicate their advancements in sustainable practices.

As supply chains evolve, the brand is working towards utilizing post-consumer materials, which are currently underrepresented in the industry. Sara Ellis, global product manager at Gore-Tex, highlighted the need for regulatory incentives to bolster the use of recycled materials from old garments and other sources.

In summary, the Sperro SV not only pushes the boundaries of performance and sustainability but also sets a new standard for circularity in outdoor apparel, with Arc'teryx leading the charge towards a more responsible future.

Source: www.vogue.com