"The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is 4.5 times the size of Germany. A large part of the floating debris consists of fishing nets."
Hidden behind Monte Brione, in the mountain biking and climbing mecca of Arco by Lake Garda, lies a factory. No one would suspect that behind the slightly weathered, man-high walls, the foundation for our premium cycling jerseys made from old fishing nets and other nylon waste is being laid. Here, the ocean waste yarn called ECONYL® is created. But what exactly is it, and why is ocean waste yarn so well-suited for cycling jerseys? We will answer these questions for you on this page.
Ocean Waste - What is it all about?
In our oceans, vast amounts of dangerous plastic waste are floating. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch alone is 4.5 times the size of Germany.
A large part of the floating debris consists of fishing nets. These are often lost, or worse, are intentionally sunk.
The problem: plastics decompose only after 600-800 years and subsequently form dangerous microplastics that eventually end up back on our plates. In the meantime, the nets continue to fish relentlessly, killing countless marine creatures, suffocating coral reefs, and becoming a deadly trap for other animals.
In European waters, approximately 25,000 nets with a total length of 1,250 kilometers are lost every year. In the Baltic Sea alone, there are up to 10,000 per year.
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Bike jerseys made from ocean waste fishing nets?
Ocean Waste Fishing nets are largely made of nylon. Nylon is an important raw material and can be endlessly recycled very well. However, the fishing nets must first be recovered. Partners like the Healthy Seas organization recover these ghost nets with divers. The recovered nets are first cleaned and then regenerated into a granulate together with other nylon 6 waste, for example from carpet production, that is just as pure as conventional nylon.
In the subsequent process, a spinning solution is produced from the Ocean Waste granulate. This is pressed through spinning nozzles and processed into a continuous thread, from which the nylon yarn and finally the fabric is created. Over 500 tons of old fishing nets have been recovered and turned into new products since 2013.
What is Econyl?
ECONYL® is a brand name of AQUAFIL S.P.A. based in Arco, Italy. Aquafil is also the manufacturer of the ECONYL® yarn. We use different fabrics depending on the application area, which are made from ECONYL® yarns derived from Ocean Waste and other waste.
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What properties does Ocean Waste have?
Stable
Extremely elastic
Breathable
Quick-drying
abrasion-resistant
100% recyclable
UV-Schutz UPF 50+
Sand resistant
saltwater resistant
Chlorresistent
Oil and Sunscreen Resistant
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
SHIRTS and PANTS made from Ocean Waste
"With materials made from ocean waste, we are able to develop environmentally friendly, recyclable premium cycling apparel that perfectly supports your activities on mountain bikes, road bikes, or gravel bikes, making every ride an experience. Additionally, with every jersey, we contribute to freeing the oceans a little more from dangerous ghost nets and marine debris."
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How do I wash Ocean Waste cycling clothing?
"Cycling clothing made from Econyl can usually be washed at 40°C, unless otherwise stated on the label. This can be done without any issues in both the delicate wash and easy-care programs. Since the textiles hardly bleed, it is only necessary to pay attention to washing similar colors for newly purchased garments. For very fine fabrics, it is advisable to use a laundry bag and the rule: Close all zippers and Velcro to prevent snagging on your cycling jersey."
And: Please use an ANTI MICROPLASTIC wash bag so that no harmful particles from your clothing enter the environment.
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How do I dry Ocean Waste cycling clothing?
Bike jerseys and shorts made from Econyl can easily be dried on a hanger or a clothesline. Hangers should be avoided. The use of a tumble dryer is also unnecessary and should be avoided out of consideration for your environment. Tip for bikepackers: Ocean Waste products dry very quickly, by the way. Simply rinse them with cold water to remove salt and dust in the evening, hang them on a tent line overnight, and by the next morning, your styles will be fresh and ready to use again.
Clean Up - Rad Clothing Made from Ocean Waste Material
"We are contributing to the cleaning of the oceans. How? By using recycled nylon in numerous products. The type of yarn and its processing make this possible. Thus, robust, relatively thick yarns can be produced from ocean waste, which we use, for example, in bike shorts. Others are so fine that the fabrics are extremely soft, making them perfect for jerseys that can be worn directly on the skin. Some are brushed on the inside, creating lightweight fleece materials that are ideal for long-sleeve jerseys or cozy hoodies. At TRIPLE2, ocean waste materials are found in many products. So discover our marine waste collection now!"
What advantages does Ocean Waste clothing offer?
Ocean Waste materials are particularly well-suited for cyclists because they combine several positive properties. Especially for gravel bike or bikepacking tours in hot areas, the material is ideal. The reason: Ocean Waste products are extremely elastic. They fit super soft and feel like a second skin. Nevertheless, they actively support you under high stress, for example, from heat. And: even strong sunlight cannot harm your skin, as all our Ocean Waste materials we use offer a sun protection factor of UPF 50+.
Robust and Durable for a Long Life on the Bike
"What is a disadvantage in the sea is an advantage on the bike. Ocean Waste products are extremely robust and with good care, they become loyal companions. In addition to the usual properties, Ocean Waste nylon has a few special features. For example, the material is resistant to saltwater (sweat / seawater) and sunscreen. This is an unbeatable plus for long trips in hot regions."
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