Recycling plastic has been touted as an alternative towards sustainability, leading companies to create and campaign products made from the material. However, it may not be as green as initially thought.
The energy and resources needed to recycle plastic often exceed those used to produce non-recyclable plastic. In addition, creating products from recycled plastic requires chemical treatment that produces toxic by-products that harm the environment further.
London-based swimwear brand Mabi is one of the companies taking a step forward in addressing this hurdle. Instead of recycling plastic, the label minimises its plastic use by using alternative materials and implementing eco-friendly practices during production.
The company use sustainable fabrics such as Amni Soul Eco, a biodegradable yarn that allows garments to decompose when discarded. It also uses natural dye made from flowers, roots, and seeds.
In addition, the swimwear labels contain seeds that consumers can use to plant herbs or flowers. The bags are also made from jute, a biodegradable, reusable, and recyclable vegetable fibre.
Aside from using sustainable materials, the company also teamed up with Green Initiative, an organisation that seeks environmental advancement in biodiversity, water, and air quality. Part of the profits is used to support indigenous communities of the Amazon.
“We have decided to be a part of the solution by minimising plastic use in our designs and promoting eco-friendly practices,” said Maristela Soares, founder & designer of Mabi Swimwear.
“We believe this is a small but significant step towards a healthier planet.”
