Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand, and premium creator of innovative and more sustainable textile solutions, has announced its progressive work with Must Had, an innovative start up and benefit corporation, to create a second life for its excess inventory.

Since inventing the very first knit fabrics made from recycled plastic in 1993, Polartec says it has gone above and beyond to make the dream of zero waste a reality. The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to its facilities and products: from smarter chemistry to the use of 100% recycled and bio-based materials, from waste capture and water filtration to innovative technologies for more sustainable and durable textile solutions.

Less waste, more creativity

Together with Must Had, Polartec will prioritise a virtuous cycle of circularity by empowering upcycling designers and small businesses to produce unique and sustainably developed products from repurposed Polartec textiles. One of the first examples features upcycling designer Ilaria Ferrari, who has developed blankets, scarves, and hair bands exclusively from discarded Polartec fabrics.

The partnership, built on mutually held sustainability values, was officially inaugurated during Winter Business Days, an annual event dedicated to the ski and alpine sports industry held during January in Ponte di Legno (Italy). During the event, Must Had arranged with Ilaria Ferrari to donate her ethical, functional, and customised winter accessories – all of which have been made with repurposed Polartec materials – to accredited retailers at the Indoor Expo Village. An Upcycling Workshop was also held, where Ilaria customised each accessory by hand.

Everything deserves a second chance

Polartec looks forward to exploring numerous initiatives with Must Had to support the circular management of excess end-of-life materials, turning waste into real opportunities. By giving new life to cast-off fabrics and materials, Must Had enables companies like Polartec to reduce their environmental impact while closing the loop of sustainable manufacturing.

www.polartec.com