WORLD OF MATERIALS
Great products are built with great materials. To achieve this, the material development considers three principles: designing to last, exclusivity and collaboration. ODLO continues to use mainly synthetic fibres, though we also use natural materials such as wool and down.
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We take great care to select top-quality materials, as this lays the foundation for creating products that are designed to last.
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When using manmade cellulosic fibres like TENCEL™ Lyocell we choose responsible partners such as Lenzing where the entire production chain is transparent and highly environmentally friendly. Like this we can eliminate risks of deforestation and water pollution in the production process of conventional cellulosic fibres.
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We recognise that working together in collaboration with other stakeholders to tackle some of the bigger issues allows us to effect greater change than working on our own. We are a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and work very closely with our nominated material suppliers as well as our garment makers.
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The majority of materials used in our products are synthetic. To reduce the impact of these materials we have a step by step approach of replacing virgin materials such as Polyester with recycled alternatives (e.g. from post-consumer PET bottles). We only work with reliable sources that are certified by international recognized certification such as Global Recycled Standard (GRS).
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Of course ODLO also avoids the use of PVC and nickel in its components, using only products that have been tested for their environmental compatibility.
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Natural fibers are not necessarily sustainable in their definition. ODLO is therefore also using sustainable sources like Lyocell, where the entire production chain is transparent and highly environmentally friendly.
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ODLO is committed to ensuring that these natural products are obtained using fair production methods. Practices such as „mulesing“ are strictly forbidden when sourcing wool. The down used is a by-product of the meat production industry and is guaranteed not to involve live plucking or force-feeding.
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We do our best to ensure that materials are generally sourced from regions close to the manufacturing site in order to avoid unnecessary transportation.
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Per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS or PFC) are fluorocarbon connections that possess unique water and fat rejecting properties. Because of this, they are frequently found in DWR (Durable Water Resistance) treatments used on outdoor clothing. Where possible, we avoid the use of PFOA/PFOS in our water-repellent finishes. 95% of ODLO products with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish are treated using a fluorocarbon-free product, and we are working hard to ensure that we hit the 100% FC-free mark as soon as possible.
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Looking at the production chain of a fabric, the dyeing process uses the most water and energy. There are several methods on the market, mainly for PES, to reduce water and energy in the dyeing process. ODLO uses Dry Dye (dyeing without water, but with supercritical fluid CO2) in the outdoor range, as well as dope dye for certain colors in the midlayer range. For our F-DRY range, we use a bio-based wicking chemical to achieve function combined with sustainability.
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OEKOTEX STANDARD 100
ODLO only works with material suppliers who are Ökotex and/or bluesign-certified, have their own certified testing facilities or work very closely with an independent laboratory. Not only the materials, but also the entire range of the company‘s underwear and base layer ranges are certified with Ökotex Standard 100.
ODLO PRODUCTS
Our slogan, ‘Be aware of what you wear’, is designed to make our consumer more aware of the importance of sustainably produced clothing. We’re committed to sustainability and are proud to be able to report on the big shift we achieved by 2020 with regards to product responsibility. By focusing on material changes at our best-selling products, we achieved that 50% of our produced materials are preferred materials such as recycled polyester/polyamide or Tencel.
PERFORMANCE WARM ECO – MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS
DISCOVERACTIVE WARM ECO – MADE FROM 100% RECYCLED MATERIALS
DISCOVERACTIVE EVERYDAY ECO - RECYCLED OCEAN PLASTIC
For the first time, ODLO offers underwear made from ocean plastic waste which is 100% recyclable. But not only the composition is from sustainable sources also the entire production process of the Active Everyday Eco Boxershorts Line is committed to sustainability. First the PET bottles are processed into clean polyester chips, then melted down and spun into new polyester yarn and, at the third location, knitted into fabric. During the entire production process energy and water consumption have been optimised and the CO2 footprint reduced. In addition, transportation distances are kept low as all three production facilities are located within a radius of only 30 km.
ODLO PRODUCTS ARE MADE TO LAST
An important part of a textile product‘s total environmental impact is related to how long the product can be used before it is worn out. ODLO only manufactures and sells products that are guaranteed to be durable and long-lasting. We believe this makes an important contribution to promoting sustainability in our society. A number of different management systems and measures have been put in place to ensure we continue to provide our customers with this guarantee in the years to come.
MORE ABOUT ODLO SUSTAINABILITY
Environmental responsibility Social responsibility Sustainability homepage