For adventure enthusiasts, every step counts, but what about the footprint we leave behind? At Raidlight, we've decided to make this question a driving force for innovation. Among the various eco-design parameters, integrating recycled materials into our equipment is the first choice for limiting impact and better respecting the nature that inspires us. By 2024, over 60% of our textiles will be made from recycled materials.
Why recycled materials?
As major players in the textile industry, our mission goes beyond the simple pursuit of performance. We have the power to directly influence millions of outdoor enthusiasts, deeply connected to the nature they explore. By leading by example, we can not only reduce our ecological footprint, but also inspire our communities to adopt more responsible behaviors. Thanks to our capacity for innovation, we are able to integrate solutions, such as the use of recycled materials, while meeting the high standards of technicality and comfort demanded by disciplines such as trail running. The use of recycled materials not only extends the lifespan of materials, but also reduces the energy required for their transformation, thus contributing to a circular economy.
What is a recycled material?
A recycled material is one that has been recovered, reclaimed and transformed from waste or end-of-life products, to be reused in the manufacture of new objects. The aim is to reduce the extraction of natural resources, limit waste and lower overall environmental impact.
1 & 2 - The raw material comes from the various textile or plastic products that we put in the sorting bins or throw away, ready to be recycled..
3 & 4 & 5 & 6 - The waste is sorted and ground into chips or melted to be transformed into raw materials. Raw materials are extruded into fibers. These fibers are then processed to produce yarn, which is then woven or knitted.
7 - The waste has been transformed into fabric and can now have a second life.
Recycled materials for trail clothing?
Recycled polyester
Polyester is undoubtedly the most widely used fiber in sports textiles. Recycled polyester offers essential qualities for sportsmen and women, with fibers that are light, strong, stretchy and quick-drying, guaranteeing comfort and performance whatever the conditions.
At Raidlight, recycled polyester takes center stage as part of our eco-responsible approach. Made from recycled plastic bottles, this material transforms plastic waste into technical textiles. Present in a wide range of our products, from Made in France, Short sleeved top, to Sahara cap including alos Waterproof jacket Explore MP+, it offers undeniable environmental and sporting advantages:
- Reducing plastic waste : This process recycles plastics destined for landfill, thus reducing pollution.
- Lower CO₂ emissions and energy consumption : Manufacturing recycled polyester consumes around 50% less energy and reduces CO₂ emissions by almost 70% compared to virgin polyester.
- Resource conservation: The process limits the use of fossil fuels, such as petroleum, and adopts more economical methods, such as solution dyeing.
- Technical performance preserved : Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying and hard-wearing, recycled polyester retains all the technical properties needed for outdoor activities.
Nylon and recycled polyamide
At Raidlight, we have chosen to use recycled nylon and polyamide in a number of technical products, including our waterproof trail jacket Ultralight 2.0 MP+ or in our waterpoof trail jacket Top Extreme MP+. This material, derived from ocean waste (fishing nets) or post-industrial waste (production offcuts), enables us to create equipment capable of withstanding the most demanding conditions while reducing our environmental impact.
Recycled polyamide offers essential advantages:
- Resistance and durability : Ideal for withstanding the friction of a trail bag, for example.
- Reduced impact: Its production requires fewer fossil resources, energy and water, while generating less waste and CO₂ emissions..
- Technicity preserved: It retains all the qualities of classic polyamide, with lightness, strength and comfort.
By incorporating recycled polyamide, our products combine technical performance with a commitment to sustainability, demonstrating that innovation and eco-responsibility can go hand in hand.
Click here to see our entire range of products made from recycled materials.
The use of recycled materials in Raidlight clothing?
Since 2009, we at Raidlight have chosen to use natural or recycled materials in our collections to reduce our environmental impact.
Today, more than 60% of our textile range is made from recycled materials, particularly recycled polyester. ♻️
We want to go further towards 100% with the following constraints:
- First and foremost, the function of the product must not be altered. Many natural materials are not compatible with the technical requirements of our products.
- We work with existing technologies. For a number of components, there are either no ecological industrial solutions, or the production minimums are far too high for our production capacity, so we make do with what is technically possible.
- We are also attentive to the compromise with price, limiting the choice of natural or recycled solutions to a 15% surcharge on fabrics, for a maximum surcharge of 5% on the final product. Otherwise, we have found that the extra cost becomes too great a disincentive to purchase.
Eco-responsibility beyond recycled materials at Raidlight?
Finally, the use of recycled or natural materials is just one of the pillars of eco-responsibility at Raidlight, with :
- eco-design of products,
- a Made in France workshop for some of our ranges,
- HQE headquarters with photovoltaic production,
- a lifetime product repair service whenever possible,
- and other small everyday actions.
Click here to see our entire range of products made from recycled materials.
