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AASQ: Can cycling clothing be “green”? Ask Giro anything about Renew recycled fabrics

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Giro is a name that at this point, is just about synonymous with cycling helmets. But the California based brand also has a full line of cycling clothing that they’ve been developing and improving over the years.

A sampling of Giro's Renew Series from Sea Otter 2019.
A sampling of Giro’s Renew Series from Sea Otter 2019.

As part of one of their latest environmentally focused initiatives, their Renew Series is made from recycled nylon, polyester, elastane, and Econyl Lycra made out of reclaimed “ghost nets” or abandoned fishing nets. These nets not only pollute the waters and beaches, but have a big impact on ocean life as well. In an effort to make a dent in the 8% of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the global apparel industry, Giro has made a lot of changes to their apparel line outlined below.

But what does that mean for the clothing itself? Is it just as durable? Comfortable? Can the Renew series pieces themselves be recycled? These are just a few of the questions that Giro is hoping to field from this edition of our AASQ series. Submit your questions through THIS LINK, and we’ll dive into the answers next week!

GIRO’S SPRING 2019 APPAREL LINE

— 62% of new styles use bluesign® materials.
— 48% of new styles use BOTH Renew Series and bluesign® materials.

MOUNTAIN BIKE

— 67% of jerseys are in the Renew Series.
— 100% of jerseys use bluesign® materials.
— 100% of shorts use bluesign® materials.

ROAD

— 67% of jerseys are in the Renew Series.
— 100% of shorts and bib shorts are in the Renew Series.
— 86% of new styles are in the Renew Series.
— Expert and Sport Chamois now use Renew Series topsheet fabric.

giro.com

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Josh
5 years ago

How can any plastic clothings be “green” when the microplastics of which it is composed will wash out of the fabric and pollute the ocean?

Ryan White
Ryan White
5 years ago
Reply to  Josh

“Green” is incredibly abstract. These clothes are green in the sense that they use less virgin plastic. That’s unmistakably a move in the right direction. You are of course correct in that there’s always the issue of microplastic shedding in the wash. To complete the cycle they need to be preaching good washing practices like using a Guppyfriend type bag (Patagonia makes one) when washing to reduce the shedding issue.

You also need to address the end-use and how you potentially take the garment apart to recycle once again at the end of it’s life with that customer. If there’s too many mixed materials, or hardware that’s difficult to remove it makes recycling too expensive. It’s quite complicated to truly be green!

Patrick
Patrick
5 years ago

Hey Guys, my question is this: Like any piece of clothing, what can I do with my worn out cycling clothes, shoes, helmets, etc. so that it doesn’t end up in a landfill?

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