Rapha Classic Jerseys thread recycled polyester into new Performance Merino 150

Rapha have taken a further step forward in their journey to reducing their reliance on raw materials, updating their Rapha Performance Merino 150 fabric with recycled polyester. That fabric is the main component of the brand’s original cycling jersey; the Rapha Classic. Here’s an update into what materials actually go into this iconic road cycling jersey.

Rapha Classic Jerseys with Recycled Polyester

Only 36% the fabric in your Rapha Classic Jersey is merino wool. The rest is polyester. The news here? That polyester is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified, sourced from post-consumer traceable recycled plastic bottles. This change to the Rapha Performance Merino 150 fabric is part of the brand’s drive to reduce their environmental impact. 

What about the wool? That comes from non-mulesed sheep. 

What, now? Mulesing is a largely frowned-upon practice that involves the removal of strips of wool-bearing skin from around the buttocks of a sheep. Why do they do that? Because that area is prone to harboring mud and feces, attracting flies, leading to parasitic infection. The practice is now deemed to be harmful to the animals, as it can itself cause nasty infections and a long, painful death.

Thankfully, the sheep who contributed the wool in your Rapha Classic Jersey have not been subjected to mulesing. They, and you, can be grateful for that. The brand’s wool supplier aren’t yet certified to the Responsible Wool Standard, but they are expected to be as of next year.

The relaunch of the Rapha Classic Collection with recycled materials is just one step of many to be taken in their goal to become carbon neutral by 2025. Along the way they’ll be reducing their environmental impact by transitioning to 100% renewable energy, 100% low impact packaging, and environmentally preferred materials across 90% of their seasonal
production.

For interested readers, Rapha’s Impact Commitments can be found here.

Pricing & Availability

The new Rapha Classic Jerseys are available in Men’s and Women’s cuts, retailing at $150 (USD), £110, and 135€.

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