Eurobike 2018 saw German brand Vaude launch a broad 14-piece Summer Collection to add to their Green Shape Core Collection that includes clothing, backpacks, accessories, and a sleeping bag, powering on with their aim to be the most environmentally-friendly outdoor clothing brand there is. Having previously won numerous awards for their pioneering work on developing products using sustainable materials, including the 2018 GREENTEC Award and the ISPO Eco Achievement award, Vaude took the Eurobike Green Award again for their Green Core Tricot.
Vaude eco friendly Green Shape Core Collection riding kit
Green Core Windbreaker
These are Vaude’s flagship lightweight and versatile ecological pull-over wind jackets for biking, hiking, and everyday life.
They feature stretch inserts at the sides to provide a high degree of freedom of movement. The water-repellent primary material at the front and on the upper arms consists of EcoPaXX – a biobased nylon derived from castor oil. The zip is also made of this bioplastic. At the torso and sleeves, a wind-resistant, lightweight outer fabric serves as protection from blowing weather.
Green Core Tech Shorts for men and women
The casual Green Core Tech shorts are breathable and windproof. Their laser cut ventilation holes ensure a good micro-climate, while reflective elements make the rider more visible in low light conditions. An integrated belt, practical pockets and an extra phone pocket round off the functional Green Core Tec shorts. Their primary material is again bio-based EcoPaXX. Bike-specific stretch inserts on the back are made from Econyl, a recycled polyamide, partially spun from used fishing nets.
Award-winning Green Core Tricot Jersey
The Green Core jersey was designed for optimal moisture management and promises quick-drying. Its primary material is a high-quality wool knit made of 61% merino wool and 39% recycled polyamide. The breathable side inserts are made from recycled polyester from PET bottles, with kapok fibers processed into a yarn. The zip again consists of that plastic EcoPaXX, made of 70% castor-oil.
Innovating for the environment
Vaude exhibited 4 highly innovative and sustainable materials at Eurobike, all of which feature in the new collection for summer 2019.
TENCEL Fleece
In a bid to reduce the amount of microplastics that end up in the sea, Vaude are using TENCEL Fleece, a fiber that is 100% made from from wood – a renewable raw material which biodegrades in seawater. Vaude are the first outdoor outfitter to use the material and have developed it into a soft and cozy fleece material, found in the Green Core Headband. TENCEL features excellent moisture management, and feels soft and silky against the skin. It can also be found in the lining of the fleece jackets and pants, as well as in Vaude’s reversible vests.
PrimaLoft Silver natural blend insulation
The PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Natural Blend, being used for the first time in Vaude’s Green Core Altmann 400 SYN sleeping bag, is a novel hybrid insulation material made with plant fibers of the kapok tree, the development of which was initiated in search of bio-based alternatives with natural functional properties.
EcoPaXX, a bio-based plastic
Normally, plastics are made from petroleum. In order to conserve this finite fossil resource, Vaude searched for an alternative made from renewable raw materials. 70% of EcoPaXX is made from castor bean oil.
The hardy castor oil plant grows without additional irrigation on barren soil that would be unsuitable for growing food. Vaude have used the oil, which is pressed from the plant’s beans, to make robust polyamide fibers for abrasion-resistant outer fabrics used on high wear areas of the 3-layer jackets and pants. Vaude also use this robust material for the two backpacks of the Green Shape Core Collection, and throughout the entire collection for recyclable zips, buckles, and hooks.
QMilk-Felt
Yes, that’s right, felt made of milk. Well, 20% of it at least, with sheep’s wool making up the rest.
The milk used to make this felt is sourced from supplies that can no longer be sold due to strict food industry regulations and would otherwise have to be disposed of.
From this valuable natural product, silky fine protein fibers can be extracted during a very energy-efficient process that is suitable for felt production. QMILK fiber processes endow the felt with a soft texture and antibacterial properties when worn directly against the skin. QMILK-felt features in the straps, back padding and hip belt padding of Vaude backpacks as well as in the Green Shape Core Collection footwear.
