Zara uses recycling tech from start-up backed by Mount Nicholson co-developer Nan Fung
- CEO of Circ, part of Nan Fung Group’s The Mills Fabrica incubator, says its technology addresses the largest waste stream in the textile industry
- Zara’s new women’s collection using Circ’s technology features fabrics made from up to 50 per cent recycled fibres
Nan Fung is a joint developer of Mount Nicholson on The Peak, one of the most expensive property projects in Hong Kong and Asia.
The clothing range relies on a technology from US-based circular-textile company Circ that recycles so-called polycotton materials – fabrics that blend cotton and polyester – into separated polyester and natural cellulose fibres that can be used in new clothes.
The fashion industry produces 20 per cent of global wastewater and 10 per cent of global carbon emissions – more than the emissions of all international flights and maritime shipping combined, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
Launched last month, Zara and Circ’s women’s collection features garments made of lyocell, a cellulose-based fabric, or polyester, both of which contain fibres recovered from polycotton waste using Circ’s process. The recycled fibres make up from 43 to 50 per cent of the fabrics. One pair of lyocell pants cost US$69.90, according to Zara’s website.
“Our first collection was launched with Zara Woman because we wanted to showcase that sustainability must be fashion-forward, desirable and accessible to the broader public,” said Peter Majeranowski, president and CEO of Circ. “With pricing similar to virgin [material] and with virgin-like material properties, the consumer should not have to choose.”
