US-based INVISTA has introduced its new COOLMAX EcoMade denim fabrics which is made from 97% recycled resources in time for the spring 2018 selling season. Through a six-step process, the recycled plastic bottles are transformed into fiber suitable for apparel use.

INVISTA’s COOLMAX brand is said to be breathable and moves moisture away from the skin, helping the wearer stay cool, dry and comfortable. These performance characteristics are said to be permanent and don’t wash out. A recent INVISTA study of 1,500 men and women across three countries revealed 75% of participants desired a jean that would help them cool in warm weather.

INVISTA has also launched an advertising campaign called “Embrace the Environment” promoting its COOLMAX EcoMade technology for denim.

Avery Dennison, a Netherlands-based solutions provider in labeling and packaging materials, has collaborated with Viridor and PET UK to help Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) reduce waste, costs and the carbon footprint of Smarwater production in the UK through the recycling of PET liners used in SmartWater bottles (carrying the self-adhesive labels before dispensing).

Under the new recycling scheme, PET UK shreds and extrudes the waste PET liner and then produces a material suitable for making new items such as PET staple fiber, strapping or thermoformable sheets. Viridor, is CCEP’s waste management company responsible for the collection of the waste PET liner.

More than 50 million bottles of Smartwater were produced in 2015. The waste PET liner reportedly generated more than 40 tonnes of waste last year, costing around GBP 8,500 in disposal/handling costs. The new recycling scheme will lead to around 180-200 tonnes of CO2 emission savings in 2016. Avery Dennison said it has already signed up with branded companies in wine, spirits, beer and beverages since it launched this initiative with PET UK in 2014. The company’s goal is to eliminate 70% of liner waste from the industry value chain by 2025.