A Spanish company makes bio-based swimwear from wood pulp
Among the brand's cheery Spring/Summer 2023 silhouettes, one-piece and two-piece black swimsuit silhouettes have attracted attention not only for their unique technical pattern-making structures, but also for their use of a bio-based polymer called Pyratex Power 3. material. With this move, Hoffman became the first designer to use materials other than nylon and polyester for swim lines, and we hope she won't be the last. Produced from dissolved wood pulp and processed using low-toxic solvents, Pyratex Power 3 mimics the functionality of swimwear without relying on chemically intensive processing and manufacturing.
This eco-friendly natural fabric is the product of a Spanish material innovation research company. While traditionally used in tracksuits, it's increasingly seeping into the fashion world; we saw Ganni's Banana Trash tracksuit grab headlines last September. Regina Polanco, CEO of the company, commented: "We are very excited about this collaboration. Our mission is to replace synthetic fabrics with bio-based fabrics, and Mara Hoffman's swimwear is our first step into a branch of the fashion industry that we have already Wanted to get in for a long time.
Mara Hoffman's relentless commitment to environmental innovation is admirable. Despite pioneering the use of recycled materials in swimwear, the designer knows it won't be enough for the future of our planet, which is why she has been relentlessly exploring ways to cut ties to fossil fuel extraction, harmful production processes and microfiber pollution. method. With Pyratex Power 3, The New Yorker has the potential to find a solution to take the swimwear category off its sustainability blacklist. Sadly the material is still not 100% perfect as it contains a small percentage of elastane. Nonetheless, we all feel this is an incredible milestone for the industry.
Pyratex, Power 3 is essentially a micro-Tencel lyocell material that offers additional benefits to the wearer as its "interlocking structure" allows the garment to provide form-fitting functionality, as well as breathable, stretchy and waterproof features. According to Polanco's review, the only obstacle to using it is that the color options are still limited, as some shades respond differently to chlorine and salt water. She also noted that "bio-based alternatives can be just as functional as synthetic alternatives, but of course, won't feel and look the same." However, Mara Hoffman assures the wearer that, for comfort, wearing The designer even wants to wear her swimsuits, even with ready-to-wear uppers and underwear. The designer also claims that despite planning to be the first to try it, she wants as many brands as possible to use it.
The product is still waiting to pass tests for antimicrobial and quick-dry properties, as well as to withstand chlorine and saltwater conditions, but we hope to see it hit shelves soon.
