Prada has announced the launch of their new project, Re-Nylon, a line of sustainable bags made of regenerated nylon sourced from plastic found in the ocean, fishing nets and textile waste.
To reflect changing times and a shifting world, Prada has partnered with the textile yarn producer Aquafil to create Re-Nylon bags made with ECONYL.
Re-Nylon is part of the ultimate goal to convert all Prada nylon products into regenerated ECONYL by the end of 2021. A huge step for the brand, but also alongside Vivienne Westwood, it is one of the first luxury fashion houses to dedicate themselves towards a sustainably conscious future.
The Re-Nylon collection has launched with six initial styles in its classic silhouette. Both for men and women, Re-Nylon includes a tote bag, two backpacks, a duffle and a shoulder bag. The bags also feature a re-imagination of the iconic triangle logo, a re-interpretation of the recycling symbol, emphasising the bucking of traditional supply chains into one focused on renewal.
Prada Re-Nylon is also part of a content series produced by National Geographic, What We Carry. Across the five episodes, it explores the revolutionary production of the ECONYL, transporting viewers across the world to different facilities and factories. The first instalment of the series is based in Phoenix Arizona, presented by actress and Prada reporter Bonnie Write and National Geographic explorer, Asher Jay, the episode takes you to the first ever US carpet recycling facility. Out of the 1.6 million tonnes of carpet discarded in the US every year only 1.6% is recycled.
The announcement of Re-Nylon is welcoming news to the fashion world regarding its climate responsibility after the UK government rejected a proposed penny tax on fast fashion on June 18. The tax was to fund recycling schemes and clothing collections. While Prada’s Re-Nylon project is a huge jump in the right direction there is still a long way to go, from consumers to designers, luxury to high-street, everyone needs to be aware of how their own input can have a global impact.
The name of Prada’s short series, What We Carry, is a poignant reminder what each of us carries can affect the world, but also how everything and everyone can make a difference, for bad or for good.
Watch the first episode of What We Carry here.
