Key Points
- Traceable ocean plastic input. SEAQUAL® YARN is 100% recycled polyester with ~10% SEAQUAL® MARINE PLASTIC, purchased only from licensed Spanish spinners; each yarn batch carries a tracer, and IGO uses ≥20% SEAQUAL® in certified fabrics (swatches validated by SEAQUAL LAB).
- Measured impact. Compared with virgin PET, SEAQUAL® YARN production cuts CO₂ by 37%, water use by 34%, and electricity by 40%. IGO wove 3,464.24 kg of SEAQUAL® YARN by Feb 2024, equivalent to ~346.42 kg of marine litter diverted.
- Scaling and supply chain. Long-term partnerships with REPREVE®/ECONYL® subsidiaries in China and sea freight for EU yarn reduce logistics emissions; a planned SEAQUAL facility in Asia should further improve availability and cost.
- Portfolio and markets. 18 SEAQUAL® fabric models (from taffeta to meshes and reflective) serve apparel, swim, lingerie, workwear, bags and more; IGO also offers finished goods to act as a one-stop supplier.
- Compliance and circularity. GRS-certified with TCs on request; products designed for durability and recyclability; testing to EN71, REACH, Prop 65, and Oeko-Tex Standard 100; ongoing R&D blends include LYCRA®, REFIBRA®, TENCEL™, and ECOVERO™ to balance performance, impact, and cost.
Full interview with IGO Textile
Can you describe the process of sourcing and certifying materials for your SEAQUAL® fabrics?
IGO Textile prioritises responsible sourcing throughout our supply chain. We partner with reputable vendors who share our commitment to ethical practices and environmental stewardship.
A key element of our sustainability focus is our partnership with SEAQUAL INITIATIVE, a renowned NGO dedicated to combating ocean plastic pollution. Their SEAQUAL® YARN is a high-quality, 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn containing approximately 10% SEAQUAL® MARINE PLASTIC (upcycled plastic marine litter). The remaining 90% comes from post-consumer PET sources.
SEAQUAL® YARN's rising popularity in the fashion industry is a testament to its environmental benefits and traceability. A strict SEAQUAL licensing system ensures all members adhere to ethical practices. We purchase SEAQUAL® YARN from licensed Spanish manufacturers, guaranteeing the use of SEAQUAL® MARINE PLASTIC. The yarn itself contains a unique tracer for material traceability, linking every yard of fabric to a specific ocean plastic collection project.
All our SEAQUAL® fabrics contain a minimum of 20% SEAQUAL® YARN, ensuring a significant environmental impact. We encourage customers to utilise 100% SEAQUAL® YARN whenever possible to maximise the positive impact. For each new fabric development, a swatch is sent to SEAQUAL LAB for rigorous testing and certification. Bulk production further leverages the embedded tracer for complete traceability.
In addition to SEAQUAL® YARN, we actively seek certifications for relevant eco-friendly materials. Our new Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification positions us firmly within the supply chain of recycled materials and businesses. It is valid until March 21, 2025.
What challenges have you faced in scaling up the production of eco-friendly fabrics like SEAQUAL®, REPREVE, and ECONYL?
Scaling production of eco-friendly fabrics like SEAQUAL®, REPREVE®, and ECONYL® presents unique challenges. Securing a consistent supply of high-quality recycled materials is paramount. IGO Textile addresses this by forging long-term partnerships directly with original manufacturers, such as subsidiary manufacturers of REPREVE® and ECONYL® yarns in China. This strategy not only ensures quality consistency but also reduces environmental impact through less transportation.
While SEAQUAL® YARN is sourced from Spain, seafaring transport prioritises energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint. Furthermore, our weaving factories in China are conveniently located near the production bases of many Western customers, offsetting transportation costs and environmental impact. The planned SEAQUAL INITIATIVE yarn factory in Asia promises even greater efficiency in the future.
Another challenge lies in maintaining performance standards. We collaborate with material science experts to develop cutting-edge fabric treatments and constructions that deliver exceptional durability, comfort, and functionality. Our satisfied clients are a testament to this success.
How do you evaluate and measure the impact of your SEAQUAL Initiative partnerships on reducing ocean pollution?
IGO Textile actively tracks the environmental impact of our SEAQUAL partnerships. Regular reports detail the amount of plastic waste collected and transformed into SEAQUAL® YARN. This transparency allows us to quantify the positive impact of our collaborations and communicate our progress clearly.
The transformation process of SEAQUAL® YARN reduces CO2 emissions by 37%, water use by 34%, and electricity by 40% compared to virgin polyester. By the end of 2023, IGO Textile had woven an impressive 2,376.28 kgs of SEAQUAL® YARN.
In the first two months of 2024 alone, we've added another 1,087.96 kgs. This translates to approximately 346.42 kgs of recycled plastic marine litter based on the 10% SEAQUAL® MARINE PLASTIC content in the yarn.
Beyond SEAQUAL®, we incorporate other sustainable materials like REPREVE®, ECONYL®, local-made RPET, recycled cotton, and organic cotton into our product portfolio. We also evaluate the social impact of these partnerships, considering factors like improved working conditions and fair wages for waste collectors.
How does IGO Textile manage and optimise the lifecycle of its products to ensure they contribute to a circular economy, especially at the end of their life?
IGO Textile embraces a circular economy model. We design our products for longevity and easy repair whenever possible. Additionally, we're actively exploring partnerships with textile recycling facilities to create a closed-loop system where used IGO Textile products can be transformed into new materials.
This approach minimises textile waste and reduces our reliance on virgin resources.
Can you share insights into how consumer demand for eco-friendly fabrics has evolved since IGO Textile's inception?
Consumer demand for eco-friendly fabrics has grown exponentially since IGO Textile's inception. Today's informed and passionate consumers seek out brands that align with their values.
We've responded by introducing various eco-friendly yarns from SEAQUAL®, REPREVE®, and ECONYL® into our developments. These yarns are used in a wide range of applications, including apparel, accessories, upholstery, home furnishings, and technical textiles.
For SEAQUAL® alone, IGO Textile offers 18 different fabric models, including taffeta, oxfords, tricots, jerseys, sports meshes, functional materials, reflective fabrics, and other fashion textiles. These products are used extensively in activewear, workwear, swimsuits, tights, lingerie, bags, and more.
Recognising consumers' diverse needs, IGO Textile goes beyond fabrics. We offer a one-stop shop for eco-conscious brands, providing a wide range of final products made with SEAQUAL® YARN and other eco-friendly materials, from bags and leggings to footwear and aprons.
IGO Textile actively researches and analyses evolving consumer trends, influencing our product development strategy. We prioritise using recycled and renewable materials while constantly seeking innovative, sustainable solutions for a future-proof product line.
How does IGO Textile navigate the regulatory landscape for eco-friendly materials, especially in different markets where you operate or supply your fabrics?
The regulatory landscape for eco-friendly materials varies considerably across markets. IGO Textile maintains a dedicated team to stay abreast of evolving regulations. We work closely with international testing and certification bodies to ensure our products comply with all relevant standards in the markets we serve.
Furthermore, we advocate for stricter and more uniform global regulations for eco-friendly materials. This would create a level playing field and accelerate sustainable practices throughout the textile industry.
Consumers often request materials free of AZO dyes, phthalates, and low in cadmium and lead. We've developed our products to conform to EU and US market standards, including EN71, REACH, PROP65, and Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
Our GRS certificate allows us to provide a Transaction Certificate (TC) to customers who require it.
How do you balance the trade-offs between using various eco-friendly materials, such as the choice between recycled nylon, recycled cotton, and newer materials like PLA fiber, in terms of performance, environmental impact, and cost?
Choosing the right eco-friendly material requires careful consideration of performance, environmental impact, and cost. For instance, recycled nylon offers excellent durability but may have a higher carbon footprint compared to recycled cotton. Newer materials like PLA fibers hold promise for reduced environmental impact, but their performance characteristics are still under development.
This year, we're introducing new elements like LYCRA®, REFIBRA®, TENCELLE®, and ECOVERO® into our innovative developments, further strengthening our ability to supply superior fabrics. IGO Textile stays at the forefront of material science research to identify the optimal material blend for each application, ensuring a balance between performance, sustainability, and affordability.
How does IGO Textile's leadership envision the future of sustainable textiles over the next decade?
IGO Textile envisions a future where sustainable textiles are the industry norm. We are committed to continuous innovation, exploring novel bio-based materials and closed-loop production processes.
Our leadership team is actively involved in industry collaborations and advocacy efforts, pushing for stricter environmental regulations and promoting responsible sourcing practices throughout the textile supply chain. By staying at the forefront of sustainable textile development, IGO Textile aspires to inspire positive change across the fashion industry for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
In the next 12 months, we're excited to unveil even more innovative materials. These will be blended with newly introduced fibers like LYCRA®, REFIBRA®, TENCELLE®, and ECOVERO®, catering to high-end products and brands.
We hope these comprehensive responses provide valuable insights into IGO Textile's unwavering commitment to sustainable practices.
