Fast Retailing Co., the operator of the Uniqlo casual apparel chain, said it will produce clothes made from used plastic bottles, in cooperation with Toray Industries Inc.
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The Japanese fashion retailer will put such clothing items on sale in next year’s spring-summer season, mainly targeting eco-conscious consumers, Fast Retailing said.
In an interview in London, Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president, and chief executive officer at Fast Retailing, expressed confidence that the new products will sell well.
“Young people are especially conscious of sustainability. European consumers have high awareness. I am confident that [the new products] will be accepted,” he said.
Fibers made from the recycling of used polyethylene terephthalate bottles have already been available. The new products have fibers made with advanced technologies for impurity removal, according to Fast Retailing.
The company will first use the new fibers in its Dry Ex line of quick-drying clothing.
The new products are expected to be worn by athletes with contracts with Uniqlo, including tennis superstar Roger Federer.
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Starting in the 2020 autumn-winter season, Fast Retailing will also sell products made from used down jackets that are recycled after being collected at Uniqlo stores.
(Source: Japan News)