BEST INNOVATION

Craghoppers C02RENU Fleece

By now we’re all familiar with the concept of recycling and how it’s possible to repurpose seemingly random materials and use them again in a completely different context; turning plastic drink bottles into awning fabric, for example. Well, outdoor clothing specialist, Craghoppers, has taken that to the next level by recycling actual carbon emissions and converting them into clothing.

The science is a bit complicated, but, basically, Co2renu uses 100% recycled fabric, up to 30% of which is fibres made from recycled carbon emissions, rather than recycled plastic. The environmental benefit, of course, is that the carbon would otherwise be emitted as CO2, with all the harmful effects that brings.

The process begins by intercepting carbon emissions from industry, then fermenting the carbon into liquid ethanol and finally polymerising it into fibres.

This is then the starting point for Craghoppers to create some of its recycled polyester blends, ultimately resulting in the finished product – in this case a fleece.

As far as we are aware, this is the first time anyone in the outdoor industry has taken advantage of this technology and it feels like an important step forward.

Of course, there’s little point to any of this if the end product is rubbish, so we’re happy to report that’s not the case. The Co2renu fleeces (from £80) – available as jackets and half-zips for both men and women – are cosy, comfortable and look good. So, really, it’s a win for everyone.

Just don’t expect us to explain how this works – we don’t know how electricity works, either!