In a groundbreaking collaboration, UPM, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and Vaude, the renowned outdoor brand, are rewriting the rules of sustainable fashion. Their joint project, set to be unveiled at the Sustain&Innovate Conference on October 5th during the Performance Days exhibition in Munich, Germany, represents a significant step towards eco-friendly clothing production.
At the heart of this innovation lies UPM’s ambitious investment of €750 million in an industrial-scale biorefinery in Leuna, Germany. This cutting-edge facility is set to convert sustainably sourced, certified hardwood into the next generation of biochemicals. The biorefinery, with a production target of 220,000 tons of biochemicals annually, is on track for startup by the end of 2023.
One of the most exciting applications of this venture is the creation of a polyester fleece jacket that incorporates BioPura, a revolutionary bio-monoethylene glycol (bioMEG) developed by UPM Biochemicals. This resin, containing 30% BioPura, is replacing the conventional oil-based monoethylene glycol (MEG) typically used in polyester production.
What makes BioPura a game-changer is its seamless integration into existing polyester manufacturing processes. On a molecular level, it mirrors the properties of the traditional MEG. This compatibility opens the door to a sustainable transformation of the fashion industry without compromising on quality or efficiency.
To bring this vision to life, UPM has partnered with Indorama Ventures, which is polymerizing and spinning polyester yarn containing BioPura at its German site in Guben. Pontetorto, a textile manufacturing leader in Prato, Italy, is then taking this bio-based yarn and transforming it into eco-friendly polyester fabric.
Vaude, known for its commitment to sustainability, is the final link in the chain, utilizing this fabric to craft the groundbreaking BioPura polyester fleece jacket. With this innovative garment, they’re setting a new standard for environmentally-conscious outdoor wear.
The collaborative effort between UPM and Vaude is set to be unveiled at the Sustain&Innovate Conference on October 5th. This conference, a part of the larger Performance Days exhibition, will showcase the latest advancements in sustainable textiles and fashion. The BioPura polyester fleece jacket is poised to be a star attraction, demonstrating that fashion can be both stylish and eco-friendly.
As the fashion industry grapples with its environmental impact, initiatives like UPM and Vaude’s collaboration shine a light on a more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of bio-based materials and innovation, they are proving that fashion can look good and do good for the planet. The unveiling of the BioPura polyester fleece jacket promises to be a pivotal moment in the journey toward a greener, more responsible fashion industry.