Icebreaker Takes Steps Toward Plastic-free Material Goal

New Zealand-based natural performance apparel company, icebreaker, is launching a seasonal collection to further inspire customers to make the ‘Move to natural’ and adopt natural performance essentials into their everyday lives. This includes the announcement of both new and updated heritage products, featuring 100% merino and plant-based alternatives.

This season, icebreaker redesigned two legendary heritage products, the Tech Tee II and Quantum Hood III Mid Layer, to be 100% merino. The same comfort and performance which consumers love, now without the plastic fibers. To further raise the bar, icebreaker is also introducing two new iconic wardrobe staples, the 15.5 Micron Base Layer and the Sonebula.

“Since icebreaker started 26 years ago, we have always looked to nature for a better way. We’ve had to make some hard choices as we ‘Move to natural’ in order to support our mission of having all plastic-free fibers by 2023. Redesigning some of our best selling heritage products to use 100% natural fibers was a no-brainer as we work towards our plastic free fiber goal,” said Global Brand President, Jan Van Mossevelde.

Earlier this year, icebreaker’s Transparency Report revealed that in 2021, 91% of icebreaker’s total fiber composition is now merino or plant-based, with 65% more styles being made with 100% merino or plant-based fibers. The updates to the latest collection of natural performance essentials are designed for multi-use and optimum comfort and versatility, offering a more natural choice for everyday performance wear.

• 100% MERINO SONEBULA – LONG SLEEVE + LEGGINGS (NEW) The new Sonebula midweight, long sleeve base layer is designed to make you stand out on the slopes. Inspired by classic sportswear, this piece features a striking stripe down the arm and a playful color combination. Additionally, the seam lines allow for maximum mobility, essential for active performance, and a raised neck adds protection from the elements. Not too heavy, not too light, the new long sleeve and paired leggings are made from 200gm, 100% merino jersey fabric. The Sonebula Long Sleeve + Leggings are available in Mink, Espresso, Arctic Teal and Midnight Navy/Royal Navy/Snow for Women, and Kale, Loden, Spice and Midnight Navy/Royal Navy for Men. Sonebula Long Sleeve Top – Mens/Womens – $110.00 US/$140.00 CA Sonebula Leggings – Mens/Womens – $110.00 US/$140.00 CA
• 100% MERINO 15.5 MICRON BASE LAYER (NEW) The pinnacle of base layer offerings, the Merino Long Sleeve Roll Neck is the softest, warmest, and most luxurious 100% merino base layer in the icebreaker collection. With extra-ultrafine 15.5 micron merino fibers feel luxurious and silky-soft. It’s made from our heaviest weight interlock jersey fabric that is knitted together so that the smooth side of the jersey is the same on the outside as on the inside, making it feel extra soft, plush, and premium next-to-skin. Featuring thumb loops and a high neck that can be worn to cover your face during the harshest conditions, the Merino Roll Neck will keep you warm on the coldest of days out on the slopes. The 100% Merino 15.5 Micron Base Layer Top and Leggings are available in Black and Espresso. 15.5 Micron Base Layer Long Sleeve Top – Mens to be released 9/6/Womens – $200.00 US/$260.00 CA 15.5 Micron Base Layer Thermal Leggings – Mens to be released 9/6/Womens – $180.00 US/$235.00 CA
• 100% MERINO QUANTUM HOOD III (UPDATED FOR FW21)A best-selling mid layer, the Quantum Hood is back and (naturally) better than ever. The Quantum Hood III is now 100% merino fabric, a true showcase of icebreaker’s move to natural and commitment to being plastic free by 2023. The fit has also been adjusted to contour the body and easily flex, allowing maximum movement for any activity. With zippered hand and chest pockets to secure small essentials, thumb loops to keep sleeves in place and hands warm, and offset shoulder seams to reduce rubbing when wearing a pack, the Quantum III is a highly technical mid layer for any adventure. The 100% Merino Quantum Hood III is available in women’s Arctic Teal, Black, Clay & Sage and men’s Black, Island, Loden & Spice. Quantum Hood III – Mens/Womens – $200.00 US/$260.00 CA
• 100% MERINO TECH TEE (UPDATED FOR FW21) In the quest to ‘Move to natural’ and become plastic free by 2023, this season holds a redesign of the most versatile and best-selling tee to be 100% natural fibers – the Tech Lite II. Featuring advancements in yarn spinning technology, this tee is stronger than its predecessors. Using the power of nature to provide stretch, comfort, breathability, and odor-resistance, it’s made with 150gm jersey fabric and 100% pure merino wool. Additionally, offset shoulder seams reduce chafing when traveling with a pack. The 100% Merino Tech Tee is available in Arctic Teal, Black, Clay, Gritstone Heather, Mink (& an array of graphics) for women, and Black, Island, Loden, Mink, Royal Navy, Spice (& an array of graphics) for men. Tech Tee: Solid – Mens/Womens – $75.00 US / $100.00 CA Tech Tee: Graphic – Mens/Womens – $80.00 US/$110.00 CA

Founded by Jeremy Moon in 1995 in New Zealand, icebreaker pioneered the ethical and sustainable production of natural performance apparel. Now a part of the VF Corporation, icebreaker continues to challenge the status quo while championing natural, transparent, and responsible ways to do business.

Following the publication of its Transparency Report in 2018 and 2019, icebreaker was one of only a handful of brands to be awarded an A+ rating in the Tearfund Ethical Fashion report, two years in a row. The report found icebreaker to be excellent in every area, including scrutiny of policy, traceability, transparency, supplier relationships and worker rights at every stage of the production process.

icebreaker looks to nature for the answers and for innovative ways to do more with less. Working with what nature provides and adapting as nature does, icebreaker enables consumers to join a movement towards choosing natural and preserving our planet for generations to come.

icebreaker is sold in more than 5,000 stores in 50 countries through wholesale, Touch Lab retail stores and e-commerce platforms. To discover more, visit icebreaker.com.