Paramo Urges Industry Wide Adoption Of Advanced Chemical Recycling Practices

As a leader in sustainable, innovative outdoor gear Páramo garments are mono-material, being made from over 80% polyester by weight. This allows the brand to use a recycling route to preserve the quality of the virgin material used. Where a mechanical recycling method would produce a lower quality output, Páramo is pursuing advanced chemical recycling practices, which produce high-quality PET chip from old textiles. The process involves depolymerisation and purification, removing dyes and contaminants, followed by repolymerisation to create high-quality PET chip. These chips maintain the quality of virgin materials, enabling the production of high-performance fabrics.

Collaborating with Lafayette Sports, the brand's fabric partner over the last 25 years, Páramo has integrated chemically recycled yarns into new garments, the Halkon 360° jacket for wildlife photographers and naturalists and the Aspira 360°, an expedition smock. These products demonstrate the feasibility of a closed-loop supply chain and the potential for industry-wide adoption.

The Halkon 360° Jacket for men represents the pinnacle of performance and versatility. Designed for those who immerse themselves in nature, whether for work or leisure, this highly technical and feature-rich jacket is equipped to handle any challenge. Constructed with waterproof and rustle-free Nikwax Analogy fabric, it offers unbeatable protection from the elements whilst maintaining breathability and comfort. A total of 14 strategically placed internal and external pockets provide a huge range of safe storage options for equipment, maps, guides, valuables, snacks, and more.

Key features of Halkon 360° Jacket:

• Fully adjustable hood with wired peak and soft fleece lining for optimal fit and visibility. The hood can be rolled away and stored in the fleece-lined collar.
• Two-way reversed zip with poppered double storm flap for ventilation and easy access to inner pockets.
• Adjustable cuffs with hook and loop closures for a secure fit.
• Waist and hem drawcords for additional temperature control and fit adjustment.
• Colour: Moss with Rock Grey lining
• Weight: 1148g
• Sizes: S-XXL

Joining the Halkon 360° is the Aspira 360° Smock (unisex), designed to withstand extreme weather conditions for prolonged periods. Ideal for professionals working in Arctic and Antarctic environments, as well as winter sports enthusiasts, this smock offers unrivalled protection and durability. With over 30 years of design innovation and rigorous testing, the Aspira 360° Smock sets the standard for performance in the harshest environments.

• Key features of Aspira 360° Smock:
• Fully adjustable, wired and helmet-compatible hood with cord locks that roll away when not in use.
• Articulated shoulders and sleeves for maximum freedom of movement.Reinforced upper and lower back, and shoulders, provide added protection and comfort when wearing a pack.Upper arm vents and front twin-zip design offer adjustable venting and temperature control
• Multi-adjust low bulk cuff design for temperature control and weather protection.
• 2” drop skirt and scooped tail provides excellent weather protection.
• Reversed zips that are less prone to damage or abrasion.
• Reflective detailing for improved visibility.
• Multiple pockets for carrying all the essentials including two fast access chest pockets for easy and secure use of navigation equipment.
• Colours: Fire/Indigo and Midnight/Gold.
• Weight: 1057g

Sizes: XS – XXLBoth garments in the 360° Series embody Páramo’s commitment to sustainability, durability, and performance. By choosing Páramo, customers can trust that they are investing in gear that not only meets their needs but also minimises their environment impact.

“I truly believe that as an industry we must concentrate on circularity - using raw materials from other industries does not present a long-term solution. The work we have done demonstrates that it is possible to “close the loop” within the outdoor sector.” said Richard Pyne, CEO Páramo Directional Clothing

Páramo garments are designed without glues, laminates, or taped seams, allowing for needle and thread repairs but also entire panels to be replaced without compromising performance. This design philosophy ensures that garments can be easily repaired and continue to function effectively for many years. By doing this, Páramo keeps the materials used in the garments at their highest value for as long as possible.

Páramo’s recycling scheme has been in place for over a decade now and allows customers to trade in old garments for discounts on new. These garments are then refurbished and sold again or sent to the brand’s recycling partner. By offering easy collection points, in brand stores, retailers or via mail, Páramo takes responsibility for the entire lifecycle of its products.

The brand also strategically stores and reuses fabrics and components, ensuring that materials remain valuable and usable. This approach prevents fabric from becoming obsolete and helps maximise reusability.

Páramo garments are mono-material, being made from over 80% polyester by weight. This allows the brand to use a recycling route to preserve the quality of the virgin material used. Where a mechanical recycling method would produce a lower quality output, Páramo is pursuing advanced chemical recycling practices, which produce high-quality PET chip from old textiles. The process involves depolymerisation and purification, removing dyes and contaminants, followed by repolymerisation to create high-quality PET chip. These chips maintain the quality of virgin materials, enabling the production of high-performance fabrics.

Currently, garment manufacturers predominantly use recycled materials from the packaging industry, such as bottle-based PET chip. However, as the packaging industry moves towards closing its own supply chain loop, the textile industry will need to find alternative sources for recycled materials. Chemical recycling offers a solution by converting used textiles back into high-quality raw materials.

To accelerate sustainable practices, industry-wide collaboration is essential. Increasing demand for chemically recycled materials will reduce costs and improve recycling infrastructure. Páramo aims to increase the use of these materials across its product range, ultimately eliminating the need for virgin materials.

Páramo is committed to exploring new repair techniques, such as offering customers the choice to wear repairs as badges of honour or opting for more extensive repairs that blend seamlessly with the original fabric. This approach addresses changing customer preferences and technical requirements over time.

Páramo Directional Clothing demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can coexist. By focusing on durability, repairability, and innovative recycling, Páramo sets a standard for the textile industry. The outdoor industry's advanced use of synthetic fibres positions it uniquely to lead the transition to a circular economy, significantly reducing the ecological footprint and preserving resources for future generations.

Circular economy principles, including repair, reuse, and closed-loop supply chains, can help reduce the demand for virgin materials. With increasing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally sustainable products, chemically recycled textiles offer a viable solution without compromising quality. Páramo aims to showcase the potential of these technologies and inspire industry-wide change.