"Wearing Nature" The Warm Transformation of Upcycling - Padding Edition

Upcycled Padding Fashion, Arena-Patagonia-Save the Duck

Recycling padding (from left) Arena, Save the Duck, Patagonia. Photo by Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Jeonghwa] Despite the global hope for the end of COVID-19 in 2021, the Year of the White Ox, the momentum of COVID-19 remains strong. On top of this, an Arctic cold wave dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius persisted for a week on the Korean Peninsula, where the traditional three cold days and four warm days (Samhan-Saon) pattern disappeared, intensifying the seriousness of the climate crisis.

Environmental destruction actions that began ‘unconsciously’ or with a ‘just me’ attitude have come back to threaten our ordinary lives through COVID-19 and the climate crisis. Environmental protection is not only about holding flags and picking up trash or participating in campaigns to protect endangered flora and fauna. If active participation in environmental protection activities is difficult, joining as a green consumer by purchasing consumer goods you would buy anyway is also an ongoing action toward a sustainable eco-friendly life.

Transformation of PET Bottles: 'Vegan Lightweight Padding'

Arena 'Vegan Lightweight Short Padding', 'Vegan Long Padding'. Photo by Asia Economy

The ‘Arena Vegan Padding’ uses 100% recycled PET bottles without using animal fur. Arena Vegan Padding realizes low carbon by recycling PET as filling material, reducing landfill waste. Additionally, it uses independent quilting technology to protect volume and warmth that could be lost during washing. The 600 fill power (resilience) that maintains stable volume is a powerful filling material that can replace goose and duck down. Arena 'Vegan Lightweight Short Padding', 'Vegan Long Padding'

Transformation of Recycled Down: 'Recycled Wool Padding Vest'

Patagonia 'Men's Reversible Bivy Down Vest'. Photo by Asia Economy

"We do business to restore our home, the Earth."

This is the mission of the eco-friendly outdoor sports brand ‘Patagonia’.

Patagonia’s ‘Men’s Reversible Bivy Down Vest,’ made from recycled down, is also a recycled padding product. While maintaining the original functionality of down, Patagonia’s eco-friendly padding increases the proportion of recycled materials by applying 100% recycled polyester fabric on the outer shell. The insulation uses 100% recycled down with 600 fill power, revived from recycled down and bedding materials, and has received bluesign® certification for eco-friendliness. Additionally, its reversible style makes it suitable for both outdoor activities and daily wear. Patagonia first launched recycled down in 2016 and has been steadily expanding production through strict processes and thorough quality testing, realizing a sincere eco-friendly philosophy to restore the Earth. Patagonia 'Men’s Reversible Bivy Down Vest'

Transformation of Polyester: ‘High-Performance Tech Padding’

Save the Duck 'HERO Hood Long Padding Jacket', 'RECY Reversible Padding Vest'. Photo by Asia Economy

Save The Duck’s padding uses no animal-derived materials at all and utilizes the brand’s self-developed new material PLUMTECH® as the main filling. PLUMTECH is a processed polyester filament material with excellent warmth and breathability, replicating the softness and lightness of down jackets. It also dries faster than conventional down jackets and is washable. Save The Duck practices sustainable coexistence with animals and nature through 100% animal-free (excluding animal-derived ingredients), cruelty-free (no animal abuse or exploitation), and the use of recycled materials. Save The Duck ‘HERO Hood Long Padding Jacket’, ‘RECY Reversible Padding Vest’

Photo shoot by Reporter Kim Heeyoung, photography by Kim Taeyoon