Prada to use only recycled nylon from 2021

It had anticipated this in early 2018 and has now kept its word. Following the fur ban of last May, Prada continues its green shift and promises to ban virgin nylon and to use only recycled nylon for its products starting from 2021.

The material is called Econyl and is produced by the company Aquafil. It is "a nylon thread made from plastic waste found in the oceans, such as fishing nets, or destined for landfill as waste textile fibers and old carpets, which are regenerated. Through a process of depolymerization and repolymerization, Econyl yarn can be recycled over and over again without ever losing quality". The advantage for the eco-system is huge. It is estimated that for every 10,000 tonnes of Econyl produced, 70,000 barrels of oil are saved, reducing CO2 emissions by 57,100 tonnes.

The first step to make this new material known is the launch of Re-Nylon, a capsule composed of six classic models of accessories for men and women: a fanny pack, a shoulder bag, a shoulder strap, a bag and two backpacks. All eco-friendly and distinguished by an original reinterpretation of the brand's logo. A part of the proceeds from the sale of the collection will be donated to projects for environmental sustainability.

In addition, Prada, in collaboration with UNESCO, will develop educational activities aimed at students in different parts of the world, on issues such as pollution caused by plastic and the circular economy. In order to present the processes on which the Re-Nylon initiative is based, National Geographic has produced a series of five short films entitled What We Carry, which reveal the behind-the-scenes of the factories and production facilities of this cutting-edge fabric, as well as the ideals that animate this project.