Sustainable Fashion Innovations from PANGAIA
We’re all about spotlighting the best in sustainability in every area of life and while more and more apparel brands are making significant efforts, the innovations being developed by or incorporated into apparel by PANGAIA are noteworthy and impressive.
We want to share just a few of the ways that PANGAIA is using innovative technology and alternative materials to lead the way in improving the fashion industry’s relationship with the environment. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or for yourself, PANGAIA is a brand to know.
Sustainability in Design
PANGAIA DENIM COLLECTION
Traditional denim production is notoriously wasteful, using over 1800 gallons of water to produce a single pair of jeans. PANAGAIA denim is different. Instead of being made from cotton, their denim is made using rain-fed hemp or wild Himalayan nettle. Both of these plants grown abundantly, are regenerative (grow back after each harvest) and are treated with PPRMINT™️ oil to keep the fabric fresh so you won’t need to wash as often.
In a previous capsule collection, PANGAIA screen printed using a new carbon capture and recycling technology called AIR-INK® that uses ink made from carbon particles that are captured from air pollution and turned into safe, water-based inks. For other dye solutions, PANGAIA uses EarthColors® by Archroma which are dyes made using non-edible waste products like those from food and supplement processing.
The Global Recycled Standard certified cashmere used by PANGAIA comes from a blend of pre and post-consumer material such as textile mill scraps and previously owned garments. PANGAIA linen, a very sustainable natural fiber fabric in general due to its recyclability, biodegradability and durability, is produced for the brand through carbon neutral methods. It is also treated with aloe vera in order to make it hypoallergenic and softer.
When it comes to outerwear, the brand’s trademarked FLWRDWN™️ is an alternative to the lightweight insulation found in the lining of vests and jackets. Typically this filler is the down feathers of geese or a synthetic non-biodegradable fiber that mimics down and usees heavy-polluting fossil fuels in the process. FLWRDWN™️ is made with wildflowers selected and harvested in their natural habitat with conservation efforts managed by an external non-profit organization. These flowers are grown without the use of pesticides that harm waterways and soil, and also without the use of artificial irrigation, meaning that no excess water is used to fill these cozy coats.
PANGAIA FLWRDWN™️ COAT
PANGAIA C-FIBER™ combines eucalyptus pulp and seaweed powder to create a wearable fabric that is water-saving, made from biological materials and 100% biodegradable. This tech fabric is a game changer because seaweed grows abundantly in seawater and eucalyptus grows quickly without irrigation. Combined, these two super plants are regenerative natrually and use 99% less water. FRUTFIBER™ and PLNTFIBER™ are new materials using both renewable, fast growing plants such as eucalyptus and repurposed food waste like banana leaf fiber to make soft, organic and biodegradable clothing. The Infinite Tee is “the world’s first T-shirt made from 100% Infinna™, a new textile fiber created entirely from post-consumer waste material.”
“Our vision is to be an Earth-positive, regenerative business that gives back to the planet more than we take.”
How PANGAIA Gives Back
PANGAIA’s impact doesn’t end with innovations in sustainability. The company has a long list of charities and organizations they either contribute to financially, or have established in partnership with other global non-profit organizations. In addition, they have intentionally and continuously worked towards ending modern day slavery, an ever present issue within the supply chain and manufacturing process of the apparel industry.
Viewable in full on their website, PANGAIA’s plan to combat modern day slavery includes transparency programs, vendor evaluations, hands on training and onboarding, and clearly set expectations to ensure that no person involved in the production of their clothing and accessories comes to the job as a result of human trafficking.
PANGAIA’s charitable endeavors include donations to organizations such as Black Lives Matter, ACLU, Color of Change, Choose Love, Doctors Without Borders, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Tangona Wildlife Hospital and more. PANGAIA X COSTA BRAZIL is a foundation launched by the brand in collaboration with Costa Brazil and artist Nick Theobald for the purpose of supporting the Indigenous communities of the Brazilian Amazon who have been affected by COVID-19.
For much more on PANGAIA’s innovative materials, sustainability efforts and clothes that more than just look good, check out their website.
