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Sign upApril 1, 2024
Nolt
Auch
The goal of this project is to introduce circularity into the sports industry. NOLT and NOOSA collaborated to create the first circular (endlessly recyclable) rugby sock, the R-SOCK. They set up a closed-loop system by collecting post-industrial and post-consumer waste from rugby clubs, recycling it into NOOSA™ fiber, and using it to produce new socks. This case study serves as a model that can be expanded to other product categories, helping to reduce the sportswear industry's dependence on petroleum-based fabrics, which currently make up 99% of teamwear.
The project developed over six months, during which spools of yarn were sent to NOLT's sock manufacturer to produce 300 pairs. The socks were composed of 90% NOOSA PLA and 10% EL, ensuring no compromise in performance. These socks were then distributed to the rugby club RC-AUCH for a 3-month testing period. 100 pairs were given to the women's team, 100 to the junior teams, and 100 to the professional team, with feedback gathered from all groups without revealing the test’s purpose.
After three months, NOLT collected the socks and returned them for recycling. We successfully recycled all 300 socks, with the NOOSA component being fully converted back into virgin fiber, ready to be spun into new socks. The 10% EL was separated, and we are currently exploring options to repurpose it. The next steps include offering the sock to other clubs, aiming to reach 250,000 units by 2025, and applying this circular approach to other sportswear categories to create recycling loops for each product. Additionally, we engaged consumers in the recycling process by promoting sustainability, and the feedback we received highlighted their satisfaction with the socks' performance and comfort.
NOOSA® fiber is a bio-renewable textile fiber, endlessly recyclable. NOOSA® provides an innovative fiber to textile manufacturers that 1. shows properties such as increased breathability, stability to UV and low flammability, 2. is 100% recyclable. NOOSA® fights textile waste at pre- and post-consumer level by revalorizing it and creating back a 100% virgin fiber, through a patented recycling technology able to separate blends and remove contaminants. From its bio-based origin to its complete recycling, it helps reducing environmental impact. NOOSA® fiber ensures a performant product designed to last, therefore reducing consumption and educating customer to buy more consciously and responsibly.
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