Three fashion brands here are tackling the problem of plastic waste!

Plastic pollution is a major global problem. 8.8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into our oceans each year. A plastic bottle can take up to 400 years to break down. A tragic fact.   Initiatives are proliferating and we must encourage them to reflect these three Canadian fashion brands, which manufacture their models from recycled plastic.  

Norden, functionality and concern for the future 

Norden has the credo of wanting to rewrite the end of life in the history of plastic with functional outerwear, to withstand cold to -40 , all made from recycled plastic bottles. The products are designed in Montreal and created by a Chinese manufacturer certified according to WRAP and BSCI standards; Norden is certified by PETA and BCorporation.   More generally, every aspect of the company's business is focused on environmental well-being, with a tangible awareness from beginning to end. When you no longer need your coat, the end-of-life program ensures that it is repaired and resold or given to a person in need. If the garment is damaged irreparably, it will be sent to partners at TerraCycle , where it will be 100% recycled.   "Beyond changing our consumption habits, we must bring real solutions to existing waste. We are passionate about people, the planet and we value style, "says Mayer Vafi, co-founder and creative director of Norden. "We are at the intersection of fashion, performance, sustainability and trends. " Rose Buddha is Madeleine, Maxime and Benoit. All three decided to create clothes with the primary objective, not profit, but the respect of nature and people. The next question prompted them to take action: "How to sleep at night thinking that a mother on the other side of the Earth leaves her infant 15 hours a day on the floor next to her, because she has to sew our leggings? We could never do it. "   Since November 1, 2016, the brand has made its leggings with 79% recycled plastic (10 bottles per legging). Each piece is assembled with care, the seams are inspected and the fabrics carefully chosen to ensure a long life. In addition, the proximity of (local) production makes it possible to follow each step and ensure its quality. Recently, the company even offers a collection of jewelry made from their scraps. One more step towards zero waste! Also note that the company supports Tree Canada's mission :  to help strengthen Canada's urban forests and inspire people to participate and mobilize for community greening. Since 2018, the company has taken a green turn , manufacturing (100%) the outside of its bags with recycled bottles. But that's not all, Parkland leather diamonds are now also made from apples. A unique manufacturing process combines apple, solvent and polyurethane waste to form apple leather, 100% vegan, with the same qualities as animal leather. Side figures: It takes 12 plastic bottles to make a backpack Kingston Parkland, and more than 3.5 million plastic bottles that have been transformed into bags and accessories.