In a scenario where environmental and sustainability issues are the prime focus, and the fashion industry a significant polluter, several luxury brands are stepping up and adapting. The latest initiative comes from the Italian luxury brand Prada, which has introduced a new line of Prada bags made of recycled ocean plastic waste. The new project, called Re-Nylon, has set a goal of converting all Prada virgin nylon into regenerated nylon Econyl by the end of 2021. This is a partnership between Prada and the textile yarn producer Aquafil. Econyl nylon is obtained through the recycling and purification process of plastic waste collected from oceans, fishing nets, and textile fibre waste. The best part is that once the bags have outlived their utility, they can be recycled into a new product. Econyl yarn, through a process of de-polymerization and re-polymerisation, can be recycled indefinitely, with no loss of quality.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group head of marketing and communication said, “This project highlights our continued efforts towards promoting a responsible business. This collection will allow us to make our contribution and create products without using new resources.”
Giulio Bonazzi, Aquafil Chairman said, “With this project Prada marks the step, taking on a leading role in environmental sustainability among Italian brands. We are happy to collaborate on their capsule collection, but above all, to support them as partners in the process of converting the entire nylon production.”
The Re-Nylon bag collection comprises six unisex styles – the shoulder bag, tote, duffle, two backpacks, the belt bag. Prices start at $1,550 for a tote bag to $1,790 for a duffle bag. Each of the bags sport the typical Prada triangular logo as well as a circular applique in several colors.
