Burberry is cribbing a page from the Prada playbook.
Like its high-fashion rival before it, the British heritage label is introducing a capsule collection made with Econyl, a regenerated nylon derived from abandoned fishing nets, used carpeting and other forms of fabric waste.
Instead of bags, however, Burberry is spinning the yarn into a raft of black outerwear styles for autumn/winter, including a jacquard hooded parka, an oversized cape, a reversible bomber jacket and a fresh take on its classic Kensington-fit trench coat, which also comes in red and honey. Prices start at $990.
“We are proud to use the Econyl yarn in this collection because it shows how we can actively tackle a problem like plastic waste and create beautiful, luxury products at the same time,” Pam Batty, vice president of corporate responsibility at Burberry, said in a statement. “This collection is just one of the ways Burberry is actively disrupting and improving every stage of how we create our products because we know our industry can play a key role in building a more sustainable future through science and innovation.”
On its website, Burberry says it’s in “continuous pursuit” of more sustainable textiles such as recycled cashmere and wool, though it has stopped short of making time-bound targets, unlike Prada, which has promised to phase out virgin nylon by 2021, and Ralph Lauren, which will switch exclusively to recycled polyester by 2025.
Collaboration has been key in Burberry’s materials strategy: The company has worked with 37.5 (formerly known as Cocona) to incorporate the latter’s coconut-shell-based thermoregulation technology, and Elvis & Kresse to upcycle cutting-floor leather waste in sellable products. More recently, Burberry started making its dust bags using Lenzing’s Refibra fiber, which is produced in part from recycled cotton leftovers.
The luxury house has also pledged to eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging by 2025, transitioning whatever remains to reusable, recyclable or compostable versions.
Aquafil, the Italian company that manufactures Econyl, has previously partnered with H&M, Reformation, Speedo, Stella McCartney and Volcom, among others.