Ekocycle
- Words by Peppermint
Many people know them as an opponent of the Australian Container Deposit Scheme, so it may surprise you to learn that Coca-Cola are now spearheading one of 2015’s biggest eco-fashion collaborations. And as various media outlets are reporting, it isn’t a PR stunt dreamed up by the soft-drink giant, but rather began when Coca-Cola were approached with a rather unique partnership opportunity. Following the footsteps of fellow musician Pharrell Williams, tech entrepreneur and philanthropist will.i.am (of Black Eyed Peas fame) is the brains behind Ekocycle, a new consumer initiative devised in response to global waste issues. Two years after he first pitched Ekocycle (notice the first part of the name is ‘Coke’ spelled backwards) to the business partner he had in mind, Coca-Cola has come to the table to lend the Ekocycle juggernaut an extra shot of star power.
Partnering with brands such as Levis, MCM, Globe-Trotter and New Zealand’s H Brothers, Ekocycle’s mission is to encourage established labels to reimagine their best-selling products using recycled materials. With the funds to back up their bold vision for revolutionising the manufacturing industry, part of Ekocycle’s journey has seen them work closely with 3D Systems for the past 18 months. Together they have developed the Ekocycle Cube, a specially designed 3D printer that manufactures ‘base-cloth’ fabric from a special filament cartridge that is fed with old plastic bottles. The first few collections to carry the Ekocycle logo include garments for men and women, luggage and tech-accessories, all made using this technology and a percentage of recycled PET plastic.
Launching exclusively through British retailer Harrods this month, Ekocycle is already making headlines across the world. For Coca-Cola, it’s a unique opportunity to reach the new “re-generation” of consumers, poignantly by demonstrating how their own plastic bottles and aluminum cans can now be turned into luxury lifestyle products. With new Ekocycle ranges planned for Adidas, Terracotta and Angela Scott and a tech legacy that promises to live beyond the brand, there’s little doubt Coca-Cola have thrown their weight behind one of this year’s most clever eco initiatives.
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Between 2000 to 2015, global clothing production doubled... while the duration of garment use decreased by 36%.
We are throwing away clothing at a faster rate than ever before. How can we tackle this problem?
✨️ WEAR
Be an outfit repeater - wear your items of clothing as long as possible. Learn to style your garments in various ways. Loved clothing lasts.
✨️ SHARE
If you really need to move it along, share the love with friends - hold a clothing exchange night! Or organise a timeshare with a friend where you swap a few favourite pieces of fashion. If you really can`t find a new home for it, then donate to an op shop or charity.
✨️ CARE
The care of your clothing – washing, drying and ironing – can account for approx 30% of a garment`s total carbon footprint. Hand wash, line dry, wash in cold water, and only wash when necessary.
✨️ REPAIR
Mending – and making – slows down fast fashion buying habits. Repairing used to be common practice, until disposable fashion took over. Extending the life of clothing by just nine months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20–30%. Fixing doesn`t need to just be utilitarian – get creative with visible mending!
*Fact from The United Nations Environment Programme
#PeppermintMagazine #WearShareCareRepair #SustainableFashion
Have you whipped up the Acacia A-Line Skirt yet? 🪡
Accessible to beginner and experienced sewists alike, its classic style makes this skirt a wardrobe staple and a pattern you can happily play on repeat. Curved front pockets and the fun exposed-zip detail at the centre back make this style pop! The Acacia is a blank canvas, awaiting inspiration – add contrast top stitching, trim the pockets with bias binding or even change the length. We’ve chosen the smooth, clean lines that come from facing the waist, with back darts to ensure a neat fit on the hip. *chef’s kiss*
This pattern was made with the support of the lovely folk at @WeftAndWarpFabrics 🫶🏼 The team at Weft and Warp graciously sent three sewists the fabric of their choice to whip up their own Acacia A-Line – the results are super sweet!
Head to our website to see the makes from @The.Sewcialite @HandmadeByCarolyn and @You_CanSew - link in bio!
#PeppermintAcaciaAlineSkirt #PeppermintPatterns #WeftAndWarpFabrics #MeMade
Polka dots for days…
We love this Tansey Top by @_Rubys_Threads_ - the ultimate simple but stylish top you need in your rotation now!
Pattern: #PeppermintTanseyTop
Fabric: Japanese cotton @RawFibre
#MeMade #PeppermintPatterns
How`s your long weekend going? Working hard on your PhD? 🪡✂️🧵
Image from JoellsLeatherWorks on @Etsy
#ProjectsHalfDone #SewingPile #ProjectPile
In case no-one has told you lately, Emma Giacalone says you`re a good egg. (And we happen to agree).
This incredible mini egg embroidered 3D artwork was created by @Emma_Giacalone_Textiles, a textile artist in Gloucestershire, UK.
"When we buy an item of clothing, a label is attached telling us how to look after it to keep it at its very best. My mission is to create little care instructions to help to remind us to lead our happiest life."
INGREDIENTS: Freehand machine embroidered onto 100% cotton, using Egyptian cotton thread, and wool felt backing.
#EasterArt #GoodEgg #TextileArt
No ordinary wrap dress! 💃
Wrap dress wardrobe malfunction? Not with the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress pattern! We designed the Waratah to make sure this never happens.
Enjoy a few BTS videos from this super fun shoot. Maybe some inspo for Easter weekend sewing?
MODELS/SEWISTS: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress @Tricky.Pockets @Laura_The_Maker
Head to the link in bio for the #PeppermintWaratahWrapDress 🪡
#PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress
