More and more products are being made from recycled plastic materials, and this is undoubtedly a good thing. However, unless the products themselves can also be recycled when they reach the end of their useable lives, they will still eventually join the 73% of clothing that currently ends up in landfill or incinerated (according to EMF Make Fashion Circular Report).
Related: Best Jackets
With the 73 Zero Insulated Jacket (so-called because the aim is to get the 73% of clothing that ends up in landfill down to 0%) Bam collaborated with textile recycler Project Plan B, whose ground-breaking fibre-to-fibre technology can recapture the polyester from clothing, turning it back into fibre grade polyester and yarn ready to be woven into another garment.
“Bam’s insulated jacket is the first that has been designed to use our unique recycling process,” says Tim Cross, Project Plan B Director. “The long-term effect of this collaboration and the global solutions it provides shouldn’t be underestimated. It is a game-changer for the industry.”
So how does this work? And just as importantly, how does the 73 Zero perform as an insulated jacket? Let’s take a look…
Five things you need to know about the BAM 73 Zero Insulated Jacket
Sustainable engineering
Every element of the jacket has been designed to be recycled; from sourcing a suitable single material for fabric, thread and trims, to developing a storm cuff that can stretch without elastane. The normally problematic zips (YKK Natulon zip in recycled polyester) and toggles have been carefully engineered to be recyclable, and the trims have been designed to be easily removable so they can be recycled separately.
End of life recycling
Bam has invested upfront with a simple cost-free take back scheme for when the jacket reaches the end of its working life. Each jacket has a QR code with instructions on sending it to Project Plan B for fibre-to-fibre recycling.
Ethical insulation
The jacket’s warmth comes from 170 high loft Thermore Ecodown quick-dry, recycled polyester insulation. It is designed to keep the wearer warm in temperatures down to 0°C. The next-to-skin liner is made from 35gsm recycled polyester.
Water-resistant outer
The outer fabric is also made from 100% recycled polyester (70gsm). This has been treated with a PFC-free Teflon EcoElite water-repellent finish which gives the fabric a showerproof hydrostatic head rating of 6500mm.
Heat trapping
The storm cuffs and adjustable cord at the hem and hood all combine to keep your body heat on the inside to preserve warmth and keep out the cold.
BAM 73 Zero Insulated Jacket specs
Price £165 | Men's sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL | Women's sizes XS, M, L, XL, XL
Trail verdict
With the focus of outdoor gear increasingly on meaningful sustainability and eco responsibility, Bam’s 73 Zero jacket represents the future.
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