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From the very beginning of RE ZRO®, having an awareness of the product's end-of-life has been vital. We knew that more often than not, products end up in landfill, even when labelled as recyclable.
We are not here to preach. Only to try and make a difference.
As product designers, we have always felt it is our responsibility to create gear that not only performs to high standards, but addresses the end-of-life stages and preserve the nature that fuels our sports.
When approaching the problem of landfill and waste, we knew consumers were looking to brands to come up with solutions, and we agreed with them. We are aware that consumers can only buy the solutions that are available to them, so we set out to make better ones.
So, what do we actually do?
We do not have all the answers. But at RE ZRO® we are trying to make a change, and encourage others to do the same. We have focused on three main ways to address this end-of-life plastic problem: Durability, Recyclability*, and Biodegradability**.
First and foremost, our products are recyclable*. The use of high-quality, and highly accurate tools reduces any waste produced during the production process. Following this, the minimal waste from the production process is then ground up to be used in our own production again. The products are made from a single polymer TPE, which is highly recyclable. So, when the product reaches the end of its life (whether you’re done with that particular product or you’re ready for an upgrade) you can check with local authorities for their guidance on recycling Group 7 plastics.
However, recycling rates are still very low.
We wanted to build a fail-safe, so that if and when our gear reaches a landfill, it won’t just stay sitting there. RE ZRO® materials, enhanced by TOTO-TOA® will attract microbes and fungi to colonise, and use the plastic as a food source; biodegrading** in an estimated 3-5 years rather than decades.
Why is this so important?
Most products on the market are made of thermoset foams that cannot be easily recycled, users have no other option but to bin their gear when it gets old or damaged. Therefore, as the people creating the products, we feel it’s our duty to create better alternatives.We are constantly innovating and trying to find new ways to push our materials forward, and highly encourage others to do the same along the way.
At RE ZRO®, we want to make armour that is not only better for us as users, but better for the environment too. We have a responsibility to make materials that perform to the highest standard which is why RE ZRO® armour is engineered to meet and exceed CE-certified impact protection standards without sacrificing comfort. And for us, RE ZRO® isn’t just a brand, it’s our passion.
We feel that intent alone isn’t enough. We can do better than labelling something as recyclable and then just hoping for the best.
*RE ZRO® TPE material has been independently tested and achieves the biodegradability of 14.14% over 90 days in accordance with ASTMD5511-18 & ISO 15985 : 2014.
**Ask your local recycling authority if recycling facilities are available for this type of product.
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