With its new initiative “Change the Face of Your Mask”, Italian sportswear retailer Unleash Your Nature (UYN) is transforming unsold textile masks into a recycled accessories collection.
As part of the recently launched initiative, UYN buys previously unsold textile face masks from retailers that were offered as infection protection during the corona pandemic in order to recycle them. The ‘Second Life’ product range will then be made from the recycled material, the company, which belongs to the Italian bicycle and sporting goods manufacturer Trerè Innovation, announced on Monday.
For 2.50 euros per mask, UYN buys the previously unsold stocks from retailers, who in return have the opportunity to purchase the new products made from the recycled masks.
Close the product cycle
The recycling technologies at the heart of the initiative were developed in collaboration with the Research Center ‘Areas’ developed by the sporting goods manufacturer. Through the process, the face masks can be integrated into the production of new winter accessories called ‘Second Life Upgraded’ and, on the other hand, converted into recycled yarn, which is then used to produce the ‘Second Life Recycled’ accessories.
In the ‘Upgraded’ line, the textile masks are processed with other recycled materials into neck warmers, headbands and under-helmets for outdoor activities. The accessories line made from recycled yarn also includes a neck warmer, headband and under helmet as well as a balaclava and is also thermally insulated. The recycled masks are also used to make the ‘Airnest’ padding that is integrated into the brand’s winter jackets.
