An integral part of KAMPOS’s mission is to promote sustainability, improve the environment, recycle plastic bottles a fishing “ghost” nets from the Mediterranean. A significant partner in this endeavor is ECONYL®, which is owned by Italy-based Aquafil.

Italy ECONYL® regenerated nylon is a product of Aquafil, a global leader in the synthetic fibers industry and a pioneer in quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Leading manufacturer of Nylon 6

For more than 50 years, ECONYL® has been one of the leading players, both in Italy and globally, in the production of Polyamide 6: a landmark in terms of quality and product innovation. Additionally, the Group is a leader in the research of new production models for sustainable development.

This commitment to research and development leads to the regular renewal of processes and products thanks to continuous investments of capital and knowledge. A part of this, ECONYL® and Aquafil have developed a unique Regeneration System, a process Aquafil to produce 100% regenerated Nylon yarn using waste material instead of fossil raw material. The ECONYL® regenerated yarn is now use by the most important brands both in the carpet industry and the textile and fashion one. Because KAMPOS has been committed since it is outset to partnering with companies not only with similar mission but the high production standards as well, we have partnered with ECONYL® because of their reputation as a leader in regenerating nylon.

“When I see a landfill, I see a goldmine.”

Giulio Bonazzi, Aquafil’s president and CEO, is a relentless innovator. And ECONYL® regenerated nylon is his dream that became a reality after four years of tireless research and development. KAMPOS partnership with Bonazzi is the result of a shared mission in keeping the Mediterranean Sea sustainable and eco-friendly for generations to come. His words, which accompany a number of videos on his website www.econyl.com, speak to the mission of both companies and why they are a perfect fit for KAMPOS.

“Our oceans are incredible places. Our blue planet, 99% of the living space on Earth, is home to an eco-system that is both magical and fragile. The blue whale is the largest mammal to ever live on Earth, weighing nearly 200 tons… and dolphins, as smart as apes, have developed their own individual whistle to communicate. Turtles have existed on our planet for 100 million years… and green turtles can migrate more than 1,400 miles to lay their eggs. There are 7 types of sea turtle but now 6 of these species are classed as threatened or endangered.

“Discarded fishing nets are responsible for around 46% of waste in the ocean. They create a vicious cycle known as ghost fishing. They drift on the currents though the oceans, entangling millions of marine creatures, including turtles, sharks, rays, dolphins, and whales. Every year, 640,000 tons of fishing gear is lost in our oceans. Some of the nets are caught on the reef, smothering coral, and killing fish. Other nets entangle larger sea creatures and weigh them down to the sea floor. Once the nets are free from the weight of carcasses, they rise towards the surface to affect more marine life.” But what if we could help break this vicious cycle of marine destruction? What if these nets could be retrieved and trapped sea creatures could be recused in the process? And what if the nylon within the nets could then be recycled? Well this is actually happening right now.”

ECONYL® and Aquafil have created a virtuous circle where collecting the fishing nets and sending them to a regeneration plant, where the raw material along with other plastic and nylon waste streams are transformed into virgin quality nylon that can then be recycled used for commercial purposes.

Our appetite to create new products and buy new products is infinite. The planet's resources are not. But it is okay because we can have both: new products and a better environment.

Nylon waste from landfills and oceans around the world is transformed into ECONYL® regenerated nylon. It is exactly the same as brand new nylon and can be recycled, recreated, and remolded again and again.

That means you can create new products and buy new products without having to use new resources.

THE FUTURE IS CIRCULAR

ECONYL® regenerated nylon is a product that can help you close the loop. Made from waste, it is infinitely recyclable and can unleash infinite possibilities for makers, creators, and consumers. It is all part of the ECONYL® brand vision to make the world a better place by pioneering closed loop regeneration processes and delivering sustainable products.

SOME SEE TRASH. OTHERS SEE TREASURE.

 

 

 

 

This a brief look into our process behind the breakthrough material we have created.

 

01_Rescue

The ECONYL® Regeneration System starts with rescuing waste, like fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring and industrial plastic from landfills and oceans all over the world. That waste is then sorted and cleaned to recover all the nylon possible.

02_Regenerate

Through a radical regeneration and purification process, the nylon waste is recycled right back to its original purity. That means ECONYL® regenerated nylon is the same as virgin nylon.

03_Remake

ECONYL® regenerated nylon is processed into carpet yarn and textile yarn for the fashion and interior industries.

04_Reimagine

Fashion brands and carpet producers use ECONYL® regenerated nylon to create brand new products. And that nylon 

ECONYL® regenerated nylon opens endless possibilities for the people who make and wear apparel.

Fashion-forward brands and designers use ECONYL® regenerated nylon to create beautiful products that also drive the industry towards a sustainable future. ECONYL® regenerated nylon performs exactly the same as brand new nylon but gives you a sustainability edge, turning trash into treasure.

ECONYL® FOR FASHION AND SPORTSWEAR

In fashion, you can find ECONYL® regenerated nylon in high-end designer handbags, stylish clothes, hosiery, and lingerie. And in sports, you can find it in high-performance sportswear, swimwear, and outdoor apparel. ECONYL® regenerated nylon promotes constant creativity, wherever it is used.