Stretch, reimagined. We're excited to launch our Super 120s Collection: ultra-light breathable ZQ Merino Wool pieces with a touch of give. Typically this stretch would be associated with polyester fabrics like elastane, derived from oil, leaving a trail of microplastics behind on our skin and the ocean. However, we've taken a different path. Meet Roica V550, the world's only biodegradable stretch material.
What is Elastane? Why is it bad?
Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is a synthetic fibre renowned for its lightweight and stretchy properties so commonly used in sportswear and swimwear due to its form-fitting characteristics. However, despite its widespread use in approximately 90% of clothing, elastane poses significant environmental as well as health concerns.
Firstly, elastane is a petroleum-based fibre only making up roughly 1-5% of an end product, since it's often blended with another fibre like cotton or polyester, but this results in a complicated recycling process. Coupled with its inability to biodegrade, elastane usually ends up in landfill where it can take years, even hundreds, to break down.
And there's the other issue of microplastics which are released from clothing containing elastane with every wash, where they will travel through the water supply system until eventually reaching the ocean. This as you can imagine has adverse effects on marine life and ecosystems as more and more microfibres accumulate in the ocean. But there are also direct affects to you.
Every time we wear or wash clothing made with elastane, tiny plastic fibre microplastics are released into the environment. Because of their chemical structure, these particles attract toxic substances like pesticides, BPA, phthalates, and flame retardants. Once bonded, they travel through water systems, into the air, and eventually, into us.
Scientists have found microplastics in nearly every part of the human body, from blood and lungs to kidneys, reproductive organs, and even placentas. These particles don’t just sit idle; they may disrupt hormone function and damage the immune system, affecting everything from fertility to metabolism. The full impact is still being studied, but one thing is clear: stretch shouldn’t come at the expense of our health, or the planet’s.
So, what is the Solution?
We embarked on a mission to discover a fabric that provided stretch without compromising the environment or our own health, recognising the pressing need for a sustainable alternative. Let me introduce: Roica V550, the world's first Cradle to Cradle-Certified™ stretch yarn with a Material Health Gold Level Certificate, meaning it's free from harmful chemicals. This groundbreaking material is a game-changer...
Developed by the Asahi Kasei research and development team, Roica V550 represents a new generation of polymers. Unlike traditional elastane, Roica V550 doesn't release harmful chemicals when it breaks down at end of life. While it's important to clarify that Roica isn't classified as fully biodegradable, it has been tested that 35% of the fibre biodegrades within 275 days. It's crucial to acknowledge ongoing testing is still happening to determine the precise breakdown timeline of Roica. However, its potential to decompose into the earth within a relatively short period marks a significant step forward in sustainable textile innovation.
Moreover, Roica V550 prioritises safety and comfort, its low-impact chemistry makes it gentler on the skin, while its ability to break down into non-toxic substances under industrial composting conditions means it won’t leave behind microplastics.
Meet the Super 120s Collection
After conducting thorough research and considering valuable customer feedback, we're thrilled to introduce our latest innovation: the 120s Roica Collection featuring ZQ Merino wool T-shirts, shirts and polos with 5% Roica V550. These new shirts retain all the exceptional properties of our previous designs while incorporating the benefits of Roica V550 technology.
Like their predecessors, the 120s Collection is odour-repellent, biodegradable, moisture-wicking, anti-itch, and lightweight. However, the addition of Roica V550 brings an exciting new dimension to these shirts: stretch.
Offering the same trusted comfort and durability as our ZQ Merino Wool range, the new 120s shirts are crafted to feel even lighter on the skin. Designed for those who value ease and movement, they deliver a refined fit with just the right amount of stretch, so your shirt moves with you, not against you.