Leeds-based menwear retailer Skopes has launched its first sustainably-sourced suit collections made from recycled plastic bottles.
Each suit in the range is made from at least 45 recycled plastic bottles that would otherwise go to landfill.
The collections have been produced in partnership with the ethical UK-based sustainable clothing manufacturer Lyfcycle.
Other eco features in the suits include linings and woven labels made from recycled bottle tops while paper hang tags use 100 per cent recycled FSC-certified paper.
By scanning the QR code on the hang tags and care labels, customers can see how and where the suits were made and accreditation certificates.
“We are really keen to reduce our environmental impact and have developed this collection diligently with Lyfcycle over the past 18 months,” Skopes head of buying Nick McGlynn said.
“It has been really important to us from the outset that the quality control and design process should be exactly the same on this project as with any other collection.
“There’s been no compromise on looks and there is no way of telling the difference by touching and feeling the suits – just a huge benefit to the environment.”
Skopes is currently working on expanding its eco suit range with more products being developed along with a wider vision to reduce its carbon footprint further.
This includes a collection of shirts made from recycled fabrics that are due to be launched later this year.
“The aim with Lyfcycle is to create a fully self-sufficient, transparent loop of sustainable and traceable sourcing, production and delivery,” the retailer said.
“As such, we are actively encouraging all our supply chain partners to follow this lead because the industry simply has to be more sustainable.”
As part of its environmental work, Skopes is also encouraging customers to recycle or repurpose their old clothes.
It has teamed up with the disabled children’s charity Newlife to encourage customers to extend the life cycle of their clothes by donating them after use.
These items are then resold in the charity’s stores to help raise funds to support families and researchers.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
