Ponda and Berghaus explain making regenerative materials commercially available within the fashion industry hinges on collective efforts with widespread backing and financial commitments.
The partners say that the collaboration is not about just tweaking existing practices but revolutionising textile production by adopting an eco-centric approach.
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The partners have developed a prototype women’s jacket that incorporates regenerative substances into high-performance outdoor clothing without compromising on functionality.
The design of the women’s jacket features Ponda’s BioPuff and BioPuff Wadding for insulation, which provides a dynamic method for maintaining warmth.
The garment is engineered with detachable elements that enable users to modify insulation to suit various activities and weather conditions. This interchangeable system offers the choice between loose fill or wadding, thus altering both the look and utility of the jacket.
Sourced and processed within Europe, the BioPuff material in this jacket represents a significant step towards creating outerwear that is efficient, adaptable, and conscientiously produced.
Distinctive features of the jacket are thermal regulation, versatility and female-centric design.
Ponda develops innovative textiles from regenerative fibres, linking ecosystem restoration with the production of sustainable materials for the textile industry. The BioPuff insulation represents a step away from traditional feather and synthetic fillers that are derived from plant fibres that contribute to wetland restoration.
Life cycle assessment on BioPuff revealed the carbon footprint of the material is 3.4kg CO₂ eq per kg of BioPuff, significantly lower than goose down by 88% and polyester fibre by 19%.
The material recorded minimal water usage of 0.4m³ per kg, relying on natural wetland crops instead of irrigated water. It also boasts full traceability from its origin in wetlands to its final textile form.
The prototype jacket was produced at Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL), a London-based social enterprise known for ethical garment manufacturing. FEL established the Fashion Technology Academy in 2015 with support from government bodies, pioneering technical garment manufacturing training in the UK.
After this initial joint venture with Ponda, Berghaus plans to incorporate BioPuff into a select line of its insulated apparel for the autumn/winter season of 2025. This will enable Berghaus to align supply chains with Ponda and scale up the partnership commercially.
The goal is to overcome logistical and financial obstacles that might hinder Berghaus from progressively substituting synthetic insulative materials with BioPuff.
The partners aim to expand the range of Berghaus products featuring BioPuff each season.
