GRN Sportwear, a Bristol-based company committed to the production of sustainable sports clothing, is giving plastic waste a second life.
The company was established in 2014, with the vision to produce sportswear from sustainable and recycled materials, including plastic bottles and abandoned fishing nets with the ultimate goal to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
Pete Lillie, co-founder of GRN, explained: “Prior to our launch it was difficult, if not impossible, to find sustainable and ethically made sportswear for swimming, running, cycling and triathlon athletes”.
“We decided to offer an alternative; sports clothing that was technically advanced and ethically sourced. Our initial offering was a cycling jersey made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a range of bamboo t-shirts”, he added.
However, now the company manufactures a full range of cycling, triathlon and swimming clothing. To produce each cycling jersey, GRN uses seven plastic bottles offering a significant alternative to the landfill.
As noted by Mr. Lillie, the endeavour not only aims to address the plastic pollution problem and promote resource re-use, but it also celebrates ethical and local production. All the products are manufactured in the UK to make sure that the clothes are made “by people who get a fair deal” and maintain social sustainability.
Last month, the company received £10,000 from Tees Valley Business Compass, a local growth hub supporting small businesses, to boost its brand awareness at trade and sports shows, and contain all of its manufacturing process on Teeside.
“We want to be part of this brilliant group of small businesses that are driving change and innovation. We’re a small team with big ambitions”, Mr. Lillie said.
Source: www.climateactionprogramme.org