AMANA Beachwear is committed to the long-term sustainability of the planet, which is why we have chosen the biodegradable fabric Amni Soul Eco over recycled fabrics such as old fishing nets. This way we would like to ensure that our Bikinis and One-Pieces have a less negative impact on the environment.
It is estimated that between 80 and 100 million pieces of clothing are produced each year worldwide, of which approximately 84% end up in landfills. Most garments that end up in landfills take around 50 plus years to decompose and therefore have an extreme impact on the environment. Our biodegradable fabric Amni Soul Eco on the other hand, will decompose within 5 years after being disposed of in a landfill, which makes it a more sustainable choice for consumers.
RECYCLING
Most of today’s clothing is made of synthetic materials that are chemically produced and non-biodegradable. Even though recycling is one way to prolong the lifecycle of the fabric, recycling still involves the use of chemicals, dyes, and certain processes that cannot be considered to be environmental friendly. One of these processes involves the chemical dissolution of fibers so that they can be reused. Another process involves chemicals that are used to break down existing dyes in recycled fabrics, making both of these steps very environmental unfriendly. Even when recycling plastic bottles for the use in fabric, the process involves a large amount of water, which is, as we know, a very valuable and limited resource.
What is also considered very harmful to the environment are microplastic particles. They come from new and recycled synthetic materials and usually break of when clothes are being washed. It is estimated that around 269,000 tones of microplastic are currently floating on the surface of our oceans, which is the equivalent of 1345 blue whales. Microplastics that end up in the ocean will be consumed by fish who are later consumed by many of us. Microplastic will therefore not only have an impact on the health of marine life but on all living creatures.
BIODEGRADABLE FABRIC
Biodegradable fabrics do not leak microplastics and do not use chemicals for production. The organic material is produced in a way that reduces waste and pollution. Water is preserved and reused whenever possible, ensuring that minimal resources are used up during production.
Biodegradable swimwear is long lasting, but if disposed of in a landfill swimsuits and bikinis break down similar to other biodegradable materials, like wood or paper. The material completely decomposes within five years under landfill conditions such as high humidity, a lack of oxygen, and high concentrations of anaerobic bacteria, leaving no trace behind. Recycled fabrics on the other hand will return to the ecological circle and remain there for 50 years or more before they eventually break down.
Every company that is dedicated to sustainability is a win for our environment. At AMANA Beachwear we chose biodegradable fabric over recycled fabrics like fishing nets or PET bottles because we felt that this is an even better option for the ecological circle and also a better sustainable choice for the consumer.