In 2023, Benetton Group maintained the use of synthetic fibers from pre- or post-consumption recycling. To ensure consumers about full traceability, Benetton Group has decided to purchase certified recycled materials in line with Textile Exchange.
In 2023 recycled synthetic fibers amounted to 3% of total volume of synthetic fibers.
Recycled nylon
Lab-produced polymer, nylon is much appreciated in the apparel industry for its strength, light weight and stretchability, even if it is difficult to dispose of. When recycled, a new fiber can be produced with the same properties as the original fiber, with less CO2 emissions and environmental impact. A selection of United Colors of Benetton products, particularly the beachwear collection, is made from ECONYL®, a nylon fiber that is 100% regenerated from waste and production waste. ECONYL® maintains the same characteristics and performance as nylon, reducing the use of additional raw material.
Recycled polyester
Polyester is one of the most widely used synthetic fibers in the textile industry. Benetton Group made a decision to promote fabrics that contain at least 20% recycled polyester from certified supply chains that verify the origin and re-use of production scraps and end-of-life materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Some of Benetton Group’s down jackets are made with recycled polyester wadding exclusively derived from certified supply chains. Specifically, it is made by recycling common plastic bottles (PET): it takes about 26 33-cl bottles to stuff a man’s jacket.