Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1355212
of their products and the introduction of tools like the HIGG index, many are trying to use as many recycled materials as they can… including down. What many don't realize is just how sustainable down already is, so we saw almost every European brand inquiring about it and wanting to convert certain product lines to recycled down." The company recently announced the launch of RENU:750, the pinnacle of Allied's upcycling/recycling program for use in the most technical and luxury driven products. In a limited launch, RENU:750 is coming to consumers in Fall 2021 with just two partner brands: Jones Snowboards in the U.S.; and fashion brand Axel Arigato from the UK. Allied partners have previously been able to rely on RENU:700 as the industry's first Global Recycle Standard (GRS)-certified post-consumer recycled down, which guaranteed over 700 fill power, but with limitations on highly technical apparel. "For us at Allied, our high fill power recycled down comes from very precise sourcing of the post consumer goods and the ability to carefully control every step of the process — from collection through separation," Uretsky explained. Allied initially developed this unique product with Jones Snowboards founder Jeremy Jones to find a solution that would fit the needs for extreme technical performance, the lowest impact on the planet, and with animal welfare at the forefront. Jones, who is also the founder of Protect Our Winters, a non-profit climate change organization, said, "Finding a material that perfectly balances performance, durability and sustainability is a real challenge, and that's why we are so excited about the Re-Up puffy. It sets a new standard for sustainable technical performance thanks to ALLIED RENU:750." l A broader supply chain is also taking shape. Seeing opportunity, more companies are entering the field specializing in collection, sorting and extraction of raw materials. Downlite's new initiative adds capacity, and functionality, to recycled down. News, analysis and opinion. Published Monthly. Sign up for a complimentary subscription. textileinsightextra.com textileinsight.com March/April 2021 ~ Textile Insight • 13