Allbirds launched its sustainable shoes made from ethical wool farmed in New Zealand back in 2016. Years later, the brand made headlines in The Optimist Daily for donating sneakers to healthcare workers during the pandemic. Now, the company is launching a new sustainable clothing line made from the discarded shells of marine life.
The new material, called XO™, uses the versatile biopolymer component of marine shells, called chitosan, to create their biodegradable, nontoxic, antimicrobial clothing.
Chitosan is the second most abundant biopolymer on Earth. We’ve written about it before as it has been used to make sustainable coatings, alternative plastics, and more. In clothing form, it creates an eco-friendly fabric that stays fresh for more wears. The new line includes shirts, sweaters, and even a down-alternative jacket.
The fashion industry is one of the top contributors to waste on our planet, but brands like Allbirds are fighting for longer-lasting, green clothing with well-made items crafted from unique sustainable sources.
Image Source: Real Simple
