SynCloud Obtains the GRS Certification
2020-11-30
Sustainable fashion, more specifically, recycled plastic materials are taking the center stage in the market. Customers are increasingly aware of their dependence on disposables and plastics in their daily lives, putting the bother of sorting them for recycling aside. Not only do they have willingness to change their lifestyle to use less disposables, they are also increasingly inclined towards eco-friendliness in consumption. SynCloud, Pan-Pacific ’s synthetic insulation brand, focused on developing environmentally friendly materials from early on. In 2017, it developed 100% recycled polyester insulation and was the first in Myanmar to meet the international Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).
In the pursuit of further transparency and sustainability, the brand finally succeeded in obtaining a stricter certification in October: the Global Recycled Standard, commonly known as GRS.
What is the GRS?
The RCS and GRS are two leading certification schemes on recycling in the textile industry. While both look into and track the use of recycled materials and bearing either mark would mean the product is made from recycling materials, the GRS implies stricter environmental and social responsibility.
<Comparison between the RCS and the GRS>
– Social responsibility standard: Workers’ rights guaranteed, child labor (<15 years) prohibited, safe work environment, fair wage, excessive overtime prohibited, etc.
– Environmental responsibility: No harmful chemicals used, energy and water use reduced, compliance with wastewater and emission requirements, waste reduction, etc.
– Chemicals management standard (for user safety): Bans on substances detrimental to human health and environment (compliance with US and European standards), etc.
Final products made from GRS-certified materials may bear the GRS hangtag.
<SynCloud’s GRS hangtag>
What are the benefits of recycled polyester insulation?
SynCloud’s recycled polyester products are made from post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. An average-size jacket for adults made from recycled polyester would mean ten 500㎖ PET bottles recycled. SynCloud’s technology and strictly managed process ensure that only clear plastic bottles are used to achieve excellent uniformity and clarity in color. Compared to colored materials, transparent bottles are easier to process and offer greater resilience. Functionality can be further boosted by applying SynCloud’s signature Graphene technology for exothermic and antibacterial properties.
Using recycled polyester helps reduce reliance on petroleum for raw materials and prevent PET bottles from being landfilled, hence less impact on the soil, air, and water. More than 30% savings on resources such as water and electricity than virgin polyester are another environmentally-friendly advantage.
<Insulation made from PET bottles>
Currently Pan-Pacific uses recycled polyester in more than 85% of its SynCloud products and plans to expand the use of recycled and environmentally-friendly materials to all of the product lineup.
Click here to see the recycled polyester production process in detail.
By Lee Sukyung, Brand Part
