UpcycleLino
SALVAGE PARKA

"Not a single natural fiber was born to be thrown away."

Introducing UpcycleLino, a groundbreaking initiative that represents the collaborative efforts of domestic factories in Japan to revolutionize the fashion industry's approach to zero waste production. Launched in 2021 after years of meticulous planning and countless trials and errors, this project aims to address the issue of clothing waste while providing support to local manufacturers. At CONFECT・nest Robe, we have always cherished natural materials like linen and cotton, but until recently, we were left with no choice but to dispose of production cut-offs. Our commitment to sustainability led us to embark on this incredible journey. With UpcycleLino, we utilize fabric scraps from our linen garment production and transform them into yarn, allowing us to create brand new clothing from what would have otherwise been discarded waste. Three years since its inception, UpcycleLino continues to thrive and evolve, thanks to the unwavering support of our customers and the dedication of each factory involved.

The production process of the UpcycleLino project.

Aligned with our brand's philosophy of sustainability, UpcycleLino is the embodiment of our SLOW MADE IN JAPAN clothing line. We recognize that clothing is originally made from a single piece of fabric, with the excess material being labeled as "cutting scraps." Shockingly, roughly 30% of the fabric used goes to waste during the cutting process. However, these scraps are made of high-quality materials, carefully selected for our clothing.

The process of creating upcycled yarns begins with "hanmou," or short staple fibers. This involves cutting discarded linen scraps into small pieces and further reducing them until they resemble super fine fibres. To reinforce the strength of the hanmou fibers, we mix in virgin cotton. This combination results in a resilient upcycled yarn that boasts exceptional durability.

To enhance the strength of the upcycled yarn, we employ the spinning process. By twisting the original yarn together, we achieve various twisting combinations, including single and multiple strands, to provide added strength and balance. This step also highlights the texture of the material, giving us the desired fabric texture.

The upcycled yarn, which serves as the weft yarn in the fabric, currently cannot be utilized as the warp yarn due to its lack of length and strength. Since the upcycled yarn contains uneven fibers, it results in surface irregularities. Consequently, when weaving, our loom operates at a slower speed than usual to ensure the fabric's quality. The fabric is skillfully woven at a traditional factory in Kyoto, renowned for its expertise in weaving linen fabrics for nest Robe | CONFECT.

This is the third winter since the UpcycleLino project was launched,
and CONFECT is pleased to announce the release of a new line of hoodies.

Continuing our commitment to innovation, UpcycleLino will soon unveil a new parka, a collaboration with CONFECT, in celebration of its third year in operation. With each passing season, UpcycleLino relentlessly strives to create new fabrics and propose fresh concepts. For this winter, CONFECT has prepared a refined brushed material item made of a 25-count canvas, boasting medium weight and unrivaled comfort.

fabric

This brushed material undergoes domestic flannel processing at a manufacturing plant in Niigata, resulting in a distinctive flannel finish. Crafted from undyed linen warp yarn, it exudes a unique gray-beige hue that is sure to captivate fashion enthusiasts.

UpcycleLino represents a revolution in sustainable fashion, combining resourcefulness, creativity, and a deep commitment to environmental consciousness. A transformative journey towards a circular economy, thriving hand in hand with the local community as we continue to redefine the future of fashion slow made in Japan.

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