British outdoor brand RAB together with fabric specialist Pertex has launched its brand new 3-layer waterproof Arc Eco Jacket. The Arc Eco’s revolutionary 3-layer PERTEX SHIELD REVOLVE waterproof fabric means that the jacket’s face, membrane and backer are made from one single material comprising 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.
This reduces waste and emissions and potentially closes the loop on polyester by making the jacket easier to recycle at the end of its life. The outer is treated with a fluorocarbon-free DWR to further boost waterproof performance without the use of potentially environmentally harmful fluorocarbons.
The jacket has a 20,000mm HYDROSTATIC HEAD and a breathability performance of 15,000 MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate). Rab is proud to be one of the few brands to premier laminates from the new Pertex Shield Revolve fabrics range.
Featuring an adjustable hood with a laminated peak, a drawcord hem, anti-snag hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs and YKK AquaGuard zips throughout, the Arc Eco Jacket is built to offer protection for hikers, hillwalkers and climbers alike. Two easy access chest pockets will swallow up gloves or a map, and for easy packability the jacket stuffs down into its own pocket.
The successful combination of performance and sustainability in the Arc Eco’s design was recognised by the judges of the ISPO Award 2021. Debbie Read, Rab CSR Manager, said, “We are delighted that the Arc Eco Jacket has been among the ISPO Award 2021 winners. Not only is this great recognition for Rab, but it is also proof that there is no longer a need to choose between technical attributes and sustainable performance.”
The Arc Eco Jacket has been developed as part of Equip’s strategic commitment to significantly reduce its environmental impact on all levels of its business. In 2020, Rab was certified as a Climate Neutral Company by SOUTH POLE. The company is now planning to reach Net Zero emissions by 2030.
The company believes that assessing every aspect of the business to construct a comprehensive approach is necessary to initiate the change that could protect our planet. Setting tough goals, the brand is forging ahead with carbon reduction projects around the company: from reducing plastic in packaging and switching to renewable energy, to considering the design, manufacture, and end of life of every product with ambitious plans to continue to put circularity at the forefront of design.
Together with its partners, Rab has identified opportunities to develop high performance materials with lower environmental impact. Using more recycled fabrics and challenging their manufacturing processes are two radical steps that will reduce the company’s carbon footprint and make a real difference.
In 2020, 34% of Rab’s fabric contained recycled materials. That’s ten times more than 2019. By 2030, at least 50% of Rab’s fabrics will contain 100% renewable or recycled materials, as the company announced in its 2021 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT.
