Swany America claims to have created the first “closed-loop” recyclable winter glove. (Translation: It can be used for a few years and then returned to the company to create another glove.) The Eco-X’s windproof and waterproof recycled polyester material can be repeatedly reused to create more fabric, the company touts.
By recycling the gloves, Swany America claims it will reduce CO2 emissions and use less energy than when producing the polyester from virgin material. Once consumers have used and abused the gloves, they can send the pair back in a (non-prepaid) envelope. The palm is taken off and recycled. The rest of the glove is repurposed into a new pair of gloves.
Bonus: When you send them back, you get a 10 percent discount off your next pair, which will essentially pay for your trip to the post office, the company notes. The Eco-X gloves will be available in January for $60 to $70 depending on style. www.swanyamerica.com
—Ryan Dionne
