9 Aussie brands that turn plastic into gold (well, almost)

Plastic fantastic.

In case you didn’t know, it’s currently plastic-free July, a month where the more eco-conscious folk among us attempt to go a whole four weeks without using any plastic.

While the pandemic is making that particularly hard, as it has us all tossing away more single-use plastic than ever, we can still do our bit to reduce plastic pollution by supporting brands that upcycle. 

Upcycling plays a key role in making the fashion economy more circular, as it involves repurposing what would otherwise become waste into new products and materials. So, because we know you love putting your money where your morals are, here are nine Australian brands who like to upcycle.

Swimwear

Camp Cove Swim

Camp Cove Swim is a  contemporary swimwear brand celebrating the female form in all its different shapes and colours, while also doing its bit to protect Mother Nature. Camp Cove’s swimsuits are lined with ECONYL, a regenerated nylon made from rescued fishing nets and nylon waste. Head here to find out more.

Liandra Swim

Combining Indigenous Australian culture, eye-catching colours and premium swimwear design, this Indigenous-owned swimwear label is well on its way to becoming a sustainable brand, with its Contrast collection, in particular, using fabrics made of regenerated plastics. You can shop it here.

Activewear

Nimble Activewear

Nimble Activewear is the brainchild of two high school besties who wanted to create a label that celebrated individuality and self-acceptance, while also prioritising sustainability. The brand’s Compresslite and Movelite fabrics are made of post-consumer recycled plastic bottles – pretty cool huh? Head here if you’re ready to get your (sustainable) sweat on.

Team Timbuktu

Team Timbuktu is an activewear brand with a focus on ethical and transparent supply chains. The brand uses fabrics made of recycled plastic bottles to create its leggings which are soft, durable and never crinkly. You can see for yourself here.

Clothing

Kitx

Kitx is a pioneer of design-led, sustainable and ethical fashion and promises to consciously source all its materials, with a focus on upcycling marine litter and discarded polyester wherever possible. Oh and did we mention, the pieces are stunning? You can find them here.   

A.BCH

A.BCH is a circular fashion label that prides itself on being hyper transparent, ethical and sustainable while keeping prices as accessible as possible. A.BCH often upcycles raw materials for its fabrics and only makes garments it knows will biodegrade safely – now that’s a commitment. Head here to get shopping.

Ginger and Smart

Ginger and Smart is a luxury fashion lifestyle label founded by two Sydney sisters with a vision to create beautifully considered and timeless pieces. As an environmentally-conscious and socially-aware brand, Ginger and Smart, among other commitments, use recycled polyester created from PET bottles – it’s plastic, made chic. Head here to explore the range. 

Accessories

Ahimsa Collective

Ahisma Collective is an innovative accessories label that believes in the intersection between environmental values and animal rights. The brand creates its classy leather-like bags from innovative materials such as recycled ecoprene, made of post-consumer plastic bottles. Talk about creative repurposing! You can shop the collection here.

Anipal

Anipal is a pet-collar brand that crafts bright ocean-themed collars and leads from recycled plastic bottles, as well as buckles and metal rings, because upcycled fashion is for pooches too, right? Well, Anipal sure thinks so, and is using its upcycled pet products to clean-up natural habitats and prevent plastic poisoning in Aussie wildlife. Head here if you and your pooch are ready to be ambassadors for wildlife protection.

plasticfreejuly.org